The TAJ Experience

The Taj experience is hard to describe.  The tour guide kept repeating, before we arrived at the monument, that we must be prepared for the visit because we would never be the same again after that. It did not appeal to me in the way many talked about ie the romantic bit.  What struck me was the amazing architecture - how without the technology we have today, the perfect symmetry was achieved. No doubt the people / families who had worked on it endured much. [20 000 craftsmen]

Another thing that struck me is how the power of love can move a man to do such a feat. What would we do for a God whose love is many times more powerful!

The love of the Mogul was sadly mixed with deep fear.  Love and fear are not bedfellows! The Mogul, it was told, slept on a platform in the middle of the room surrounded by water and it was all set up such that no one can attack him - his insecurity was mirrored by his wife's.  She would only eat food cooked by herself for fear of being poisoned! Such status of power and accomplishment and yet such loneliness and fear!

There were all kinds of services offered, ranging from photographers who wanted to take perfect pictures for us, to those who advised which angle we should take our photos from, to those who offered to be tour guides on the spot. No lack of services but all services came with a price tag, we learnt quickly.

The shoes had to come off and we were told by friends who had been there to expect to walk on hot surface.  Thankfully, we did not have to take out our shoes, instead we wore a disposable external covering over the shoe.  I liked that.

Our homestay host suggested that we see the Taj in the morning for sunrise [6 am thereabouts] and then again that evening to see the Taj from the back, across the river during sunset.  The clouds were there, since it was monsoon season, so we did not see much of the sunrise.  The sun peeked through around 7.30 am briefly.  We were glad we had gone early because the crowds were beginning to grow by the time we left. 

The ticket prices were 750 INR for foreigners and 20 INR for locals.  Cameras were allowed but not video cameras.  At the tomb, no flash were allowed but there were still those who were either ignorant or incorrigible.

We were there on a Thursday and we were told that on a full moon night, the Taj would be open to visitors till midnight because of the effect of the moonlight.  The moon was rather round on Thursday so most likely Fri would had been the full moon night.  We were also told that on Fri, the Taj would not be opened at night because of prayers. Our homestay host told us that on full moon night, visitors would be given only 30 minutes to stay inside. Wonder how the officials might enforce that.

Agra has a nice culture, much more hospitable than Delhi. However, many of its historic sites and tourist spots centre around tombs. Somewhat morbid.  The pace there was a more laid back and we saw a lot more different animals on the road.

The driver we had for the 2 days was a nice young chap, reliable and hardworking.  We kept him busy from 6 am till 9 pm both days!