I could not contain my excitement as we drove to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. It is the reason I wanted to go to India in the first place. After a 3.5-hour drive from New Delhi to Agra, we checked in to our hotel and filled up on Indian lunch.
The tour began at the Shilp Gram (tourism office) to buy tickets for the Taj Mahal. An adult ticket cost INR 1000 (PHP 700) for foreign visitors. The office is 1 km away from the east gate of Taj Mahal (1 of 3 gates), but a free cart ride is available. Big bag and food are not allowed inside. Cameras and videos are permitted, but taking of photos inside the mausoleum is prohibited. Keep your ticket as you can get entrance fee discount if you visit Agra Fort on the same day.
Tip: There are seemingly professional photographers who may approach you and offer photo sessions for a fee. Don’t be fooled because aside from the high cost (initially, as you can bargain), it will use much of your time without the guarantee of quality shots. Trust me.
Taj Mahal in all its splendour!
It was built by the order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his 3rd and (obviously) most loved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj is made of ivory-white marble wherein the central structures are carved with flowers and inlaid with semi precious stones. So as the visitors need not remove their shoes, disposable booties are available upon entry inside the mausoleum. On each side of Taj Mahal are identical buildings, a mosque to the west and a guest house called the Jawab to the east. The mosque holds weekly prayer every Friday, that’s why the monument is closed to anyone not attending prayers.
Agra Fort
Overwhelmed by the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is as impressive. It is an addition to India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Thank goodness for its great history and architecture for we did not mind the scorching heat.
Amar Singh Gate is the entry point to the fort. Entrance ticket cost INR 500 (PHP 350). Agra Fort was constructed by the 3rd Mughal Emperor Akbar primarily as a military structure with more than 2 dozens of monuments inside. The fort is surrounded by about 20 meter high wall and spreads over an area of 94 acres. However, 75% of the fort is not open to the public. Agra Fort was later transformed by Shah Jahan into a palace and later it became his prison for 8 years after his son Aurangzeb seized power.
We drove from Agra to Jaipur the next day. On our way, we visited the Fatehpur Sikri (Abandoned Citadel of Akbar) and the Abhaneri Step Wells.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) is a small elevated city in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. To get to this old capital, we took a public bus from the base for INR 10 (PHP 7) each way. Entrance fee to the city cost INR 500 (PHP 350) + tax, except on Fridays when it is tax-free.
Sheikh Salim Chisti rightly forecasted that Akbar’s wish for an heir would be gratified in the year the town was founded. It has then drawn many couples to come here to make a wish in their desire to have a child. For pilgrims who wish to go inside the tomb, a ritual is practiced. Bought as a package, you will receive petals to spread on a cloth. The cloth is placed on the tomb and you tie a thread on the window three times to correspond to your three wishes. Some visitors would participate and express other wishes their hearts desire.
Tip: I found this part of Fatehpur Sikri unpleasant as there are a lot flies.
Fatehpur Sikri became the short-lived capital of Akbar Empire for 13 years. The town was abandoned shortly after Akbar’s death due to scarcity of water. Nevertheless, it equally deserved its inclusion as a World Heritage Site.
Chand Baori
Chand Baori is located in Abhaneri, Rajasthan. It has 3500 steps with 13 levels. Unfortunately, going down the stairways is not permitted. Still, I was in awe of this another World Heritage Site. It is worth taking the detour to or from Jaipur. There is no entrance fee, however, there is a volunteer guide who would walk you around as he shares a little history about the Abhaneri Stepwell. Of course, any amount of tip is expected from you.
When we reached Jaipur, we had the option to explore the bazaars. But since we are really not into bargaining, we called it a day. It is worth mentioning though that we had the best accommodation in Jaipur at Fortune Select Metropolitan. We made the right decision to stay in the hotel. Please continue reading for the 3rd and last installment of our Golden Triangle Tour.
Thank you!
With love,
Sugar
