Taj Mahal - Agra
It was quick trip to Agra on 07th April & Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers, the trip was planned in early April to avoid rush at both the above place after school vacations start.
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The trip was planned to cover Agra first on the way to Delhi and we wanted to travel by Rajdhani Express to Delhi from Mumbai. Till now all our travelling to Delhi was by Flight.
It was half day tour to Agra from morning and then travel to Delhi in Evening. And then take overnight bus from Delhi to Manali in night.
We boarded Rajdhani Express from CSMT at 16:00 on Monday wherein I was working half day.
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| Rajdhani Express at CSMT Mumbai |
The food and services in 3AC was nice. After peaceful night sleep, the train dropped us at Agra sharp at 7:30 am.
As we had only time till 3 pm, we had planned to cover 3 main points namely The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad ud Daula followed by lunch.
As directed by a railway staff at Station, we booked a half day cab from Agra. It cost us INR 1150. We preferred booked cab to avoid waiting times and cover the points within time.
On way we first had Matka tea enroute Taj Mahal. Our driver dropped us a Taj Mahal junction on West gate. We hired a guide to get detailed information and also get priority entry across gates.
We entered the Taj complex through East Gate. The east gate has less rush as compared to all other gates. The Entry ticket is INR 50 person.
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| Entry from East Gate The Taj Mahal in its first view is magnificent and glorious; very true to the hype around it. It is a real Marvel that camera could not justify. We strolled to garden near the main complex. However avoided the Mausoleum which require one to wear shoes covers. |
Taj Mahal Agra is basically an Mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Jehangir in memory of his wife Mumtaj (Taj Mahal derived its name from Mumtaj)
We visited the visitors complex on east side. There were many couples hustling for videos and reels with their partners along with Taj Mahal.
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| Click with our Guide |
It is said that Taj Mahal can be seen in 4 different colours depending on time of day you are watching at.
After dozens of clicks and videos, we bid adieu to the place.
Exiting again through East Gate, we reached the parking point. Enroute we shopped in local Meena bazar shop for Banboo Saree for my wife. We avoided the famous panchi petha sweet of Agra as we were to proceed to Manali after Agra and didn't wanted to increase our luggage.
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Later in that day we visited Mehtab Bagh in northern side of Taj Mahal. The Entry fee to garden is INR 50 per person. It provides the best view of Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. It is best visited in evening. They had specifically developed prominade for the same. The clicks here are awesome and serene.
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| View from Mehtab Bagh Prominade |
Tips to those want to visit Taj Mahal.
1 . Please plan your trip early morning (to avoid rush and nice clicks)
2. West gate is perrenially crowded. Instead get a buggy to take you to East Gate which provides quick entry. Also you can book tickets online to avoid waiting in queue at the gate.
3. Agra is highly commercialized with guides, the buggy drivers to shopkeepers all trying to dupe the tourists (Sad reality, but true)
4. Dont hire a guide unless required if you want enjoy the Taj complex leisurely. These part time guides charge hefty amounts and would rush through many points so that they could finish and get another clients. Even if hired one, please don't pay above INR 200 per person.
5. Also there guides will keeping directing you to shop at Meena Bazar shops which have Marbel artifacts, mini Taj Mahal souvenirs, sarees/ dresses and Petha sweet. (Please note that they have commission for each of your purchases)
Summary:
It was wonderful morning exploring the 7th wonder if the world. It is huge, magnificent and beautiful beyond description.
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Epilogue:
After Taj Mahal, we proceeded to our next stop at Agra fort, Mehtab Bagh and finally at Imad Ud Daula.
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For more of my treks and traveloques you can check my blog. https://irishpereiraonthego.blogspot.in/
Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!
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