Our driver, Sunil, picked us up at La Meridien at exactly 10:00 am to drive us to Agra (about 4 hour drive, 220km). We took the expressway and was surprised to see all sorts of traffic – tricycles, bicycles, goats, and cows. Although the animals were along the side of the expressway, I was worried if they would suddenly cross which thankfully they never did.
The temperature started around the low 60’s F and was very hazy all day long. Sunil was a very safe and cautious driver who drove under the speed limit. I noticed the drivers never used their signal lights to change lane and usually straddles both lanes. I can drive in Manila but I don’t think I have the nerve to drive in India!
We checked in at our hotel, Jaypee Palace, where our tour guide, Deesh was already waiting. The hotel had impressive grounds and facility and made us feel like we were in the Colonial India era!
That afternoon, we went to the red sandstone AGRA FORT, built by Akbar in 1565 located in the banks of the Yamuna River with a view of the Taj Mahal. This was the time the Mughals ruled India. The fort seemed impregnable the way it was built – double wall with moats. This well-preserved fortress dominates a bend of the Yamuna. The interior boasts of grand buildings including the Royal Pavilion.
We drove on the other side of the river Yamuna to watch the sunset and admire the Taj Mahal from a distance. Sunil, our driver parked about a half kilometer away and we took the Tok-tok (similar to that in Bangkok) to reach our destination.
Our tour guide showed us a few tricks on how to use the cell phone. He made the Taj Mahal appear as if was reflected from the water when the reflection actually appeared from the screen of another phone! He was also a great story-teller narrating about the love stories of Mughal rulers. One emperor that was very interesting was Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal for his beloved wife – Mumtaz Mahal.
Tomorrow we will actually set foot inside the Taj Mahal!
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