Day-20 | 23-June-2011 | Delhi-Pathankot | 520.8 Kms | 4424.2 Kms

It was 5:45 AM with I was out of lodge with fully loaded bull. After several enquiries for the route, I was on right track towards Ambala. As I was riding on my own pace, few more bullters over took me & thought will be nice to ride along with them. Then again another group of bullters joining in. But the bad part was mad traffic. Cars come from all the directions & honk like hellL. They just want them to pass through no matter what others do. Till Panipat, the road turned out to be smooth but after that, it was very irritating with loads of diversions. Took my first break after covering 135 odd Kms for breakfast.

“Bhaiya ek Gobi Paratha laana aur thel kum daalna…”

“Saab Paratha sukka aatha hain” he said smiling at me..

Post breakfast, when I was about to leave, a middle aged man came & said something which I dint understand. After questioning him again,

“Going to Kargil???”

“No Ladakh”

“Oh that’s great! Where is your group??”

“No. I am all alone…”

“Oh! Is this bike from Kerala??”

“No Karnatak, Bangalore!”

“You rode all the way from there??”

“Yes! It took me around 20 days. Roamed all over MP & came!”

“That’s very good. It was my dream & you are making it happen”

After he wishing me good luck ahead, moved on for another short stretch without jacket & scarf. But as the bulleters passed me again, rode along with their pace & I took left turn to Ludhiana & they went straight towards Chandigarh at Ambala. The short stretch turned out to be 120 Kms long one & was desperately in need of a break. Had lassi in a shop nearby again & the ride continues for another 100 odd Kms.

Work in progrss GT Road

Lassi break!

Although the road had huge number of diversions, it was quite ok with green vista of Punjab aroundJ. While nearing Jalandhar, took next break at Bikanerwala for lunch. This lunch break turned out to be something different than usual one. Filled my stomach & emptied it as well. Gosh!! Some things come at wrong time. After a tasty Rasmalai, crossed Jalandhar & I am towards Pathankot.

Lunch break..

Even in this highway, there were deviations but the last few Kms were smooth enough to ride on. Made it to Pathankot by 6:30 PM & after searching for a while, got into Nanda’s Lodge for 500 bux.

Punjab greens...

Pathankot nearby now

Beautiful roads

After taking in my luggage, lodge manager showed me engine oil leaking from clutch box. Thought to get it fixed & as I had to get some soap’s & shampoo’s, rode to city & stopped at Xerox centre to get my license photo copied which was required in lodge as ID proof. There again met a middle aged Air Force person named Sukhvinder Singh who asked if my bike is from Kerala. Man! Does KA number plate looks like Kerala one??? After explaining him the story in brief, asked him if there are any bullet mechanics around so that I can get the oil leakage issue checked. He told to ride along with him & took me to a mechanic named Vikcy! Vicky a young boy came out & looked at the issue & said,

“Kala aa jaana! Clutch box ka seal naya daalna hain! Thees minute a kaam bus!” & tapped my back saying not to worry.

Man! What do these guys eat?? His tapping was stronger than a hitJ. Mean time got a phone call from Xerox shop guy saying I have left the original in his shop. Boy! I really suck at times. All in all, it was 9:15 PM when I reached lodge, I had 2 huge Mango’s for dinner, washed few clothes & crashed little late.

Day-19 | 22-June-2011 | In Delhi | 31.4 Kms | 3903.4 Kms

Day started pretty early so as I had to update previous days blogs. Post breakfast on roof top, went to Bawa’s shop as break issue had to be fixed still. It was sharp 10:00 AM when I was at his shop & by then only his dad & grand pa were there still waiting for Bawa to come. Meanwhile, there was also another customer from Israel waiting to get his bullet repaired. Had a casual conversation with him in which he revealed he would be leaving to Ladakh in few days via Dharamshala once his girl friend comes to Delhi. Soon after, Anu came & started to work on my bike. As the time ticked by, fixed the break issues & later on had to go to Electrician guy for the previous day’s wrong wiring. After an analysis, he found that there was an issue with cut out & it got replaced. All in all, it was 1:30 PM when I was out with my bike to room.

Vikram Travels guys who served me food during my stay in Delhi!

