India is truly a wonderland! A country of contrasts and contradictions, where the air is permeated with originality and ancient traditions. They sometimes surprise, sometimes frighten and even shock, but they certainly do not leave you indifferent.
The journey to this distant country has become for us an enchanting fairy tale that has settled in our hearts forever. Frankly, we did not plan the route very carefully and acted more on inspiration.
This was our first acquaintance with India, and we decided to start it, according to tradition, with the classic triangle - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and of course, soak up the gentle rays of the tropical sun in Goa.
We tried to discover each of these places in a new way, to go beyond the popular tourist routes ...Although, to be honest, the popular routes are also extremely interesting! ! ))
Monkeys walk around the cities, and at the sight of tourists, local "sorcerers" take out cobras from their shoulder bags ...
To be honest, small towns are remembered much more - first of all, thanks to the attitude of the local population. There were so many sincere smiles and a desire to take pictures with us) But in Delhi and Bombay, everything is completely different, we became part of the tourism industry, and often they saw us as an opportunity to make good money.
We managed to visit a camel fair near Jaipur (it is open only a couple of days a year, in mid-November in Pushkar). And of course, at the end of the trip, we visited Agra.
The first thing that comes to mind at the mention of this city is, of course, the Taj Mahal. And he is truly amazing. But there are other equally interesting sights in Agra!
To get to Agra, if you spend the night in Delhi, you can take a taxi (a rather expensive option), or by train.
We chose the second option) I remember this unexpectedly cool morning when we were driving from the hotel through the darkness to the station in a tuktuk - the most popular transport in India. These were our last days in India, and we had to save money seriously) Therefore, we took tickets to the cheapest carriage. And do not regret it, it was insanely interesting! Indians in colorful costumes, bars on train windows without glass, fans on the ceiling instead of air conditioners...
Arriving in Agra, we first went to the Taj Mahal. Quite a lot has been written about him, so I can only say that he is much more beautiful up close than in the photo. The truth spoils the view of a huge crowd of tourists and crazy queues at the box office. By the way, tickets for tourists are 10 times more expensive, cost as much as 700 rupees, while Indians pay about 70.
But the real find for us was the Red Fort, for some reason it is not very famous, although it is located only 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal.
It used to be the palace of the sultans, a powerful fortress, which is completely different from Western models! With all its power, this fort at the same time gives the impression of a light, even floating building!
There are all sorts of interesting historical facts, of which the most memorable is this. One sultan had three beloved wives, and all of them were of different religions: a Muslim, a Jew and a Hindu. And for the sake of love for each of them, this sultan equipped the chambers in the usual style for each. When you walk through these rooms, you can’t even believe how quickly this style takes you from one era, culture to another.
We absolutely loved this place! If you're in Agra, be sure to check it out! And nearby there is a workshop of marble craftsmen. In India, the continuity of generations is very developed (until now! ), And if your grandfather was engaged in marble, then you will be too.
And in this workshop, the descendants of the masters who built the Taj Mahal still work. And they do amazing things! Huge marble chess, Taj Mahal models, countertops and decorations. It all costs, of course, crazy money, but they don’t take money for viewing) And there are also placers of precious stones right on the windows - rubies, sapphires, emeralds and something else. The seller asked me to offer my hand and poured me a whole handful.
It even took my breath away
The journey to this distant country has become for us an enchanting fairy tale that has settled in our hearts forever. Frankly, we did not plan the route very carefully and acted more on inspiration.
This was our first acquaintance with India, and we decided to start it, according to tradition, with the classic triangle - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and of course, soak up the gentle rays of the tropical sun in Goa.
We tried to discover each of these places in a new way, to go beyond the popular tourist routes ...Although, to be honest, the popular routes are also extremely interesting! ! ))
Monkeys walk around the cities, and at the sight of tourists, local "sorcerers" take out cobras from their shoulder bags ...
To be honest, small towns are remembered much more - first of all, thanks to the attitude of the local population. There were so many sincere smiles and a desire to take pictures with us) But in Delhi and Bombay, everything is completely different, we became part of the tourism industry, and often they saw us as an opportunity to make good money.
We managed to visit a camel fair near Jaipur (it is open only a couple of days a year, in mid-November in Pushkar). And of course, at the end of the trip, we visited Agra.
The first thing that comes to mind at the mention of this city is, of course, the Taj Mahal. And he is truly amazing. But there are other equally interesting sights in Agra!
To get to Agra, if you spend the night in Delhi, you can take a taxi (a rather expensive option), or by train.
We chose the second option) I remember this unexpectedly cool morning when we were driving from the hotel through the darkness to the station in a tuktuk - the most popular transport in India. These were our last days in India, and we had to save money seriously) Therefore, we took tickets to the cheapest carriage. And do not regret it, it was insanely interesting! Indians in colorful costumes, bars on train windows without glass, fans on the ceiling instead of air conditioners...
Arriving in Agra, we first went to the Taj Mahal. Quite a lot has been written about him, so I can only say that he is much more beautiful up close than in the photo. The truth spoils the view of a huge crowd of tourists and crazy queues at the box office. By the way, tickets for tourists are 10 times more expensive, cost as much as 700 rupees, while Indians pay about 70.
But the real find for us was the Red Fort, for some reason it is not very famous, although it is located only 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal.
It used to be the palace of the sultans, a powerful fortress, which is completely different from Western models! With all its power, this fort at the same time gives the impression of a light, even floating building!
There are all sorts of interesting historical facts, of which the most memorable is this. One sultan had three beloved wives, and all of them were of different religions: a Muslim, a Jew and a Hindu. And for the sake of love for each of them, this sultan equipped the chambers in the usual style for each. When you walk through these rooms, you can’t even believe how quickly this style takes you from one era, culture to another.
We absolutely loved this place! If you're in Agra, be sure to check it out! And nearby there is a workshop of marble craftsmen. In India, the continuity of generations is very developed (until now! ), And if your grandfather was engaged in marble, then you will be too.
And in this workshop, the descendants of the masters who built the Taj Mahal still work. And they do amazing things! Huge marble chess, Taj Mahal models, countertops and decorations. It all costs, of course, crazy money, but they don’t take money for viewing) And there are also placers of precious stones right on the windows - rubies, sapphires, emeralds and something else. The seller asked me to offer my hand and poured me a whole handful.
It even took my breath away
Translated automatically from Russian. View original
Comments (0)
leave a comment
Show other comments …
