With minimal planning and peaked out excitement, we reached Agra at 10:00 am. Once we stepped foot on Agra station, We were as high on enthusiasm as one can be and ready to mark our Bucket list Goals. Being a famous tourist destination, there are lot of travel guides present right outside the station. They work with the local tourism body and take huge pride to take people on tour of their historical city.
We met a guide named Usman who owned a Taxi (Mob no- 8650347056). He assured that although our plan was ambitious, he can take us to our desired Destinations and drop us back in time. He mentioned that they charge 1500/- to take us to all famous places but we settled the deal at 800/- for three people.
We got fresh in a hotel on our way which charged 300/- and reached the famous Taj Mahal at 12:30 pm. The distance from Agra station to Taj Mahal is mere 6 kms.
Darwaza-i-rauza is one of the components of the Taj Mahal complex, with the mausoleum, the mosque and the guest pavilion. It is the gateway to the gardens which, symbolically, represents Paradise. It is also called the "Great Gate"
The entry to Taj Mahal is divided into four gates. The ticket counters are present at each gate. Waiting lines at each gate are quite long and it gets quite tempting to bribe the agent and get a fast tag entry but the lines get cleared in no time.
Entry fee- 50/- per person for Indians, 1300/- for Foreigners
Fast tag agent - 400/- per person
The entries are divided based upon the foot fall. Since we were visiting in Season.. we had to walk a km to reach the western gate which is also the market side of Taj Mahal.
The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, golden when the moon shines and the intermediary variants during different hours of the day and during different seasons in a year
The central part of the Taj Mahal Gardens is named "Al Hawd al-Kawthar", which literally means "Cistern of Abundance", or the beautiful "Basin of Abundance". This basin is made of marble, it is supposed to soothe the thirst of those who arrive in paradise. There are 5 fountains in this pool, one at each corner and a fifth in the centre. According to the Muslim religion, gardens are a representation of Paradise. Why would a garden be a paradise?
Simply because in the 17th century in India, the climate was arid and a garden was a source of freshness, besides a garden is also nourishing. For the inhabitants of this time and place, a garden was therefore a great happiness that could symbolise Paradise.
With the visitor count as high as that, it takes roughly about 3 hrs to catch this beautiful site. A look at the Taj keeps you indulged with thoughts superimposing your sight.
Shopping Market
Agra is one of the largest markets for embroidery and textiles. Most of the major shopping complexes are situated near the Taj Mahal, the most famous ones being Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road.
One of the most commonly bought collectables is called 'Bric-a-Brac' which is a small marble replica of Taj Mahal. A person coming to Agra is not likely to go back empty-handed for there are so many shops of art, craft and other souvenirs. The cost of replica depends on the size of Taj.
Food
The Pethas of Agra are World Famous but have a tricky shelf life. It is not recommended to carry them while travelling but we did manage to store it for a few days. cost per packet of 150 grams in 200/- rupees
We left sadar bazaar to catch late lunch at pinch of spice restaurant on Usman bhais recommendation. Although the place was on the expensive side the food here was delicious.
We left for Delhi the same day by bus at 6:30 pm. The distance from Agra to Delhi is 210 km and takes about 3 hours 30 mins.
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