After a nightcap in Udaipur, we retired for another early flight to New Delhi.
If you’re curious why I came all the way to India for a 3 day trip during monsoon season, and why my tour guide was a royal, make sure you read my post explaining what prompted this adventure and my post on the 24 hours I spent in Dubai the day before arriving to India…
I had mixed feelings about the fact that it was our last day in India. On one hand, the filming and travel schedule for the show had left us exhausted. But on the other, I wasn’t ready to leave yet – only three days in such a fascinating country was a tease and left me wanting more! So, what did we do on our last day? See the Taj Mahal, of course!
Despite filming being over, the Prince was adamant to not leave us unescorted while in his country. Upon our arrival to New Delhi, he had arranged for a driver to take the three of us to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Our plan was to drive the 3 hours to Agra, spend several hours wandering around the Taj Mahal and the city, and then make the 3 hour drive back to the airport in New Delhi to catch our international flight back to Atlanta. Certainly a hectic day, but how could we go all the way to India and not see the Taj?! (And let’s be honest, I’m no stranger to such travel).
Unfortunately, things didn’t really go as planned. On this particular day of our trip, it rained heavily all day…and when I say heavy, I mean HEAVY – it was monsoon season in India after all! The heavy rain wreaked havoc on the less than stellar roadways leading to the Taj. In all my life, I have never witnessed anything so chaotic…streets were flooding, people were abandoning their vehicles, mopeds were weaving in and out of traffic and animals were wandering through the busy streets while the drivers tried to avoid them.
The 3 hour drive to Agra turned into nearly an 8 hour drive. When we finally arrived, our driver drove as close to the Taj as he could possibly get us and we finished the trek on foot in the 100 degree weather, ridiculous humidity and pouring rain. Our walk resembled a chaotic scene straight out of the movie Slumdog Millionaire – there were people everywhere and children were literally grabbing on to us to sell us whatever they were hawking.
By the time we finally arrived at the Taj, we had about 20 minutes to see the massive complex, which isn’t even close to cutting it. Despite the terribly long drive, I was beyond excited to see and explore the grand complex. Maybe it was the long and distressing drive, but when I laid eyes upon the great Taj Mahal I got chills! We had FINALLY made it!
Your shoulders and knees needed to be covered, and you either had to take off your shoes or purchase shoe covers.
My trip to India was as exhausting as it was fascinating, but I can’t wait to head back and explore more of the country!
Is the Taj Mahal on your bucket list?
August 7, 2014
The Taj Mahal is not on my bucket list, not anymore 🙂 Been there, seen it, done it, loved it.
This is a truly magnificent sight and worth the time if you have chance. It sounds like you had a horrendous journey to get there but I hope you felt it was worth it.
I’ve happily shared this article on Twitter. Always great to share good stories.
August 7, 2014
Thank you for the share! The long, unnerving and stressful day was well worth it! I just wish I would have had more time to explore!
October 25, 2014
Woah this website is fantastic i adore looking through your content regularly..
November 7, 2014
Crazy story. You gotta love those travel sudden down pours, but glad you got to see the Taj.
November 7, 2014
Even if just for a few minutes… (and I was almost too stressed to enjoy it)! I hope to make it back soon though! 🙂
November 16, 2014
How lucky you are to have such a wonderful adventure. India is such a fascinating country to visit. The Taj Mahal on top of the list. Despite the hectic introduction, so glad you were able to enjoy!
November 16, 2014
Yes, it was beautiful!
January 24, 2017
Hi Karisa Klee,
Thank you very much to provide the Indian travel guidance.
September 11, 2015
Amazing memories! What a trip that was!
September 14, 2015
SO much fun! Thanks, Sal. 🙂
October 21, 2015
Looks like you had great time during your visit.
October 21, 2015
Yes! It was short, but lovely, Aiden.
May 24, 2016
Taj is on my bucket list.Hailing from India, I know you had only the tip of the iceberg. Apart from Taj Mahal, you have got to visit the agra fort and marvel its architecture. Then there is so much more..do plan your next trip during the winter season (October – March) and you would be able to enjoy it to the fullest
May 24, 2016
Thanks, Abhishek! Yes, I certainly didn’t visit at an ideal time of year and didn’t have much time at all!
May 30, 2016
We are planning a trip with our family in September. It is a 10 days trip and we are planning at covering Jaipur and Udaipur. We want to divide our journey time between both the places and also cover offbeat destinations around the main cities during our stay . We will surely bring you the stories of our travel with pictures and other details. Hope it will help you plan yours !!
June 9, 2016
That sounds perfect, Abhishek! 🙂
July 1, 2016
Looks amazing, we are planning on going around India end of the year and will definitely go to the Taj!Looking forward to the “exhausted/amazed” feeling, thanks for the inspiration!
July 5, 2016
You’ll love it – it really is a site to be seen!
October 29, 2016
fascinating story! just like this country..