Agra and Of Course… The Taj
by janetadrist
The Red Fort, Agra
An early morning start for the 6am train to Agra was rewarded by everything miraculously running to time. Breakfast onboard was an unusual affair comprising biscuits, boiled sweets, bottled water, tea, bread & jam and veggie patties with tomato sauce – I did eat it all though!…
Second wife’s living quarter, The Red Fort
Our first stop in Agra was the Red Fort an amazing and seemingly endless complex of palaces for the Moghul emperor, first and second wives and multiple concubine complexes.
Detail of second wife’s living quarters, The Red Fort
Our guide was excellent and showed us the inspiration for the Taj Mahal within the second wife’s living quarters (for whom the tomb was created).
Floor drain detail, The Red Fort
He didn’t, however, point out that I was beaten by about 400 years to the idea of hexagonal designs!
Taj Mahal from The Red Fort
We got our first tantalising glimpse of The Taj. It was still an incredible sight despite the morning haze.
The exquisite Taj
Most of the afternoon was spent wandering around The Taj and I must say it exceeded my expectations. Unlike most iconic monuments I have visited it is actually much larger and more beautiful than I imagined.
One for the yogis!
Visiting inside the tomb was not the serene and spiritual experience one might expect. Although there were signs on the way in to request silence the pushing and constant whistle blowing by the Indian wardens gave it a strange cattle corralling air.
excellent that the Taj was indeed impressive and better than you expected. You are missing so much here, not. We’re under a thick layer of snow. I am looking forward to a complete, detailed report of this weird yak butter tea/yoghurt stuff when you finally get to try it!
Will get back to you re: yak food substances. I had a cookery demonstration today and am now an expert in chai masala – although it contained milk I think it would be great black. J
Very impressive and glad you really enjoyed the Taj. You are quite right that so many famous places are so hiked up that when we finally visit, we are sort of disappointed. But the Taj is on my bucket list .. Maybe one day … Xxx
Oh and forgot – love your tree pose!
Wonderful photographs , hope the journey continues to amaze and the experiences come thick and fast . Your shoulders look a little close to your ears in tree pose
Thanks for the advice. I’m looking forward to starting yoga again in Nepal.