Taj Mahal is one of the most visited monuments in the world. Recently, a friend asked me if a visit to the taj Mahal is worth it or not. And the question made sense because of few reasons.
One, the city of Taj, Agra is famous for its crowd, mess and pollution. Two, There were frequent reports that the taj Mahal is losing its original colour due to an increased pollution level in and around Agra. So, such a question would naturally arise.
Here, I would like to share my experience of a Taj trip, to help you decide if a Taj trip is worth it or not.
The city of Agra
As I stated earlier, Agra is a typical Indian city. I travelled to Agra from Delhi by train. The moment we(me and friends) stepped out of the railway station, a number of taxi drivers gathered around us. They were Canvasing us to hire their taxi and they continued it even though we kept on ignoring them. The situation was horrible and frustrating, which made the worst possible first impression.
This is not just about the railway station. Around Agra and its famous monuments, you can see taxi men and peddlers gathering around you and it often feels frustrating.
THE TAJ VISIT
We visited the Taj Mahal on an afternoon after visiting the famous Agra fort. (Shahjahan, who built the Taj spend his last times in a prison room in Agra fort ).
we took the western entrance to the Taj Mahal and it was far from the inner gate to the monument. We had to walk some distance to reach the inner gate. we were aimlessly walking towards it and all of a sudden, we were there just in front of it. From there, The mighty Taj was visible and that experience of seeing it for the first time was beyond words to express.
The Taj Mahal was visible through the big gate, though at a distance. That first view of the Taj Mahal was one of the best visual experience that I ever had in my life. The milky white Taj Mahal looked just like an extension of the white sky in the background. That was incredible to watch. Walked further towards the main gate to enter the inner premises. But then, it was starting to rain.
What the rain offered!
We took shelter under the big inner entrance. At that time, I had the fear of losing the precious taj experience to rain. But moments later, the rain become somewhat heavier and it was then, I had the magnificent experience of witnessing the taj becoming invisible in the thick downpour. It looked great and around me, I could see a huge crowd, looking at this marvellous phenomena with wonder in their eyes.
Inside it!
Time passed by, the rain showed no sign of withdrawal but we had to go into the monument and thus, stepped into the rain and started walking towards the taj. The cold breeze accompanying the rain has the potential to make your times the best, especially if you are with your partner.
As we walked towards the Taj, it was beginning to look bigger and bigger. Because The Taj Mahal is a big building with a height above 70 metres.
The main minaret is located Atop the big base. We took the step up to reach the main monument. Above, there was a vast yard outside the minaret. North of the monument, the river Yamuna was flowing with its full strength. Looking at the fully flowing Yamuna, I realised the strategic importance of building the Taj at that specific location. Had a great time in the yard and inside the tomb, where both Shahjahan and his Mumtaz Mahal are buried.
A missed 'Taj sunset'
It was the time for sunset by then. We missed the sunset due to the rain. The sky had eventually turned blue by then and the rain had almost disappeared. The one thing I loved most about the Taj was the way it adapted to its varying surroundings. By that time, the Taj took a bluish shade and to be frank, the monument looked the best in that blue shade. Then, it resembled the moon in the blue sky! One can find immense pleasure just by looking at the marvellous monument, which is a perfect example of fine architecture.
My opinion about the Taj trip
For me, the Taj trip was worth it and there is no particular reason for anyone to be unsatisfied with a visit to the Taj.
I visited the Taj in the rainy season but I do believe that Taj can offer different shades of its beauty depending upon the season. Also, Agra is not only about heavy crowds and annoying taxi walas. It has its own elements of attraction, be it a number of monuments around it, kind people, the colourful crowd or the street foods. In fact, the initial dislike that I had for Agra turned into love within a day.
It is a fact that the taj Mahal is losing its original shade due to pollution. But it is still one of the most beautiful buildings on earth. A literal wonder owing to the finest architecture. India is blessed with such amazing monuments which are equally good as the Taj Mahal.
