Kashmir Solo - Day 2 - Taj Mahal

Agra

The hotel was good, and so was the food. Agra was cold, 7 degrees then. Next day early morning, I walked to the Taj Mahal. I was suggested to visit early by the hotel host. Few people, including foreigners, were present. I didn’t know that I need to book the entry ticket online via ASI website. Upon reaching the main entrance, I was asked to do it. There was a QR code to be scanned that takes you to the ASI website where one can pay.

It was very foggy.

All the monuments looked majestic but there wasn’t anything much inside the Taj Mahal to see. I spent less than 10 minutes inside the mausoleum. You need to enter Taj Mahal wrapping a plastic bag around the footwear. Just before the entrance close to the Tah Mahal, you can see the staff selling a pair for Rs 10/-. Buy it.

After my tour of the entire premise, which took a minimum 2 hours, I went to Agra fort. Bought ticket from the ASI website, again via QR code, after reaching there.

Later, I took an auto to buy the famous Agra Pedha. Insist on going to your preferred destination rather than obliging to the whims of the auto driver because they get commission. The auto driver was good. The fare was very reasonable and he toured me the city for a very nominal fee. I think it was around Rs 150-200/-. This included pick up from Agra Fort and drop to Taj Mahal East Gate, even though my hotel was at the West Gate. I returned to the hotel, ate lunch and booked an Uber to the railway station. It was Sunday evening.

Delhi Metro Queue

I reached Delhi. Republic day was nearing and the security check was strict. After alighting at Hazrat Nizammuddin railway station, I had to travel to Mahipalpur to catch my next day’s flight. It took me close to 40 minutes to bypass the metro security check. It was a long queue.

Ate a very delicious Chole Bhatura and two plates of Pani Puris. I loved the red masala water that they served, which was sweet. The veg restaurant was Satya Om. It was a small one, neat with polite staff. I recommend them.