It is one of those moments that makes you think: are we looking at Taj Mahal? Yup, we were there. It's magnificence and intricacy met no challenge in the 400 plus years of its being. The Taj Mahal stands clear of any structures in the midlle of thousands of acres of land in a otherwise very crowded city Agra. It draws 30,000 to 70,000 visitors every day. To our surprise, they are mostly Indian visitors. There are 4 lines at the entrance, Indian Male, Indian Female, Foreign Male, and Foreign Female. Foreign visitors can just walk in with no lines while natives are sardined in their lines. It felt a little odd to enter on the Female line, but it is a common practice here. 

The Taj Mahal was build by a Muslim Mulghal king. There is a practice mosque on the ground which opens for praying to local Muslims (with IDs) every Friday for 2 hours. They are confined to the mosque building alone though it is just to the left, and only steps away from the Taj Mahal. We planned to go on Friday, but because of the religious activity, we went on Thursday.

The well maintained grounds and building inside the Taj Mahal makes a strong contrast for the rest of the Aqra. The city is very dirty with sewage water gathered on the street and garbage piled up all over. 45% of Aqra's economy depends on tourism. But it doesn't seem to care to make the city clean and more attractive.

Cost to enter the Taj Mahal is $1250 rupee per foreigner.