6th Jan, 2016

‘9 is fine’ it was again and off we went to Agra. Quite a long drive through a mix of city and burgeoning suburbs with lots of half-finished high-rises and the construction of a new metro, then into more agricultural areas . It was actually hard to tell as visibility was only about a few hundred yards for most of the way.

We arrived in Agra, home, of course, to the Taj Mahal. Monu very kindly drove us first to what is known as the ‘Baby Taj’. more properly called ‘Itmad-ud-Daulah, the tomb to Mirza Ghiyath Beg, an important member of Akbar’s court and father-in-law to Akbar’s son, Jahangir. It was designed by his daughter, named ‘Nur Jahan’ by Jahangir, meaning ‘Light of the World’. They could sure turn on the charm, these Moghuls!. She was in fact a very powerful member of the empire and wielded considerable power.

The Baby Taj has been described as dainty – please remember to get me  something equally dainty as my memorial when it is my turn! The first picture is the gatehouse. The inlaid marble speaks for itself.

We then went to a park, the Mehtab Garden, on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River where we could get a fantastic view of the Taj Mahal. The original plan was to build an exact copy on this side of the river, but in black and link them with a bridge, but all that remains are some foundations. But the view was fantastic – though spoiled a little by the smog (on a positive note you might say it looked ethereal??). Here is a little taster…….. (what is it with us and scaffolding when visiting any old buildings??)

It was then time to check in at the hotel before heading out to see Agra Fort. A more modern hotel, this time, the Radisson Blu. very nice and comfortable – as you can see!! It’s a tough life!

So, Agra Fort! Started in 1563, it was largely built by Akbar and his grandson, Shah Jahan (of Taj Mahal fame). It is truly stunning and Shah Jahan could see across the 2 km to the Taj Mahal – he probably had a much better view than we did as he was probably not afflicted by pollution! He died here in 1666 at the ripe old age of 74 due, according to my guide book, to an overdose of opium and aphrodisiacs, something our guide, Qurban denied vehemently!

More soon!