Agra
After arriving in Agra 8 1/2 hours late we decided to get our next train tickets while we were at the station so we didnt have to make a return trip the next day.
It was quite the ordeal but finally the lady behind the counter found us two emergency quota tickets that left a city 50 kilometers away. Typically there are tickets set aside for tourists since the trains fill up with Indians. The problem was that this station doesnt have access to the tourist quotas so that is why she had to resort to emergency quota, which ended up costing us an additional $15. Thankfully we ended up getting our tickets to Mumbai figured out even if it meant travelling 50 kilometers to the station.
The first thing I noticed about Agra was that it seemed a lot more laid back. There wasnt the same craziness we had seen in other cities, which surprises me since this a huge tourist destination where you would expect to be hassled.
After going to one hotel that wanted to charge us way too much we ended up down the road at a good place with an amazing view of the Taj Mahal from the rooftop restaurant.
Obviously the main reason for coming to Agra was the Taj Mahal, so we headed there after a quick lunch.
The Taj Mahal is absolutely amazing. When you walk through the gates you see this massive white structure that seems striking again the blue sky background. There were masses of people mostly Indians, which was surprising, taking pictures.
As you walk up you can see all the work that must have gone into this building. After walking around and also looking inside we headed back toward the gates we came in through. When you turn around and see it again from a little bit of a distance you are amazed again by the structure. Eventhough it was a cloudy day the Taj Mahal was still amazing.
We then decided to check out the $400 a night hotel for a drink. Sean briefly looked into staying there but $400 is a crazy amount to spend for one night. So a drink in their bar is the next best thing. Although I would like to say that our $10 a night hotel had a much better view of the Taj Mahal than this expensive hotel.
Before heading out to Mathura (50 kilometers from Agra) to catch our train we went to Agra Fort which was a mixture of marble and stone. The guy who had the Taj Mahal built after his 2nd wife died was imprisioned here by his son after he took over power. It was a hot day though so it always makes it harder to walk around looking at things.
Our time in Agra was brief but now I can check off another one of the wonders of the world I have seen.
Filed under: Uncategorized on September 11th, 2008
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