Hello everyone! Welcome to my new post! I sincerely hope that you’ve been able to rest for the weekend and to “prepare” for the new working week. Last week I promised you a new post about my little adventure in India. Today has come a day to fulfill my promise and I write you impressions from a far, far country – India.

In the last post I wrote to you that India is a land of contrasts and smile. I’m happy to say that my greatest childhood dream was fulfilled, to see one of the seven miracles of the world – Taj Mahal! I have to admit that with my 25 years I wouldn’t succeed alone, since the average Serbian wallet can’t afford such a trip, but with the small help of the Indian Tourist Board#IncredibleIndia in cooperation with Maharaja’s Express, they have managed to fulfill my dream. Of all my heart, I thank the organizers of this magical journey, not only that they have fulfilled my greatest dream, but I have met new colleagues and made a new friends. Thank you!

 

 

Let’s start with today’s adventure! The second town that was planned to visit on our Maharaja’s Express was Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is a town located in the area of Agra, specifically in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. He was the first planned city of the Mughal Empire, where the buildings are a mixture of Indian, Persian and Islamic architecture. Because of this, Fatehpur Sikri has been added to the UNESCO list of sites of historical importance in Asia and the Oceania. In addition to the city’s glamor, palace and of course the Jami Mosque are great tourist attractions that attract a large number of tourists each year to this lovely Indian city.

 

 

At every step you can find the remains of buildings that, unfortunately, have not resisted from the time, but some remains are preserved and if you are a fan of architecture I’m sure you will find additional reasons to visit this city!

 

 

Fatehpur Sikri is still surrounded by its original 6 km long wall on its three sides, while the fourth is covered with a vanished lake nowadays, but apart from the complexes of imperial buildings on the rugged cliff of the diameter, most of the city has disappeared. The architecture of the Imperial complex exudes Hindu and Jain styles dominating Islamic elements of architecture. There are a number of buildings that make up this complex, but some of the most important buildings are: Buland Darwaza – the largest portal in the complex, Jama Mosque – the oldest building in the whole complex, the Salim Chisti Mausoleum, Hall of the Private Audience and others.

 

 

I don’t know have you ever wonder how it’s possible that human strength and hands can do something so powerful and timeless… Maybe they are not buildings from a later period like Renaissance, but you have to admit that this style is magnificent! I loved it so much!

 

 

When you walk around these gorgeous halls and gardens, you just understand the concept of this luxury that Maharaja had enjoyed. The sunset is magnificent here! The way a man feels fulfilled, somehow all worries disappear for a moment. You don’t have time to think about everyday things that life can turn upside down!

 

 

After the Royal Complex, it was time to visit Jama Masjid, or Jama Mosque. Very unique building in this complex. There are certain records that prove this is perhaps the oldest building in the Fatehpur Sikri complex.

 

 

One more day it was slowly coming to an end, and bloggers were tired, but fortunate to have enough energy to board on the Maharaja Express and continue their journey!

 

 

Why did I mention a couple of times so far in the past post, and even in today’s post that Maharaja’s Express train I called the train of dreams? It is really a magical train that will give you a memorable trip for a lifetime. This is not a fairy tale, it’s the reality! The train that leads you to the largest jewels of India. You have to admit that there is not much opportunity in life to get to know a good incredible country like India. You should properly organize your time, use it right and of course enjoy in your adventure!

I talk tooo much, but good morning from the city of my dreams! Good morning from Agra! Some people call Agra – The City of Great Love, are you maybe wondering why? I believe you heard about the building of Taj Mahal. Do you know what that symbol is? I’m sure you know! – The symbol of Eternal Love!

 

 

White fairy tale! The Tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Who was she? The young girl Arjumand Benu Begum, who was a wife of the famous Mughal emperor – Shah Jahan. Title Mumtaz Mahal (Crown of My Palace) was given due to the excessive love she had received from her husband. Mumtaz managed to make her husband happy with the 13 children, but unfortunately she died when she was giving birth to their 14th child.

Mumtaz had few last wishes, and one of them was that Shah Jahan wouldn’t marry again and to build her the biggest evidence of love that the world haven’t seen. So the magnificent Taj Mahal was built. It is a tomb of 36 kinds of white marble, 22,000 workers, who have worked hard for 22 years to build “The Palace of the Great Love”.

 

 

The Emperor Shah Jahan is with his beloved one and his soul has found peace in Taj Mahal, on the other hand Taj Mahal is now on the list of Seven Wonders of the World. Today, millions of people come from all over the world to see this amazing building. Until 3 weeks ago, I had only the memories of my father who was constantly describing Taj with his lovely stories and how many times he was able to see it while he was in India when he was young, many before I came to the world. There, 20 years later in my 25th year and maybe the 3th year of my blogging career I managed to see this building by my own! My dream is fulfilled now. You just have to believe in your dreams! One day they will become reality! Believe me!

