Taj Mahal and The Ganges

So we got to Agra by train. It was the most fascinating train ride so far, this one was full from station to station with entertainers (talented beggars) who performed things from dancing and singing to acrobats. Once we arrived in Agra the first thing we did was go to the Taj Mahal. We had a train that same evening to our next stop so just spent the whole afternoon there. First you wait in the looongest que, took about an hour, just to get into the first gate. Once we got through the first gate we were greeted by a big open space with pretty grass and hoards of tourists. Then we made our way to the second gate, through the second gate is the Taj Mahal and as you go through you are waiting for it to appear, slowly you see glimpses, wall, towers then POP it appears in front of your eyes in all its splendour. You stand for a few minutes just staring, absorbing this amazing structure, then start clicking away with all the other tourists. This moment makes all the annoying beggars, touts, dust and dirt seem worth it. It reminds you why you came to India. We explored the massive complex, there are gardens and fountains everywhere with someone posing here and there. We walked all the way around, taking in the beauty. We sat for a while stoning. Such a surreal moment. Then joined another massive que to see the tombs inside. The tombs of Shah Jahan, the creator of this wonder and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the purpose of the creation. We sat all afternoon then watched the sunset. One of my favourite sunsets in India. We then sadly had to leave as we needed to have dinner then catch our next train. Like sad puppies we exited the gates looking behind to remember the sight.

Next stop was Varanasi. The holiest city in India, built on the banks of the River Ganges. The edge of the river is made up of Ghats, steps for you to walk down to the water. There are temples everywhere and naked holy men walking around. At first we just walked around absorbing this strange but intriguing place then we started to mix with the locals. One awesome experience was sitting next to an Aghori. For those with weak tummies look away, Aghori's are humans who feel they are closer to God by doing .... things that we would call evil. They pick bones from the cremation sites (which are open for all to see...) and eat the leftover flesh that hasn't burnt during the cremation. They then smear the ash from the bodies all over themselves. Their legs, their arms and even, yes, their face, lips, eyes, you name it. As we sat next to him, we just stared at this amazing creature who also gives you a sense of fear, intimidation. He happily smoked some kind of drug in a pipe but not before offering us some, let us take photos then went on his way. Another awesome experience in Varanasi was watching a live, mass Puja. It was a bit commercialised as prayers are usually private but it was so good to see. About 5 or 6 priests line up on podiums layed out on the River edge and do various types of religious stuffs. The crowds were massive! We also took a boat ride down the River Ganges during the sunrise and saw the prayers and rituals performed by the locals and also all the bathing of both animal and human. Sadly only had a couple of days there but it was definitely another highlight of our trip. Our next destination after Varanasi was South India which is where we are now. Can't wait to tell you all about it in our next blog!!!

Rachel and Ameet
xox