Came back to room & took some good rest as it was much in need for me. Post lunch in Southern Hotel, parked my bike in Rajiv Chowk & visited Akshardham Temple in metro. On my way to Akshardham, got a message from Swagat to meet today. With no plans in evening, we decided to meet at India Gate. After a detailed security checks, I was let inside Akshardham & it was worth it. Very beautiful place it was & was missing my camera to the coreL. After visiting the Temple, stood in queue for boat ride. Ended up paying 100 bux for boat ride & some other darshan which I was not in need off. Had boat ride which was worth with they describing our history & came back to Rajiv Chowk to pick my baby. From there straight away to India Gate & met Swagat later on joined by Ankur. It was nice meeting buddy travellers. After a chit chat & stuffing in some street food, back to lodge & closed my account for the day as I had big ride tomorrow.

Day-18 | 21-June-2011 | In Delhi | 7.2 Kms | 3872 Kms

Day started pretty late when Vikram Travels manager knocked the door asking for teaJ. After pouring in tea, 4 idli’s & 4 vada’s, called up Shashank so that he can take me to the mechanic. As specified by him, met him at around 10:00 AM at Bikanerwala & he took me to Bawa mechanic. Now once at Bawa, Shashank explained what to do to Bawa in simple termsJ

“Gaadi lambi safar karke aayi hain! Abhi lambi safar karni hain…”

While I told Bawa the minor issues I have with front & rear brakes, Bawa took my machine for a round & said he needs to open the engine completely as there is a sound coming from there. It will run for another 2000 Kms but after that no idea & sound will just increase with distance. What???? I was all shocked as opening entire engine would take minimum 4-5 daysL. Bawa continued saying if the pin inside crank & bearings might have worn out, it will be around 2k for the parts & 2k for the labour separately. Boy! Is he servicing the bike or emptying my bank balance???

With no other choice, I had to accept getting it rectified & soon after that Shashank left to his work bidding bye to me. Bawa told me that today he will give me the bike but tomorrow I have to ride for some distance to test it. Once accepted on what to needs to be done, Anu an assistant of Bawa started on my bike & as time ticked by, engine parts rolled out one by one. Meanwhile, I did look at his shop board which said ‘Since 1937’. Also there were some photos at his shop in which Bawa was standing with bullet & foreigners. There was also a certification from Canadian High Commission for his work on bullets. Now what is the relation of his work with bullet & Canada was my question which got answer after while that he does modification & exports the bike in large numbers to various parts of the world. Shashank had also told me that these guys are into bullet for more than 70 years now. While I was watching the work in progress, Bawa’s dad called me aside & there begins the long chit-chat. He told me about his dad who does supervision at present of the shop & his days of working on bullets. Later on, it was Bawa’s dad who worked day & night on bullets.

“Mere zamaane main, lakho gadiya chutke me teek kiya hain maine! Abhi mera beta Bawa kaam samaltha hain! Main bus usse joh cheese chahiye, woh lake deta hoon! Mere papaji, ab sirf supervision karte hain!”

The conversion continued till 1:30 PM in which Bawa’s dad told lot of things about his working days, how he spends his life here in Karol Bagh, his day-to-day activities, his diet every day.

“Aap Bangalore ke ho na??? Maine suna hain Bangalore bahut badiya shehar hain???”

“Ha ji! Bangalore acha shahar hain!!! Waha parks bahut hain…”

“Maine kabhi Bangalore gaya nahin! Phir bi Bangalore dekha hain maine, Discovery Channel pe…”

While on a chat, I did observe Dadaji (Bawa’s grandpa) couple of times & he was busy saying ‘’Jai Mata Pita ki! Jai Mata Pita ki…’ to everyone whom he knows & passes by. When Bawa & Anu took entire crank to get lathed, I told uncle (Bawa’s dad) that I would have lunch & come back in some time.

“Woi ji aapko khana kaani hain na??? Rukko ek minute! Main aapko ek badiya jagah dikata hoon kaane ke liye!” Man! I had already thought of Southern Hotel & what is this new to taste to try on???

Uncle took me to a small restaurant in the next street (galli) where only Roti with different veg curries was available. Boy! Why does food tastes so nice at small restaurants?? Roti & Dal was simply mind blowing. After consuming 3 Roti’s, ordered Lassi & guess what?? He gave it in a glass which was nearly 500 ml for sure! What non sense?? How can I have so much when my stomach is already full??? Had tough time pouring it in but could not waste it since it was very tasty!

Post lunch, came back to Bawa’s shop & uncle asked me,

“Kaisa tha khana??? Badiya???”

Before I could answer him, burped loudly from which uncle got clear answerJ. I told uncle that I would come after some time & walked back room to get some rest & to update blogs. At around 5:00 PM went to Bawa’s shop again & his assistants had already started to work on fitting engine part by part. Meanwhile, Bawa also told me to get some spares from neat by shop.

