Travel Log: Journey to the Taj Mahal in Agra, India

What is the biggest thing you have ever done for love?

Hmm, I can't say I'm sure what my answer would be but I do show my husband I love him every day in small ways (so that adds up right?)  I also can't begin to compete with grand acts of love like building a 561 foot marble ode to my partner.  The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his third wife Mumtaz Mahal; this white marble mausoleum is the finest example of Mughal (Indian, Persian, Turkish) architecture that exists today.

So it goes without saying that it is a must visit site if you are spending some time by Delhi and can spare 5 hours to get to Agra.  Yes five hours on a highway with no distinct lanes, traffic rules (think cars coming towards you from the opposite direction), and camel traffic.  Yes camel traffic.  While I'm actually more traumatized by the traffic than the mild car accident we experienced, I am glad we got to visit the Taj Mahal.  It is a long drive there so I would actually go again and stay at least one night so I can visit the nearby forts and Fatehpur Shikri (I visited once and it is truly stunning!)

Tip: Stay at or have a meal at the Oberoi Amaravilas.  The hotel is simply stunning and luxurious -like an oasis in the city.  You can also buy your tickets to the Taj Mahal in advance from them (the ticket office is a few blocks away from the site) and they will send you there in a golf cart for free since cars aren't allowed within a few blocks of the Taj Mahal.

Since you will be waiting a while just to enter the Taj Mahal (the queues can be crazy!), take your time, look at the beautiful detail, and enjoy the grounds. Oh and you might want to consider bringing socks because you have to remove your shoes or wear shoe covers!