Delhi Visit

The iconic Taj Mahal requires no formal introduction, standing proudly as a symbol of India's rich history and architectural marvel. 

Located in the enchanting city of Agra, it often marks the beginning of many traveler's' journeys through India.

During our recent vacation from the UK to India, our itinerary was packed with continuous travel plans and unplanned detours. Amidst the whirlwind of family functions and busy schedules, we landed in our hometown near Chennai. Even as we grappled with jet lag, the allure of exploration led us to extend our journey to Delhi, where my brother-in-law resides.

Our visit to Delhi was long overdue, and the reunion with family was heartwarming, especially for the kids who reveled in the joy of cousins. The first day was a well-deserved rest, allowing us to recharge for the adventures ahead.

Despite my initial fatigue from extended travels abroad, my brother-in-law's generous offer to drive from Gurgaon to Agra reignited my enthusiasm. With no specific plans in mind, we embraced spontaneity and crafted our itinerary upon reaching Delhi.

The hospitality of my brother-in-law's family made our stay memorable, and I can't express enough gratitude for the incredible experience.

The visit also led us to explore other historical gems such as the Agra Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate.

I finally had the opportunity to stand before the magnificent Taj, after 25 years of wistful longing (been visited 10 countries, lived in 6 cities, made lot of road and air travels and after two kids), 

Back in the '90s, during the era of late-night office hours and limited connectivity (remember the dial-up days even in corporates?), we found solace and entertainment in audio songs and video clips at office during my voluntary stay-at office work. One particular gem stands out in my memory, a song from the movie "Jeans." This song, featuring the enchanting Miss World Aishwarya Rai, became a sensation and i guess it would be more than 5 million views—a significant treat 25 years ago.

What made this song truly extraordinary was its setting: Aishwarya Rai gracefully dancing in front of the timeless Taj Mahal. This was an audacious concept by the director, bringing together two of the world's most beautiful creations in a single frame. The song's composition, coupled with stellar cinematography, was nothing short of a treat for people of that era. In those days, this innovative blend of music, visuals, and iconic landmarks left an unforgettable memory that still sticks with many of use today, including me. its' one of those moments that i couldn't forget when i was standing in front of this great Taj.

We faced a long queue to reach the monument, but luckily, we secured the assistance of a tour guide to expedite our journey, although it still took some time. Surprisingly, standing in line for an extended period turned out to be a blessing. The open area allowed us to appreciate the beauty of the Taj Mahal from various angles and directions. Our arrival around noon offered a chance to witness the radiant white version of the Taj.

However, we were told the "full moon" view will be a mesmerising experience.

Given the chance and time, I would eagerly revisit during a "full moon" night to experience the Taj Mahal in a different light, exploring its various shades and colours. 

< more experience - need to add later if my time permits >