Bawa working with is assistants while his grand pa doing a supervision...

Galli's of Karol Bagh!

As time ticked by my machine got its shape back & it was already dark by now. While the work was going on at full speed, Bawa’s grandpa showed me some visiting cards & letters he had received from government & other big shots of automobile companies at his times who had come to visit me.

As the bikes horn wiring was pathetic, Bawa called an electrician from adjacent Galli & he fixed up things neatly with new cut out (Relay which I had mentioned in Agra). I dint understand why did he replace new one when I had just put a new cut out in AgraL. When everything was set right, Bawa started my machine & took a round to check if everything is fine. Once back, I realized that bike’s indicator, horn & parking light works even when the key is removed. What the heck is this?? Electrician told,

“Woh sir hum kal dekenge! Aaj aap fuse nikalke rakna raat ko….”

I did try with a round & bike had become pretty smooth & powerful. Bawa told the small things like break & stuffs would be done tomorrow before NOON. Settled the bill for today & it turned out to be 6600 odd buxL. Gone is gone & better that everything is fine before hitting hills I thought, had dinner in Southern Hotel & crashed.

Day-17 | 20-June-2011 | In Delhi | 40.9 Kms | 3864.8 Kms

It was 7:30 AM in the morning when I dared to open my eyes & look out of bed. As Karol Bagh is closed, I had absolutely nothing else to do for the day. After getting fresh, went to roof top for breakfast sponsored by Vikram Travels guys & smashed 4 Rava Idli’sJ.

“Madhyana unasugu balle 12:30 sharp (Come for lunch in noon at 12:30 sharp)” the cook told me & I said would surely come if I am there.

After chit chatting with them for some time, got back to my room & worked on blogs which was pending since 2 days. The reason for not working on blogs was my boredom. Had been to a state of buffalo where it does nothing other than eating. Mean while also called up Shashank Aggarwal who suggested me a good mechanic named Bawa in Karol Bagh but as it is closed today, I have to go tomorrow. He also gave me another option to go for a showroom mechanic whom he knows but as that was pretty far, I preferred to get it serviced here itself.

Blog write up & browsing went on till lunch time. Went to roof top & had good boiled rice lunch till my neck. Post lunch, it was high time being in room & wanted to check out something frantically. That’s when Humayun’s Tomb came to my mind & am straight away towards it.

Laxmi Narayan Temple: One of the landmark to Karol Bagh

As per my land marks in Delhi, reached India Gate & was looking for Mathura Road with slight confusion.

“You need any help???” a guy said halting his Thunderbird beside mine.

“Actually I am looking out for a route to Humayun’s Tomb!”

“What?? Humayun’s Tomb???” he got completely confused.

“Yes! It’s near to Nizamuddin Station…”

“Oh okie!!! Then this is the route…” he showed & asked me about my trip.

“Even I am a rider. I am from Kerala but working in Delhi. I have ridden from Kashmir to Kanyakumari & have my record in Limca book of world records!”

It was nice meeting him & I continued to Humayun’s Tomb. After going for a while & enquiring, a car driver told me to take left in next signal & then straight. Now I got little doubtful on his route as I knew it is somewhere nearby. But hoping his route might be a proper one, followed it only to find that I have landed in Noida Toll Road. What the ****????? With no other option left, rode till toll gate & took a U-Turn back to the same spot & got the right direction to Humayun’s Tomb.

Humayun’s Tomb was a neat place in terms of how it is maintained & great part was that there was no one to disturb you saying guidesJ. After getting in, got my share of clicks of the Tomb & surroundings. Couples were busy on benches of the park surrounding & thought not to click more of surroundingsJ.

Neat garden around Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb first glance!

Some gyan!

Clicked from corner...

Beautiful reflection

Entry to Humayun's Tomb

Inside Humayun's Tomb...

Loved this shot...

An Eagle captured!

Once done with this, came back to lodge to park my bike as I wanted to experience Metro & took a cycle rick to Karol Bagh station. From there straight away to Central Secretariat. Walking in Rajpath with chats in hand was very much cherishing to mind & heart. But the bad part was the area was filled with tourists to the threshold & place has gone very much dirty with full of paper plates & plastic bottles thrown in lawns. I don’t understand the maturity level these people have. Government has put up dustbins at every 10 mtrs distance & people can’t even walk up till thereL. But I was in no mood to give them gyan & wanted to enjoy my presence in Rajpath. As I was wearing a simple T-Shirt & slippers, I had become a photographer in few tourists mind & again they ask,

“Ek photo ka kitna hain???” J J J

With nothing else to do, sat there in lawns till dark to see magnificent India Gate in lights.

