Agra - A Love Story. Review on Agra

Situated at a distance of 203 km from Delhi and 236 km from Jaipur, Agra was one of the stopovers in our Rajasthan tour. Inhabited by a motley population of, 1,20,000 people, the city consists of dingy roads and narrow lanes. I took an instant dislike to the place and was thankful that we were there just for one night.

We left for the Taj Mahal, the sole purpose for our visiting the place, in the evening and took the well-known 'tanga'or the horse cart to take us to the place. On entering the campus of the great mausoleum we were faced with the harsh realities of queuing up to buy tickets in the scorching heat. Romance was just not the thing on our minds right then. Then came the next ordeal. We had to stand in an even longer queue than that before the ticket counter. This one was for entering the Taj grounds. I for one was thoroughly disgusted and wished I had never decided to stop by. What was the rush for after all?? I was soon to know why.

On entering the great mausoleum grounds, no matter how disgusted you are you will be forced to stretch your lips into smile of wonderment and awe at something so magnificent. I instantly forgot every inch of repentance I felt while waiting in the queue. This was definitely worth that entire wait. The Taj Mahal, as we all know, was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal and is regarded as the epitome of romance even today. It is an exquisite amalgamation of Indo-Persian architecture and leaves one spell-bound on first sight. The mass of pure white marble was embellished with semi-precious stones most of which have been taken away by marauders and vandals. Nevertheless, the glory of the Taj remains untouched. As the sun slowly slipped into the horizon, a solitary boatman on the Yamuna broke into a song in his rustic voice. As we sat on the courtyard surrounding the great mausoleum, we could feel the pain of loving someone so deeply and persistently. What must the great mughal emperor have felt at losing his beloved? He who conquered nations failed to conquer death. With these thoughts in our mind, we strolled out of the monument campus. By this time, the moon was up and the Taj glowed brighter than the full moon. The reason we deciphered could only be love.

No sooner, we left the precincts of the Taj, we were jerked back into reality with the touts and guides flocking us to buy their wares or to take us to known hotels. A few shops surrounding the Taj, does have some good stuff. But be careful of cheats. The miniature Taj Mahal, specially is a very good gift . Moreover, they pack it quite nicely too so it goes into your bags quite conveniently. Look for that even if you don't buy anything else.

Agra, being the hub of leather items, is very famous for its leather goods. Moreover, it is important to note that the Agra jail inmates are make these items which are sold to give them a decent earning. Leather chappals (sandals), purses, bags, decorative items and many more such leather product, made by local artisans, will instantly attract your attention. Sandal and rose wood items, brass decorative pieces and stone carved images, Stone inlay work and durries, Zari and embroidery work are the other attractions adorning the various handicraft craft emporiums and shops. The main shopping areas in Agra include Taj Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar, Raja Mandi, Sadar Bazaar. the Gangotri at Taj Mahal Complex and the Up Handlooms, UPICA at the Sanjay place are two UP Government emporiums.

Nevertheless, whatever you do, do not forget to taste the celebrated Rabri of Agra. It is simply out of this world. There are millions of shops selling this heavenly stuff.

The other places worth a visit in Agra include the Agra fort, the Itmad-ud Daulah's tomb, Chini-Ka-Rauza and Jama Masjid.

The city is overflowing with numerous hotels for every pocket since the place is a major tourist attraction. Foreign tourists can also avail of Luxury hotels. Budget travelers need not be worried because, umpteen tourist lodges, and guest-houses afford you a comfortable stay.

If you need to visit this place it will only be for the Taj Mahal. Nevertheless it definitely is worth a visit albeit a short one.