25 Oct 2021
Driver Islam made our 25th anniversary special.
Good communication skills and planning to make optimum use of our day.
As a veteran travel writer, I always look for authentic experiences.
Day 1. We did Fatehpur Sikri and the recommended travel guide for the place was a good discovery. In 3 hours, our tickets (now online booking and no window tickets) were tackled by Islam (which was a bonus) and we could see the whole palace complex and the guide took some lovely pictures, always a plus.
Day 2. Taj Mahal view at sunrise from the VIP gate saw less crowds and it was surreal. The guide here was average. But we were given a complete tour. We made notes of how to visit on our own next day.
The pit stop back to the hotel for local dishes and sweet lassi was a find.
Breakfast at our hotel (Taj :)) and day long tour of Agra fort, Akbar tomb, Mariam tomb, Megtab baug view of Taj for the sunset... shopping for pethas (local sweets) we had packed it all in.
Add to that we discovered a special young photographer who needs a special mention - Faizan. He was spectacular in photography... we made video clips and the pictures he took were ethereal.
Thanks to Islam our trip was a memory to cherish.
His cost was reasonable, suggestion for food places (excellent dinner with live band), punctuality, safety, clean car, tissue boxes, mask at all times. Mindful and non intrusive. Would highly recommend. Thank you.