Agra and the Moonlight Garden

Today started like many on this trip, heading straight to the train station. We were going from Jaipur Junction to Agra, home of the Taj. It was another long journey during which I finished my book, The Prince (the one I got from Jason in Sri Lanka). Problem is no one on my current trip either has anything or wants to trade books – looks like I will have to keep an eye out!

Once our bags are dropped and we’ve had a chance to freshen up we are back on the bus heading to Mehtab Bagh, otherwise known as the Moonlight Garden. Situated perfectly opposite the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna river. The garden was created as an integral part of the Taj and is the perfect viewing point for the Taj Mahal itself. It is a beautiful garden, serene and peaceful, the group obviously use the opportunity for lots and lots of photos. The site itself also plays a role in the myth of the Black Taj. There is a theory that this area, which is the exact same width as the complex of the Taj Mahal, was to be the site of a second monument created by Shah Jahan in black marble for himself to be buried in. Anuj, our guide, doesn’t talk about this myth; he recounts a version where the original monument, which is inspired by the Mini-Taj, also in Agra, and surprisingly built first, was supposed to be in black, but this wasn’t possible so white marble was used. The Garden was created as a viewing point for the Shah after he was imprisoned by his son in the Agra Red Fort and only able to see the reflection of the monument to his beloved second wife in the river. The Shah spent his final days sitting in the garden watching the sun rise and set over the monument.

On the drive to and from the gardens we pass the Agra Red Fort and mini Taj. Although we don’t have time to stop and view them they are impressive even at a drive-by glance. We then head to a restaurant Anuj suggests; it is run by a former tour guide so a lot of groups end up here. It is not an easy restaurant to get to and we find ourselves following Anuj down different roads and alleyways. Once there the group all pack into the elevator up to the top floor. This wouldn’t normally be anything special except that the groups weight before and after the meal seems to change enough to exceed the limit of the lift on the way down!

Having spent a day seeing a world wonder and obviously enjoying our food we are off to bed early, as tomorrow we are up very early (we need to leave by 4:30am) to see sunrise over the Taj and enjoy a viewing of the complex from the inside.

Give us a toot!
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Mehtab Bagh, otherwise known as the Moonlight Garden

About an hour before the end of our train journey Stu and I get a little pekish and decide to tuck into a train snack from one of the many vendors. We decide on some samosas and a veggie cutlet sandwich. Although rather basic it is still fresher and better than any food I have ever got on a train in England. Once we get to Agra the group decided to head straight for lunch and, although having just snacked, I tuck into a mutton and boiled egg curry, although at the time of ordering I was unaware of the boiled egg. It was delicious. After filling our bellies we are on to the hotel where Stu and I are given a double room with a sofa bed. Stu kindly lets me take the double bed – score!

Taj tranquillity
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