Day 3 - Agra, India

The main reason I wanted to visit India was to check out the Taj Majal, one of the seven wonders of the world. I mean, mention India and one of the top things that come to mind is the Taj Mahal right? So today I finally got my wish and visited the famous Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal is located in Agra which is a 5 hour drive from Jaipur, where I was staying. We (my driver and I) arrived in the late afternoon and after settling into my hotel, it was time to set off to a new adventure.

The Taj Mahal is the most photographed monument in the world, it was built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is an ode to the emperor's eternal love for his wife. It took a whooping 20,000 skilled workers from across the country working day and night for 22 years to complete this amazing work of art. 

It was really crowded when I got to the Taj Mahal but honestly, that didn't take anything away from the experience. It truly is an amazing masterpiece that is worth checking out. I had a guide explaining all the intricacies that went into creating this masterpiece and this helped me appreciate it even more. Without further ado, check out the photos I managed to capture, they are in no particular order.....enjoy!

Got sucked into a mini photo shoot, long story....

Below you can see the incorporation of the concept of a Persian garden, beautiful!

That's it folks! It was time well spent and I am so glad that I got to check out one of the seven wonders of the world. 

Random Thoughts of The Day:

The one thing I have noticed so far during this trip is that almost everyone that is being nice to you expects a tip. Not gonna lie, it's exhausting! I have nothing against tipping, it's just the way it's done here, it even makes you cautious of being friendly toward someone.

At the Taj Mahal you will find many photographers asking to take photos for you at a small fee. Just be firm on how many photos you want taken and how much you are willing to pay. 

While shopping in the local markets, be firm on what you want and maintain a straight serious face. The sales people can be pushy and annoying, trying to get you to buy more.

Honestly I am so glad that I am using a tour company during this trip to India because I can see how overwhelming it would be to do it solo. It's not impossible but I chose convenience over everything.