The Taj Mahal was the main reason we went to Agra. After leaving, I turned to Lisa and asked, is there a specific reason we chose to come to Agra? Was it for the Taj Mahal?” And she told me, “Well, it’s pretty much 100% guaranteed than when return from India, you will be asked, ‘did you visit the Taj Mahal?’ so we’re visiting the Taj Mahal.” To be honest, I’m not sure if ANYONE asked me about the Taj Mahal when I came home– but I mean, everyone probably already saw me post pictures of my experience on instagram, so no one had to ask. But still, that seemed like a perfectly valid reason, you know? So we did it, we made the 8ish(?) hour trek to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal (and have some of the best food ever, but mostly visit the Taj Mahal) and it was pretty cool. Definitely something to mark off some sort of ‘must do in this lifetime’ checklist– but really, all of india is on that check list.

Sunrise was definitely an awesome time to show up to see the Taj. We arrived super early to make a line before the gate opened. This was great because we were able to get in before all the crowds allowing us to get some pretty decent photos without swarms of other tourists surrounding us. A+ for Above The Clouds on this one. And we all learned a few other things this day:

1. it’s FREEZING early in the morning in Agra. (It was march).
2. even though its freezing, the mosquitos still swarm at dawn.
3. men still have first priority at the Taj Mahal. There are three lines. One for women and two for men, making their line shorter (womp).
4. there is no dancing allowed at the Taj Mahal. Don’t even think about dancing.

pictures of pictures of pictures. 


we also learned that Agra monkeys are NOT your friends. They are vicious (adorable) little monsters.

normal. 

me, finding all the flowers.


All in all, I’d say the Taj Mahal was pretty cool. I think at the end of the day, Above the Clouds was right, it’s nice to g and come back and say, “yes, of course I visited the Taj Mahal.” It’s sort of hard to believe I visited this place— this year. It feels like a lifetime ago. I’m just grateful that I did attempt to dance at the Taj Mahal, even if my moment was short lived— I’m sure not many people get to say that πŸ˜‰ 

7 Comments

  1. Well it's certainly stunning architecture. I never knew about the lines and that there were mean monkeys. I LOVE all the comfy-looking printed pants and scarves. You ladies seemed to have all packed exceptionally well for the trip.

  2. I spent 5 months in southern India (no where near Agra and I am asked ALL THE TIME if I visited the Taj Mahal… When I go back I will definitely make the trek. Also the Monkeys I encountered were terrifying and would steal things!

  3. Wow! It's so beautiful. I would love to visit the Taj Mahal some day.

    Erin | beingerin.com

  4. It's so beautiful, and no doubt really delightful to see in the chilly dawn. CJ xx

  5. I was so excited to see monkeys while we were in Nepal, but I learned very quickly they are not as cute as they appear. We were instructed not to make eye contact or sudden movements toward them because they are very aggressive. I saw one man wave at a monkey and bit him. I've also been with a group of ladies and kids that were chased out of a public park by the monkeys. Those animals are no joke!

    • it's true! I've been places with friendlier monkies– but most are just aggressive! I thought for sure my friend Quinn's face was going to be ripped off!