Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
March 9th 2015
We got up early to see the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is an iconic ivory-white marble mausoleum and a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous as a symbol of enduring love. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Legend has it that he also planned an identical mausoleum made in black stone to mirror this one from across the river. It was never built.
After touring the Taj Mahal, we headed over to Agra Fort.
Agra Fort
The Agra Fort is a prominent historical fortress located in Agra, India, that served as the main residence for the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Known also as the "Red Fort of Agra" (Lal Qila) due to its imposing red sandstone walls, it is an important example of Mughal architecture, blending Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles.
The fort's massive, roughly crescent-shaped double walls have a circumference of about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and rise 21 meters (70 feet) high, surrounded by a moat. It features various palaces, halls, and mosques, many names the same at the the ones at Amer Fort. including: Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Khas Mahal & Jahangiri Mahal and Musamman Burj.
Diwan-i-Am
The "Hall of Public Audiences". was where Mughal emperors, primarily Shah Jahan, met with the general public to hear their petitions and administer justice.
Diwan-i-Khas
The "Hall of Private Audiences" for dignitaries.
Sheesh Mahal
A "Palace of Mirrors" known for its intricate mirror work. Similar to the Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur, but not as many mirrors.
Khas Mahal & Jahangiri Mahal
Royal palaces within the complex.
Musamman Burj
An octagonal tower where Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb and from which he could gaze at the Taj Mahal.
We left Agra and started our drive to Deli. Our driver stopped at a roadside dhaba (a traditional, casual roadside restaurant found along highways). He ordered a traditional Indian post‑meal mouth freshener setup, very common in Agra and across North India. It consisted of Saunf (fennel seeds), Mishri (rock sugar crystals) and a cup of Chia. You take a pinch of both together—it helps with digestion and freshens the breath.
Roadside Dhaba
Tonight we will stay at the Radisson Blu - Dwarka, New Delhi. It is a nice hotel with one quirk. The wall between the bathroom and the bedroom was a solid pane of clear glass. (No privacy!)
