FORT ME...it's the Taj Mahal

Up before the very first sparrow's fart bound for Agra. I have no idea how to get there as I basically slept the entire 4 hour trip, only to wake when we came to a sudden stop at a rail crossing.  And no there were no passengers ridding on top of the carriages.  As bad as this is, I was slightly disappointed. 

It was touch and go about making the Taj in time for sunrise.  And hard to determine when exactly it would be given the smog and lack of "dawn" we're used to in Australia. 

We pulled up at the tourist entry at whatever time after 6am and it was already bustling with people from around the world, making the trek to see one of the world's most recognisable buildings.  There are hawkers awaiting the unsuspecting tourist upon entry to the Taj though it wasn't as bad first light as it was on our return walk post Taj. 

Words really can not describe how I felt upon seeing the Taj Mahal for the very first time.  I remember thinking I'm about to see the Taj Mahal and boom there it was.  The number of tourists and pictures being taken at that precise moment it amazing.  Kodak must be still reeling from the introduction of digital photography and "bumping" on the iPhone.

Having not eaten since dinner, next stop breakfast. Hmm amazing what you settle for when you're hungry and tired - plain toast and a bottle of pepsi - delicious. Next stop the Agra Fort. This Fort is a stunning terracotta colour and has a lot more greenery vs the Amer Fort in Jaipur. There's a building which has a very decorative ceiling, much like the top of a lemon meringue pie - very pretty. Yes my tummy and mind were still thinking food.  It's just near here you look back towards the Taj Mahal in all its glory. 

The hawkers at Agra Fort are some of the most persistent I've experienced on my travels to date.  Awareness and firm responses required at all times. 

Post Fort we commenced our return journey to Delhi. More holy cows hanging out, this time in and on the banks of the local river. 

The new motorway between Agra and Delhi is incredible...it's an engineering fest and a half vs the Delhi to Jaipur road. This tollroad even had "facilities stops" - AMAZING!! Plus a 600ml bottle of coke and a bag of chips costs 50 rupees, not even AUS$1.00 - AMAZING!! 

 

Back to home base and early to bed. What an unforgettable, amazing weekend. 

Namaste x