One of the greatest moments in life was visiting Taj Mahal.This happened when I clubbed a business visit to Delhi with the week-end getaway to Taj. With butterflies in my stomach(just curious to know what it had in store for me), woke up one early Sunday morning.
The hotel where I stayed in Lajpat Nagar had a tieup with the travel agency.The one day visit included Red Fort-Agra, Taj & Mathura(famous for the Lord Krishna Temple and the dairy products). I was told for a package of Rs 400(exclusive of food and other personal expenses), I would be provided a luxury Bus.Dismay was my reaction when I saw the overpacked Qualis parked in front of the hotel(and it was late by 2 hours).
My protests at the hotel reception ended in deaf ears !!! I took it to the next level-driver of the Qualis.He looked down on me and said when people are struggling to go by Qualis, why do you want to take a bus.My reply was ’’An overcrowded Qualis is by no means the end of luxury for me ’’.After fighting , Cajoling he agreed to transfer me into a bus (operated by the same company), when they stop for Breakfast(it was well past the time).After 25 Kms of travel we broke for breakfast and I was loaded into the bus.I started relaxing and was enjoying the country side, with more than occassional breaks at the checkposts(wonder why they have so many of them !!!).
Reached Agra and my first impression was ’’How on Earth could such a world famous tourist destination be such unkept’’.Filth could be the synonym for the town.Overflowing garbages, dirty shops and pavements, to add to the woes Bad roads --- Arrrghh !!!Time for Indians to wake up !! Red Fort was spent with awe and wonder.The fog surrounded view (probably the pollution) of Taj from Red Fort rekindled the butterflies.
With a small break for lunch, we headed towards Taj. There was lots of hassles - Mobile phones not allowed, this not allowed that not allowed.There was chaos, as to finding the cloak rooms.Ticket counters were hard to find and the personnel absolutely unpolite.
However, all these vanished into thin air, the moment I got the first glimpse of ’’The Taj’’.It was a dream come true.Had just 30 minutes of pleasure.The tour operator spent time unnecessarily in shops that sell merchandise and promoting it, while it was just 30 minutes in Taj.Those 30 mins were heaven and it’s true that ’’A thing of Beauty is a Joy forever’’.
Mathura - another dirty town , considered sacred by hindus.The dairy products were amazing. Late night reached Delhi to start another unpleasant week.