01 Mar 2020
Our day started at 7am and it took an hour to get to the express way. Once there, traffic was not congested at all. Our hotel, le meridien guradgon, had arranged for a tour guide. We usually are not tour guide people but in this instance I really appreciated his narrative, insights into the history and craftsmanship into the building of the Taj Mahal. His name was zohaib. Once you bought entrance tickets and at this time it was 1500 inr for the special ticket or 750 for standard. I think the 1500 had no line up and they gave you a bottle of water to bring in. Otherwise you had to store all bags at their lockers. Then I was not aware but u have leave your ride, taxi at 1km away from the Taj Mahal. Then you are to take an electric golf cart the rest of the way to reduce pollution near the Taj Mahal. I'm not sure of you had to pay extra for the golf cart ride as our guide arranged things for us. Once there on the grounds you can have a photographer join you around to take shots of you and the Taj Mahal and try to avoid the crowds. Personally pictures are souvenirs and the price starts at 5000 inr for 50 pics and cd. Only at the 8000 inr level you would get 80 pic album and a USB and a large portrait. The photographers was good and did get some good pics. The photofinishing seemed washed out a bit but it was a sunny day. Afterwards our guide took us to a marble store so you can see how inlays were made. Then of course you could take a home a piece :)