Everyone knows it, everyone has at least seen a picture of it – and considers it THE quintessential Indian building – the Taj Mahal.

So here we were – visiting the Taj Mahal, getting our own impression.

On first glimpse it was the same wow-effect as with other major monuments (e.g. Machu Pichu, the great wall of China or Angkor Wat) … however – at least for me – that did not last too long.

The place was packed with people … and felt more like India-themed area in Disneyland. The atmosphere and magic emanating from the buildings and their setup – in my view – was kind of overpowered by all those people. So nice to look at, but without the aura of other places.

Ultimately – this was kind to be expected … as the Taj Mahal is the main attraction in India, with virtually every tourists stopping by at some point – – for me the Taj Mahal is  one of the highlights and probably the most anti-climatic experience of the trip at the same time.

We left Delhi in the (very) early morning to make our way – by train – to Agra.

In Agra we got picked up at the train station and were bussed straight to Agra Fort. The fort itself is huge, felt more like an exclusive walled city. Our tour took in the various parts of the fort; I don’t really recall any details here (check here for those), however I do remember, that I was impressed – and incredibly cold at the same time.