It is very difficult to be alone in Lucknow in India. Every road, street and public space is inundated by people. Amidst the colourful blinking lights reminiscent of early Christmas celebrations and catchy music fanfare, I decided that if I cannot beat them, I shall join them. In the spur of a moment, I hopped off a moving coach and crashed an Indian wedding. The groom and entourage did not seem to mind but welcomed my presence. I even danced with them on the streets!
We also made a trip to Bhagwat Das & Sons tailor who has been retailing saris and kurte for over 200 years. A trusted retailer according to our guide, they provide a wide range of Indian traditional apparels for all shapes and sizes, including kids. Alteration is free and takes only five minutes to complete. I was lucky to befriend two natives in Lucknow, but residing in Singapore during my flight there. According to them, one will need to slash all quoted prices to a quarter of it should you like to purchase an item of interest. And, I was glad I did. My travelling companions paid 1500 rupees for their soles and I only forked out 300 rupees (SGD6)! Negotiation is key. Walk away if they disagree and they will come chasing after you to offer another price.
It was such a lovely experience. And, I thought I would be able to manoeuvre within the crowd.
TAJ MAHAL
But, it was even harder to be alone in Agra, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. After a seven hour coach ride from Lucknow, City of Nawabs to Agra, I was greeted with plentiful of tour coaches full of the camera-happy and curious (I have to admit that I was also one of them), headed to the enduring structural marvel to unravel this token of deep affection Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan erected, in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Evidently, the world’s most renowned tomb is a magnet for tourists and even locals.
Wrought completely with white marble and inlaid with semi precious stones crafted painstakingly by the craftsmen in the 19th century, the mausoleum was a majestic sight to see and felt almost overwhelming. A slab of marble about the width of a watermelon is estimated to take four days to complete. Imagine the amount of time and people required to build this symbol of love – an extensive complex of buildings featuring intricate detailing and gardens that extends over 22.44 hectares. One can only envisage the immensity of the love emperor Shah had for his beloved wife. This legendary beauty took 23 years in the making.
Along the way, there were locals who would ask me to take pictures with them. I was hesitant initially but obliged when my guide told me that the natives are always excited to see foreigners and alike. My celebrity moments.
AGRA FORT
About 2.5km northwest of its more celebrated sister monument, the Taj Mahal we arrived at Agra Fort, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers built by Emperor Shah Jahan.
While this red sandstone fortress did not appear as impressive as the later on the exterior, the grandeur of the interior was worth seeing in its own right.
Less packed than its sister, Agra Fort features several beautiful palaces, such as the Khas Mahal, luxurious audience halls and two very splendid mosques. There was time for a royal moment within each space.
BARA IMAMBARA
We travelled back to Lucknow to Bara Imambara, a tomb dedicated to a Shiite old man. A historic monument that was built more than 200 years ago, this unassuming tomb structure pales when compared to the both architectural marvels mentioned above but within it lies over 1000 intriguing labyrinth passages (some with dead ends!) wrought with walls filled with scribbles and notes of love by visitors. I was tempted to leave my mark but decided against it. Also known as Asafi Imambara, it was built by Nwab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one of the structural phenomenal during that era.
We were brought to this labyrinth with dark, narrow and winding passage way that leads all the way up to gorgeous rooftop balconies. A torch is highly recommended; otherwise your smartphone torch will do the trick as well. The view atop was simply breathtaking. It was akin to seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Along the journey, we came across the central hall, which is touted to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork used in building in the entire structure.
Lucknow, the capital of the capital of Uttar Pradesh truly lives up to its reputation as a city of culture. For more information on flights, visit www.tigerair.com. Tour packages are available with Sheeraz tours, an IATA approved travel agency based in Lucknow and partner of TigerAir in Northern India.
About the Writer
Gene Kwek is a lifestyle marketer, travel flirt and nemo-loving addict who is constantly trying to knock down her bucket list of unicorn pursuits. Nomadic instincts strike a tad too frequently. Sometimes, she cannot decide if she wants to be on land or in the sea. #firstworldproblems
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