Agra, India

Taj Mahal day!

We woke up early and walked to the Taj to be there for sunrise. We were briefed on the history of the monument before we had time to explore independently.
The Taj Mahal was built by the emperor as a testament of his love to his wife after she died during child birth. The only part of the structure which is asymmetrical is the emperor’s grave which was placed beside his wife’s.

We watched the sun rise of the marble roofs. We saw the inside of the monument which was decorated with hand carved precious and semi-precious gemstones.

After some time in the hotel to rest, we went back out to watch some carpet making, which is what Agra is famous for. After we went to a marble workshop and learnt how the artisans create the designs for furniture and ornaments.

Later in the evening we boarded the overnight train to Varanasi. Well, that was an experience! Unlike what I had pictured in my head (think Hogwarts express), the carriages were crammed full of three tier bunk beds, crying babies and people watching movies on full volume. Alex and I both slept on the very top bunk beds. I popped in some earplugs and my eye mask and slept quite soundly. Definitely not luxury but an easy way to travel.もっと詳しく