Embracing our inner cliché tourists, we set off for a day trip to Agra, for the Taj Mahal and the Agra fort. Everybody had heard of the Taj Mahal, and it had to be considered as one of the seven modern Wonders for a reason, so we booked a day tour not to overlook the many architectural details. Just pausing here for a second, to pay recognition to the great tour guide and driver that accompanied us during the day, and knew every tiny corner of the majestic monuments: this Taj Mahal and Agra private tour is worth every cent.
I won’t bother entering into details about the Taj Mahal, because I am sure that you know the story already. We were not disappointed: it was as marvellous as it had been advertized to be. So much that the architects themselves decided not to disclose its beauty at once, but to display it gradually, through carefully calculated entrance stages.
I am just going to throw random facts below, to spare you from a lengthy article about this masterpiece.
Instead of using paints, the complex patterns of the massive structure have been created by semi-precious stones inlaid into the white marble. Some parts have been stolen over the decades; they are now being replaced, under the care of the Indian UNESCO-like organization, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
As the monument is dedicated to a lady, the ornaments had to be fine and subtle, resulting in delicate flowers and round shapes.
I will fast forward through the Agra fort and the “Baby Taj”, another Monghol tomb that can be visited not that far away.
After a long day of visits, we headed to Mathura, the birth place of the incarnation of the Hindu creator god Vishnu as Lord Krishna, for the Holi festival. What is Holi? This video below will tell you better than I would do:
As a tall, white woman, Holi was intense. I was targeted by the entire street. I let you see it by yourself…
We lasted 2 hours and went back exhausted to our hotel, who happened to host a much more manageable Holi party. I was told many horrible things about abuse performed under the free-for-all spirit of Holi (which is only applicable for men, who already benefit from it the rest of the year). Beside one inappropriate gesture, I am happy to report that most people were more playful than anything else. My experience would have been way different without Dimitri, though, who stopped many times young men who were a bit too pushy in asking for a picture. Once-in-a-life-time experience, but as a group. 🙂
Part 3 will cover Jaipur and Pushkar – stay tuned!
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