1. Taj Mahal
No visit to India can be complete without visiting Taj Mahal. It’s on many people’s bucket list – it sure was on mine! I kept on changing my itinerary, so it was only after spending over 2 months in India that I finally went to Agra to visit the Taj. She sure didn’t disappoint.
When you visit, you’re sure you’re never going to be there alone… There are three entrances: east, south and west. I walked to all three (don’t ask), and found the south one least crowded. You can’t buy tickets at the east gate – I can tell you that for sure. Included in the ticket price is a bottle of water and a guide, who takes you past all the queues.
2. Fatehpur Sikri
Once the seat of government, now an abandoned palace and temple complex. If you are driving from Delhi to Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is well worth the stopover. An audio guide will guide you through the place if you don’t like guides or if you’re just a small party, like me.
3. Red Fort, Agra
Another red sandstone beauty. The inlaid details and mosaics are so incredible. I am always going around trying to imagine what these buildings must have looked like when they were inhabited. Ornate curtains, soft carpets and colourful cushions on the floor, incense burning in every room, little shrines for the gods with flowers and fruits, the lady of the house (or in this case: the ladies) being bathed by servants, dozens of kitchen staff scurrying around to get lush dinners on the table…
Also worth a visit in Agra: Jama Masjid mosque and the surrounding local market. If you need a sari, for instance. ;)
