The Taj

Our 12 hour stay in Agra was definitely worth the trip and expense. The Taj Mahal is everything you think it would be and more. Approaching the mausoleum from the South gate you see the Taj from its most photographed side - everyone trying to sneak in their portraits with the famous back drop, us included. From a distance, it's an architectural marvel with beautiful marble domes and penetrating minarets. Up close, you see its fine details and expert craftsmanship - marble carvings and inlaid precious stone designs. The building is over 400 years old but looks as though its in perfect condition. We spent the afternoon staring at the monument, away from the busy, smelly streets of Agra. We chose to take it easy and sat at a rooftop restaurant with the best view of the Taj and drank fresh lime sodas - fresh lime juice and club soda, so simple and one of the best treats in India. We watched the sunset, which made the Taj glow in the warm light. As the sun went down, the town children appeared on the rooftops to fly kites, an incredible scene - they are so talented playing this interesting game of chasing kites and trying to cut each other off (if you've seen the Kite Runner, it was very similar). In and out of the city, we got on the midnight train to Amritsar to see the Golden Temple (17 hours away), like a Taj Mahal but for Sikhs.