Crowed lazing around India Gate!

My salute to you!!!

Tourists were waiting to see it when dark!!!

Later on, came back to Karol Bagh, had dinner in Hotel Southern as it served south food. Walked back to room & went to deep sleep with bike servicing as tomorrow’s main agenda.

Day-16 | 19-June-2011 | Agra-Delhi | 329.9 Kms | 3823.9 Kms

Alarm was sincere to ring at 4:45 AM but I was not sincere to get upJ. Woke up by 5:00 AM & rode towards Mehtab Bagh. Room manager’s specified route was simply perfect & I am at the Mehtab Bagh by 5:25 AM. Parked my bike & walked a bit beside the park as park gate was still closed. When I reached bank of Yamuna, all I found there were couple of other professional photographer’s with complete kit. Their SLR’s were sitting firmly on tri-pods & few were busy clicking. Security person told everyone not to cross over the gate. One guy asked why not we when locals can cross over the gate & go.

“Woh toh local log hain… Unhe jaana padta hain! Lekin photographers ko nahin jaana hain!!!” I don’t know what logic he applied to come to that conclusion.

I thought I would get some good shots soon after sunrise but the wait went in vain as it was cloudyL. Although the brightness was there, it was not what I was expecting.

Wonder Taj as seen from Mehtab Bhag early morning!

Fencing not to cross over!

After waiting till 6:30 AM came back to lodge & got fresh. Packed my luggage & loaded the small bags in box’s & the bigger one I kept in luggage room along with leather jacket so that I can pick them up once back from Fathepur Sikri. As I rode out from lodge, saw a board Udupi Restaurant on right written in Kannada & I take a U-Turn without second thoughtJ. Had Onion Uttappam & Tea which lightened my wallet by 110 bux. One Onion Uttappam costs 85 bux. What the heck!!!

“Items maata udupida, rate maatra udupida attu (Items are from Udupi but not the cost)” I said to manager in Tulu (coastal Karnataka language). Even though it was against the cost they have put in menu, was quite happy inside that I got someone to speak in TuluJ. Man! Beautiful language it is…

Glad to see this :)

After couple of local conversations, followed the sign boards towards Jaipur & was on NH-11 to Fathepur Sikri. Reached there by 9:45 AM & as I knew from my previous visit, had to park my bike far away & walk a lot. When a tourist is in famous historical place, it’s quite painful to negotiate with locals with whatever they offer.

“Sir, main local guide hoon. Agar aap guide ke saat challenge toh gaadi upar tak leke ja sakte ho!!!”

“Sir! Fathepur Sikri ka complete guide book. Sirf bees rupai…”

“Sir! Fathepur Sikri ka post cards.. badiya hain..” & what not.

I declined all their offers & boarded the local bus which would take tourists to entrance of the historical place. 5 mins bus journey charging 5 bux was worth it when compared against walking under a burning sun! Took entry ticket & again the same things about guides.

“Bhaiyya yeh main teesri baar ah raha hoon…” I said little frustrated though it was my first visitJ.

When I went in, I realised I should have taken a guide. Man! So many places to check out. Boy! Why I do something when it’s not needed & not do something when it’s needed??? Anyways as I had not much time, got busy clicking some photographs of the places inside. There were lot of places like ‘Diwan Khana-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khass, Treasury Kiosk, Anup Talao, Diwan Khana-I-Khass, Panch Mahal, Jodhbais Kitchen, Jodhbais Palace, Birbals House’ & so on. All the places were very neatly maintained with only monuments & green lawns.

Diwan Khana-I-'Am of Fathepur Sikri

Diwan-I-Khass

Beautifully maintained!

Awesome places inside Fathepur Sikri!

Diwan Khana-I-Khass & Khwabgah

Anup Talao

Neat everywhere!

Jodhbai's Kitchen I guess...

Jodhbai's Palace!

Birbal's house...

Once out clicking all from other side of Fathepur Sikri, gave a visit to Dargah which was also a wide spread one. It was little crowded as well with huge bunch of devotees. Ah! At last visited world heritage site that I had missed to visit almost 3 years backJ.

Inside Dargah!