 

 

I’m just sorry because I didn’t have more than those three hours to enjoy in the beauty of the Taj Mahal. The plan of the journey had to be respected, and I tried to satisfy my desire in those three hours and to take some photos of this White Palace called Taj Mahal.

 

 

After taking the photos, I was sitting on a famous bench where many famous personalities like Lady Diana – princess of the hearts of people in Great Britain, the present princesse, the Duchess of Cambridge – Kate Middleton and other royal family members and well-known politicians. I had a strange feeling, sitting in front of a building that is a tomb of a one woman and her family.

 

 

In the last post, I wrote that death in India only seems sad, but the Maharaja leaves after him the whole piece of art, just to show their size and luxury which they had for their lifetime. This monument is a bit different, it is the proof of the greatest love. I took advantage of the photographer’s services that followed us on the journey, so the picture came out like “Mom, here I am finally here! Do not worry, I’m fine! ” My mom just told me to look like one famous singer from his cover for his latest album. Mothers…

 

 

This is a monument of the real love, the last hope for all women on the world to remind that love really exists. Maybe your husband will not be able to build you this kind of proof of love, but let’s be realistic no more wealthy people on the world like this, but we can always show our love with some small gestures always. That’s why Taj Mahal is unique and maybe if you can afford to go in your lifetime once, just to feel that peace. It is very important to find that peace there and of course to enjoy art yourself. I did not mind a crowd of tourists who were pushing to make good pictures, I understood because I did it just a few minutes before them. I just sat on the bench and enjoyed the look, I did not feel hunger or thirst at all…

 

 

My sincere recommendation is that if you already have a chance to go to Agra and visit Taj Mahal, spend the night there and arrive the following day in Taj to feel the real oasis of peace and tranquility. I think Mumtaz is really proud that her eternal house has the most beautiful view of the world!

 

 

I would like you to write an interesting fact. As you know about the law of physics, when approaching certain objects or structures, they will enlarge to you, and of course they will look bigger and bigger to you. The Taj Mahal is a little different, there is an optical illusion! As you approach, Taj is “reducing” to you! Very interesting! As long as you don’t climb up the stairs and come in front of Taj itself you do not have the feeling of the true size of Taj itself.

 

 

My perfect morning is ended and Maharaja’s Express crew had to come back to their planned schedule! The next station – Gwalior! I will not say goodbye to Taj Mahal, but I’m looking forward to seeing you at least once in my life! Even with a walking stick or wheelchair, I promise I will come to see you again!

 

 

Fortress Gwalior is one of the largest and most beautiful ancient monument that can be found in the state of Madhya Pradesh, in Central India. The fortress is wonderful, not to mention the little ducks on mosaics on the wall of the fort.

 

 

This cute dog was so much funny and very jealous that we were trying to get some good pictures of the wall of the ducks, not of her. She simply decided to sit down and take her place in the picture! I had to make this picture to publish in my post because she was very kind and humble. She has  a good soul which is full of love for life and people.

 

 

Folks, that is all for today! We have come to the end of the second post in this small series of posts of my adventure from India. I sincerely hope you enjoyed my post and that you enjoyed India. I would like to thank you for the wonderful comments and messages you have written via email and social media. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I would like to hear your impressions about this post! If you have a question, some comment, suggestion, or message for me, you can write me down in the comments. Of course, as you have always been able to contact me via mail or social networks, you can find it on the CONTACT page.

In the next post you will se my outfit from India! And now I’ll go to prepare myself for ITB Berlin exhibition! See you!

 

Best,

Mr.M

 

 

This way I would like to thank my friends from the Indian Tourist Board and Maharaja’s Express team for a wonderful experience and I was pleased that I had the opportunity to meet a country like India. I am also grateful to my friends from Sony for the premium camera RX100 Mark V. This post was sponsored by the Government of India, the Tourism Board of India and the Maharaja’s Express luxury train.

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Anna
Anna
6 years ago

I was in Agra 4 years ago and I love it! You reminded me on some wonderful moments! I’m so happy because of you. You look just stunning! Are you coming maybe to London maybe in May? I would like to meet you!

Greetings,
Anna

Sebastian
Sebastian
6 years ago

Hey Marko! I saw you today on ITB Berlin! Your blog is PERFECT! I sent you an email, please confirm the meeting. See you! I hope that we will make some collaboration.

Edith
Edith
6 years ago

You described India so realistic. I just enjoyed while I was reading your post. Photos are incredible! You are pro!

Natalia
Natalia
6 years ago

Dear Marko, I would like to congratulate you and to say few words. I also have a dream to visit India, though I’m not sure about that because I think now I’m little old for that adventure. When I looked at the photos, I have just a feeling that I was there as well. Just continue to travel and believe me you will have very interesting stories to tell to your grandchildren in the old days. I will wait next few days for your new post. If you maybe planning to come in Bratislava, I would like to meet you.