Truly Magnificent Taj Mahal

We were fortunate to be booked at a hotel that is just a short walk to the Taj Mahal.  This allowed us to be at the Taj at opening time of 6am.  There were not too many people and  it was a cool and nice morning minus the hot Indian sun which enabled us  to truly enjoy and appreciate the magnificent Taj Majal.

The Taj Mahal is actually a mausoleum of white marble built by an emperor in memory of his beloved wife. It is well preserved including the surrounding gardens.  The Taj stands proud as a masterpiece of Indian architecture and deserves to be one of the great world heritage sites.

We lingered in this awe inspiring monument to savor its beauty and its surroundings which includes  reflecting pools, other beautiful buildings, and extensive gardens.  The Taj Mahal was a fitting climax to my visit to India.

Agra Fort: The Other Red Fort

Just like the Red Fort in Delhi, Agra Fort was built mainly from red sandstone. Agra Fort is well preserved and and is good for a pleasant leisurely tour with its many gardens and palaces.  There are lovely views of Taj Mahal  in the area by the river.

Fatehpur Sikri: A Unesco World Heritage Site Worth Visiting

In addition to the Taj Mahal in Agra, worth a visit is  Fatehpur Sikri.  This is a Unesco World Heritage Site which has well preserved palaces, courtyards, and a mosque.  The Jama Masjid  mosque here is better than the one in Delhi.  There are less crowds also and allows for for a more quiet and relaxed viewing.

Fatehpur Sikri can be reached by hiring a cab and is is about an hour drive from Central Agra.

And the Land is Blue...

Jodhpur is billed as the Blue City. This is best appreciated if Jodhpur is viewed from the Mehrangarh Fort.  The incredible views from the Fort gives a panoramic vista of the Blue City.  Walls and roofs of houses and buildings have been painted in blue giving an impression that land has turned blue!

It is a sight that is spectacular and not to be missed!

The Beauty That Lies Within The Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is the only Fort I visited in India that has beautifully restored rooms and chambers.  The other forts only had empty rooms.  Chambers at Mehrangarh Fort with its colorful  art and glass works showcases the lavish lifestyle of Indian royalty.

To add local color to the Fort, there are people dressed as holy men and others in period costumes playing traditional instruments.   Mehrangarh Fort is truly the total package among the many Forts in India.