Located just outside the city of Agra in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is among the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in the world. A symbol of love and tragedy.

The walk up to the monument is lined with handicraft stalls. There were security checks at the entrance and already a long queue of tourists by the time I got there. However, once I passed the gates, it was like being transported into a different era. Surrounded by lush green gardens and magnificent Mughal architecture. Even the air seemed majestic. I quickly made my way through the east gate, and the Taj was there in all its glory and splendour.

It was simply breath-taking and the structure looked divine with its white marble gleaming against the clear blue sky. Slowly, as if waking up from a slumber, I began the touristy ritual of taking photographs from all angle. Moving ahead I saw people were lined up to get their photos taken on the famous Princess Diana bench.

To think that even at 6:00 a.m, the place was thronged with tourists from different countries, conversing in all sorts of languages from Japanese to French to German and of course Punjabi!

Do visit this beauty and feel the exotic moment being in one of the most wondrous monument in the world and get drowned in the artistic beauty of the glorious TAJ!!

BAAKE BIHARI TEMPLE

Being an Indian where we have grown up listening to mythological stories of Krishna, this was the chance where I could have truly explored all these stories of Vrindavan which I had heard so far.

As soon as I reached Mathura, I approached one rickshaw way to go to Vrindavan. My rickshaw walla dropped me at the entrance street of Baake Bihari temple. I entered one narrow street towards the temple, within 5 minutes my clean sober clothes had been coloured with dry colours. I started throwing colours on random people saying “Radhe Radhe” The moment I touched the doorsteps of the temple, one man poured a bucket of coloured water on me. Inside the temple I saw a huge crowd on the ground and a group of people on temple’s stage.

I was hypnotised by the shades of faith; riot of colours, cultures and traditions – this is Vrindavan, that nerve-wrecking, goosebump – giving feeling that passes through the body. The desire in the heart to capture this moment is worth every push and pull. With great excitement and joy, everyone was playing Holi and chanting Radhe Radhe.
It was the best Holi I had ever experience in my life.

‘A must have drink’

• Mathura ki Lassi – Thick yoghurt drink needs no introduction. A chilled Kulhad (a small clay pot) is a must have drink. It is made up of full fat freshly set yoghurt and always topped with malai.

#vrindavan #lightandshade #baakebihari #colourbombs #rituals #traditions #holi #indianfestival

Be a traveler not a tourist in Mysore.

Mysore is ranked one of the cleanest cities in the country, also third most famous city in Karnataka.

Mysore palace is one of the famous tourist attractions in India – The royal seat of the Maharajas, illuminated by a million lights as the night slowly falls – is breathtakingly beautiful to watch! The most notable elements of the palace are The Durbar Hall, The Ambavilasa, The Royal Howdah (elephant seat made with 84kg gold), a portrait gallery.

I would recommend you to reach the palace early evening, see the interiors of the palace and then see the palace in all its illuminated glory post 7pm.

Dusshera is the best time to visit Mysore. During Dusshera whole city is beautifully decorated, and various types of processions and programmes are carried out.

#mysorediaries #lights #royalty #palace #karnataka #VSCOcam #reflection #palace #travel #gold