Taj Mahal, Emperor Shah Jahan’s way to make his love, for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, eternal! And that’s the way their love stands today, even after three centuries, on the bank of Yamuna river in Agra.
My first trip to Taj was full of excitement! Impatience was almost killing me. That untiring question – “Kaisa hoga?” was all over me as we were being driven from Delhi to Agra. Once we got on the highway it felt that we had left all the traffic back in Delhi. My eyes were constantly out there exploring the fields, people around the road, the houses, and the temples that were passing by. Every now and then, I found myself telling me that India indeed is the land of unmatched diversity and that it’s beautiful in its own way.
Finally, we reached Agra and this arrival turned out to be a bit shocking one. No offence to anyone just being sincere to my experience - I was quite disappointed by the way city holding Taj, the majestic monument, was being managed. Not asking for glassy buildings and fancy sign boards – just a little cleanliness, traffic control, and if possible some building restoration. The history of the town was visible but in broken pieces. I wish it had been managed with more dignity.
Early next morning, a guide from the hotel we stayed in took us to the Taj. The guide was warm and friendly, and he knew his subject well. Since the hotel was so close to Taj, we were driven in a small carrier (like a golf-cart). So this too was a unique and exciting ride.