Day 19 Agra
Tuesday 18th August, 2026
Everyone was keen so all gathered in reception ready to go at 5.30. As we approached Taj Mahal there were surprisingly less people then we expected entering...but can't complain about that. We had been warned about the strict security of what would be allowed to be taken in in our bags, but sure enough Graeme forget to take out his tin of breath mints and they were confiscated. Jai purchased our tickets and in we went through the entry gate and caught our first glimpse of the Taj Mahal, it was one of those pinch me moments as it is a truly magnificent structure, looking so delicate and elegant, yet so big.
We had a local guide taking us through the park called Steph, he entertained us with the stories behind why the Taj was built, how long it took, how many men etc etc. We wandered around for about 2 hours and put it down as one of our most wonderful experiences.
As we had left early, we now stopped at another hotel for a breakfast, which was a buffet and eggs and coffee on order. It was very enjoyable and only 450 INR each.
Our next visit was to the Agra Fort where again Steph was our guide giving us the history of the monuments and the moghuls who occupied it. This also was an interesting visit.
With still plenty of time left in the day, we were able to stop at a carpet weaving workshop and a marble carving workshop, both sponsored by the Indian government with grants and employment oppotunites for local families. Their carpet weaving is of equal quality to any Turkish carpets, in fact they are the only other place in the world that uses a Turkish knot in addition to the Persian knot.
Of course both workshops try to sell you goods to take and even offer free postage home (also sponsored by the government).
Back to the hotel for a small break then left again to visit the Baby Taj a 30 min drive, not as impressive as the big one but still very interesting,
Out for a rooftop dinner tonight - again an enjoyable day in Agra.
Wow at reception at 0530 – Tania proud of you. Even the Gods don’t get up that early.
The amazing disparity between the opulent wealth and very poor must be impossible to avoid. You are experiencing both and good on you for that. How fabulous is that architecture and the details.