Arial view of Dargah

Came back to parking in bus & while taking my bike out, parking guy asked for the slip. Searched all my pockets only to find it had gone missing. Shit! What to do now?? Pay again?? Was pretending to search till he went to other customers & then slipped away. I don’t know if I had done right but time was ticking fast & I had to compete with it today.

After a slight confusion in road after entering city, reached my lodge with lunch at Udupi Restaurant & geared up for Delhi answering all the questions of lodge guys. While I was about to leave, lodge manager asked,

“Aapne, apna DL to leli na joh ID proof ke liye diya tha???”

That’s when I realised I had given my DL for ID proof. After searching for a while & going back to my memory, I confidently told him they have not returned it to me. A polite argument went on for some time with supervisor saying he has retuned my DL yesterday & me saying he has not. After the discussion consuming some good time & we both not finding it with us, I told him it is a coloured Xerox & I still have original. As it was already nearing 1:30 PM, moved out towards Delhi. Wow! It’s Chalo Dilli todayJ. But where is the pleasure of riding in Agra-Delhi NH. It was like 220 odd Kms of city ride for me. Tourist cars sneaking in from every angle, tractor overtaking another tractor, trucks riding in middle of the road, lot of towns to pass by & all the stupid things were part of busy NH-2. Was pretty tired of riding for almost 2 hours negotiating all these & wanted a break at any cost. Stopped at some dabha for Chai & again back on wheels to Delhi.

Chalo Dilli! :)

From my previous visit to Delhi, I knew that after Faridabad it would be pain as there was flyover construction work in progress. But this time, it was all done & no dust to compromise with. While coming from Agra, all I knew to reach Karol Bagh was, I will be getting a flyover perpendicular to Agra road & after crossing that, I need to keep going straight till I hit India Gate about which there will be sign boards. Once in India Gate, take Ashoka Road & from there, the next land mark was Laxmi Narayan Temple. This was all I knew from my previous ride from Agra 2.5 years back. Now who argues my memory sucks??? J But this time while I entered city in search of the flyover, I was put in a mess. New metro tracks put me in great confusion of where to go & where not. With nothing positively working in my mind, thought to move along with the traffic as the time was still nearing 6:00 PM & guess what? I was on right path. After riding straight for kms, I am in front of great India Gate. Boy! What a pleasure seeing thisJ. After that, it was Ashoka Road till it ends & Laxmi Narayan Temple. But in Karol Bagh, had slight confusion reaching Hotel SunShine & after seeking help from locals, reached without any further issues.

‘Ah! Man, you rock! Rode all the way from Silicon City to Capital City! This is amazing’ I said to myself & walked in answering the same set of questions. Lodge manager said I will get room here for today but for tomorrow; I need to shift as there are over booking for next 2 days. With no choice left, agreed as I was tired to move to another one today. Got fresh & informed family & friends on my safe arrival to Delhi as I was quite happy to make it to here riding 3800 odd Kms. Enquired lodge manager about good bullet mechanic to get my bike serviced & he told Monday is holiday for Karol Bagh. Man! One complete day would be waste nowL. While I was inside my room, could hear some guys speaking Tulu & had a casual conversation with them as I cannot resist speaking Tulu with whomever I get chance to. They were tour managers of Vikram Travels; a well known tourist agency from Mangalore. After a lot of conversation about my trip & theirs, they invited me for dinner & I was glad to accept it as they served simple boiled rice, rasam & butter milk. Post dinner,

“Naale 8:30 ge banni breakfastige… (Tomorrow come for breakfast at 8:30)”

Now who will decline the offer?? Again some chit chats with them & crashed with hope of getting late tomorrow with no plans in mindJ.

Day-15 | 18-June-2011 | Gwalior-Agra | 152.8 Kms | 3494 Kms

‘It was just 120+ Kms for today to Agra & that too after visiting Gwalior Fort which would open after 8:00 AM’. This was the reason for me to get up late by 7:30 AM. As I had to check out soon after visiting the fort, packed my stuffs & went to Indian Coffee House for a breakfast. Post breakfast, rode to Gwalior Fort West gate negotiating the narrow & dusty city streets. Shit! My horn again refused to work todayL. As I rode up the hill, I saw some of the Rock Sculptures & thought to check them out while coming back. Once inside the fort, Man! This is huge. Walked for a while & took entry ticket to Man Singh Palace. A local approached me saying there is an underground rooms inside the palace & he will show them all.

“Kitna lete ho batao??”

