Had parents visiting from almost 4 air hours away.it was cold (for them).Travelled a bit, saw the famous Taj Mahal at last, truly an architectural feat considering the times.Though the state the town of Agra is in right now more than balances out the glorious past.Questionably the filthiest railway station I have ever seen.Every inch littered, foot paths wet with pee, pushy harassing touts at the station offering various services.It is a wonder people make a second trip.
More interesting is the tactless signages put up accross the Tajmahal to guide the highvalue/foriegn ticket holders Vs Indian tourists.Indian tourists are allowed to see the Taj at a 30 rs ticket, whereas the foriegn nationals have to shell out close to 700 rs.It is not an unusual practise accross countries to have a fare difference for foreign nationals visiting monuments of cultural or historical value.What is unusual is the treatment meted out to these visitors.Right from where do you enter (at various entrances) to you where you walk to weather you take off your shoes or not is decided by the ticket price.More tactful signage could have helped for sure
More interesting is the tactless signages put up accross the Tajmahal to guide the highvalue/foriegn ticket holders Vs Indian tourists.Indian tourists are allowed to see the Taj at a 30 rs ticket, whereas the foriegn nationals have to shell out close to 700 rs.It is not an unusual practise accross countries to have a fare difference for foreign nationals visiting monuments of cultural or historical value.What is unusual is the treatment meted out to these visitors.Right from where do you enter (at various entrances) to you where you walk to weather you take off your shoes or not is decided by the ticket price.More tactful signage could have helped for sure
The second trip was to the the hill station Manali & the neighbouring Naggar.Was pleasant enough, melting snow & lovely, friendly dogs.Stayed at The Castle, the heritage hotel at Naggar.The Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 A.D.Lovely place built in stone & wood in the local Himanchali tradition.Am curious to find how much of it is renovated though, most of it I assume, except for the foundation may be.Renovated well though, true to local materials & techniques & most likely based on the original plan. Rooms are nice too, ceilings & floors paneled in soft wood & surprisingly modern considering the exteriors.
