Local markets are usually better experience than every “official” sights in every city.   In Agra there is an interesting bazaar just west from the Fort, close to Jama Masjid mosque. It is called Kinari bazaar.  You will find there everything you wished for and more. Much more.

The best thing about the bazaar is that people are friendlier, not pushy like the guys around major tourist attractions. The smiles on their faces are pristine. Not used to foreigners and this is just couple of hundred metres away from the Fort.

The traffic is crazy, but friendly Tuk tuk driver did a great job taking me through terrible chaos on the road.

A cup of tea is always a good idea.

Flower power.

The dentist. I wouldn’t trust my teeth to this guy!

Proud Muslim trader. I had a cup of Masala tea with him.

At the butcher’s.

Proud owner of a brand new sunglasses.

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It is Taj! Taj Mahal in Agra, India. This photo was taken at early sunrise, when there is really beautiful light.

I’ve just returned from a trip to Kathmandu, Nepal and Northern India. Two weeks were absolutely not enough to experience these two marvelous countries, but just enough to get a taste and the desire to get back someday. Agra is probably the highlight of the most tourist arrangements and I was quite sceptical about the Taj Mahal. Well, I must admit – it is overwhelming! The monument is just fantastic – it really leaves impression.

A loving couple at the monument to love.

The only asymmetrical thing on the Taj is light:)

Local visitors enjoying their time.

A view through main gate.

I couldn’t resist to take this classic shot. It is not as easy as it looks.

A detail of the mosque.

This mosque was built for the workers who constructed the Taj.

A view from the rooftop of the Shanti guesthouse.

Taj Mahal is really worth to visit. It sounds like a stereotype, but that’s the truth. There are throngs of visitors and it is difficult to get a clean shot, but with a patience and a bit of luck you can do it. I was there less than one hour and still managed to make this shots. It is impossible to avoid crowds, but if you get there early enough, there won’t be hundreds of tourist buses yet and the light is more beautiful. So – get up early and be there when the gates open!

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