After a four hour train ride, we arrived in Agra, the city home of the Taj Mahal. We’d gotten train tickets for 124 Rs, the equivalent of about $3. We’d known it was for 2nd class but the idea of spending another night in New Dehli was, despite an enjoyable stay, not anything either of us would settle for. So not heeding the cautionary advice of our guidebook against traveling anything aside from first class, we sat on a bunk by the window perpendicular to a seating arrangement for six. As departure time neared the car began to fill but what we noticed was how the seating next to us overflowed, 8 Indian men sat on top of eachohter all heads turned to us. Every move we made was noted and commented on. We moved bunks, they followed, closer this time. It was like being oggled by a gaggle of giggling school girls. They nedged and proded each other all while keeping their eyes fixed on us. Thankfully, an hour into it, the whole group of them exited, continuing to stare through the windows even as they walked along the platform. It made you wonder if they had ever seen a single female before.

We arrived in Agra and despite our Lonely Planet’s less than desirable description of the city, found it to by quite charming. We headed toward the Taj Ganj to Hotel Shahjahan, which was just a short walk from the Taj Mahal. We used the hotel as a sort of locker room to plant our bags, use the bathroom, and freshen up. We’d taken the first train which would not be our last that day, so the room was a nice short respite.

The Taj Mahal built by Emperor ShahJahan in 1631 is most definitely a site to behold. The white mauseleum does everything you’d expect, instilling a sense of awe and distinct peacefulness, despite the crowds. We stood to take pcitures at the entrance, 3 young Inidan men approached, politely asking for pictures between us. We obliged, as each one took their turn, noting the absurdity of it and continued on to the building itself.

The cold smooth stone under our feet, slippery from the falling rain was oddly calming, grounding if you will. We walked through and then around the outside finding a covered area on the side to sit and absorb the atmosphere. After a few mintues we decided to take some our our own pics, little did we know what kind of spectacle we would provide. Attempting a few standing yoga poses set to a timer, we tried to get a couple shots. As groups passed by, we weren’t the only ones. Soon handfuls of Indian men were asking for pictures. We noted aloud that we could have started charging 10 Rs per picture and made back our entrance fee in no time…

QUICK NOTES & TIPS:

• To visit the Taj Mahal a fee of 750 Rupees is required and provide you with an entrance into Agra Fort, Itimadud-Daula, and Sikandra & Fatehpur Sikri.
• At the time of this posting rooms with a private bath were approximately 400 Rupees, but the hotel was in the midst of major renovations, don’t be surprised if their prices see an increase.
• A torch or head lamp is a definite must have as the power is not the most reliable. While most places have back up generators, walking the streets at night will mean one less stumble when well prepared.