A better night’s sleep for me last night, I was awake early but this morning I was able to drift back off again. 😴 Breakfast at 7:00 again this morning, and cases outside the room for 8:00. It was then all aboard the coach at 8:45 for our journey to Agra. It just over 4 hours with a 25 minute comfort break just over half way. Upon arrival at our second hotel (Oberoi Amarvilas) we took a quick lunch, got the keys to our room so we drop bags etc off before hastily making our way to the lobby to meet our fellow travelers for the tour at 3:00.
We then made our by golf buggy to the eastern entrance to the Taj Mahal. Our guide Yogi, obviously well and truly drilled with getting in and moving us around did a fantastic job.
Even to the extent of building up the anticipation as we passed through the entry and watched the panorama unfolding in front of us, knowing when and where to take the best photos while all the time explaining details about the site and it’s history. The Taj Mahal certainly lived up to and surpassed everything I had imagined it to be. Rather than waffle on about it, I will just post pictures instead, it’s much easier!!
Our ticket also included entry to the mausoleum but as no photography is allowed I have no photos of it.
We arrived back at the hotel at 5:30 and went straight to the room for a shower and a rest. We have another stunning room and from our window you can just see the top of the dome from the Taj Mahal.
We have an early start tomorrow so we can see the Taj Mahal at sunrise so it won’t be a late night. 😁
Wow, what an incredible day. It must have been wonderful to visit and see the Taj Mahal in real life. Your photos are stunning. Your guide sounded like they were very knowledgable and helpful in get the best viewpoints.
Yes, our guide was outstanding. He was actually the one who took Jane McDonald there too, in fact many of the staff have been showing us photos from that cruise.
Yes, it was incredible to see in real life.
I can’t believe your pics of the Taj Mahal. We had friends who went there pre-pandemic and his photos has so much pollution in them, you could barely see the building. Not a sign of blue sky like you got. Either the weather was horrid when they went or great when you went.
We have been told that the light and weather was particularly good for our visit and were very lucky
Loving your blog. We did the Agra tour as a side trip from a cruise many years ago and this brought back memories. Nothing prepares you for the beauty of the Taj Mahal (or the poverty in Agra!). I remember our sunrise trip – it was cool and we passed people showering outside in their gardens (fires had been lit) on the way up.
Great blog with gorgeous photos bringing back wonderful memories of our visit.
Loving your tour so far Mike. The Taj Mahal is on my bucket list but I fear I won’t see it as my husband won’t fly that far so I’m loving your wonderful photos.
The hotel rooms look amazing.
Barb