Agra

We expected Agra to be the highlight of our visit to India, and it did not disappoint. The Taj Mahal really is the most beautiful building in the world. No photograph can convey the magic of the place, which leaves you speechless when you first see it. An extraordinary tribute to love, and quite unforgettable.

We sat on Diana’s bench and held hands, and decided not to get divorced just yet.

Then we visited the Red Fort, a huge and imposing 16th century fortress enclosing a palace. It was built by Akhbar, the most enlightened and liberal of the Mogul emperors. His grandson Shah Jehan was imprisoned here by his son Aurangzeb, the most intolerant and bigoted of the dynasty, who went on to fritter away the entire empire. Shah Jehan spent his last years looking out over the river to the Taj Mahal, the last resting place of his beloved wife.

We then went on to visit the Baby Taj, an exquisitely ornate mausoleum built by Jahangir’s wife for her parents. It is the first recorded tomb built of white marble and served as a model for the Taj Mahal, which is slightly later.

The wealth of decorated panels with different floral motifs made up from coloured semi-precious stones set into the marble gives the Baby Taj a character all its own.

A wonderful day.

The sun has been shining all day, and the glow of our sunburnt faces could rival the Taj Mahal. Look out Jaipur, here we come!