Agra - Agra Fort and Taj Mahal

We depart from Delhi around 9 am. Rashpal was already at the lobby when I finished my breakfast. It is going to be long 4 hours journey to Agra, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the land of Taj Mahal. It is my dream to see Taj Mahal in my naked eye and this is the dream come true. Along the journey, we passed through Mathura, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krisna. We arrive in Agra quiet late. Its funny, to compare Rashpal's wreckless driving while in Delhi against his too speed limit concious while on the expressway. He drove at 80km/hour!

On arrival Agra, I checked in into Pushp Villa Hotel, a nice 3 star hotel in Agra, with revolving restaurant at the top where ones can see Taj Mahal. The whether was so hot at 42 deg celcius, we decided to wait until 3.30pm for our tour. We first visited Agra Fort, on the banks of the River Yamuna. It was said that Agra Fort, "from top to bottom the fire-red stones, linked by iron rings, are joined so closely that even a hair cannot find a way into their joints". Shah Jahan was incarcerated here, until his death gazing out at the Taj Mahal.

(The Mussaman Burj of Agra Fort - the place where Shah Jahan lay on his deathbed looking out at the Taj Mahal)

(A glimpse of Taj Mahal at the background from Agra Fort)

Then, the moment of truth. I am going to touch Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Taj Mahal is actually just a tomb, a tomb to Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. Built between 1631 and 1648, the four minarets, which lean slightly outward so as not to fall on the main building in the event of an earthquake.

(No, it is not a poster or a picture taken by some professionals. It is real!)

(On the upperdeck of Taj Mahal, facing to the entrance gate)

(The keepers of Taj Mahal)

(Another side of the Taj Mahal upper deck)

(Sunset at Taj Mahal)

Taj Mahal membuat hatiku sayu!