“Sir hum authorized guides hain. Jo bhi government rates hoga woh hi dena…”

“Kitna rate hain bolo…..”

“190 only..”

What??? Is he writing any bank slip where ‘only’ has value???

“Sou se zyada nahi milega…”

“Ek so pachaas kardo…”

“Nahi chahiye bhai.. chod do..”

“Teek hain sir! Chalo…”

Man Singh Palace!

He showed me the Man Singh Palace in detail like meeting rooms, Man Singh’s queen’s rooms, dancing room & so on along with the history behind it. After some time, he took me to underground rooms & it was worth it. There were places where queens used to take bath, Aurangzeb hanged one of his brother & so on. There were 2 levels of underground rooms & believe me! It was damn cool there in spite of sweating outside. Was wondering how that can be possible. He showed a big area which used to be queens swimming pool & when the king died in war, queens set themselves on fireL. Once done with all the places inside Palace, came out & got some nice shots of the Palace outside & city view from the hilltop. On our way back, I asked the guide about some place which he dint show me. He said it’s the king’s guest house & nothing special there except couples busy on their work!

Dance room of the palace!

City as seen from the palace window!

Getting into the underground rooms...

Palace from other angle!

Palace & Fort!

Gwalior city viewed from Fort!

After that, he took me to 3 main temples. First one being Teli Ka Mandir!

“Iss mandir ko gyarah sou saal pehle banaya tha xxx maharaj ne!” Man, why the hell do I forget names???

“Iss mandir main raja logo ki shaadi hota tha. Aur uss ke baad, woh yaha pe honeymoon mana te the!!!”

“Kya?? Honeymoon aur is ke andar???”

“Ha…” I thought better not to dig more on thatJ. Guide was more curious on my bike & asked many questions like how much does it cost, mileage & about my ride.

“Aapki gaadi badiya hain!” was his conclusion & was happy it ended soonJ.

Next was Saas Bahu Mandir. These are 2 separate temples situated one beside the other. The bigger one being Saas Temple dedicated to Vishnu & the smaller one is Bahu Temple dedicated to Shiva. On the way he also showed me Scindia School & said admission per year costs 4.5 lakhs here. Salman Khan did his schooling here itseems.

“Bhaiyya humara ek photo keechloge??” one of the 2 young guys asked me.

Man! What’s wrong with the crowd I am facing???

“Par tumhe nahi milega!!!”

They wanted one snap for themselves & as they dint get their mobile, they were missing camera a lot. After couple of shots of the temple, visited the last temple Suraj Kund. It was some temple surrounded by pond & this was the place where king’s serious decease was cured. I forgot again about which king & what decease! Great Krishna…

Teli Ka Mandir...

Saas Mandir

Bahu Mandir...

Suraj Kund!!!

Rock Caves on the fort

It was already 10:45 AM & came back to same yesterday’s place to get my horn back. This time after checking for a while, mechanic confirmed that the relay is not working & needs to be replaced. As the shop where new relay is available was still closed, thought will reach Agra & get it checked.

On the way back, had Masala Dosa & vanilla shake in Indian Coffee Shop as part of my lunch program. Came back to lodge, loaded the bike & it was already nearing 1:00 PM by the time I rode out of Gwalior. Although the initial few Kms till the bypass was not in good shape, later on it was 4-Lane smooth road to cruise on. Thought this will end till Agra but near Dohlpur, the flyover is under construction & road is patheticL. Luckily, it was just for 2-3 Kms & back to smooth road again.

Agra calling :)

Without any break, reached Agra & enquired route to Taj Mahal as there are plenty of stay options available near Taj Mahal West Gate.

While enquiring the route to Taj Mahal with a bunch of cops,

“Yeh badiya pehenke raka hain aapne! Mujhe bahut achha laga. Bahut safe hain…” a cop got interested in my knee pads than telling me the route.

After getting to Taj Mahal, got into Hotel Pratap. As the time had already crossed 3:00 PM, decided to check out Fathepur Sikri tomorrow & went Agra Motors RE showroom to get my horn fixed properly. A mechanic soon started to work on it & replaced the fuse, relay & made a new wiring. 150 bux was worth for getting the horn back with new fuse & relay I thought & came back to lodge to get some blogs updated. Lodge manager had told that Taj Mahal ticket counter would be open till 5:30 PM, gave a visit to wonder Taj once again. Man! Why don’t I get bored of seeing this monument of love??? Taj Mahal is just wonderful. But it was not worth for good photos as it was completely packed with tourists. They were more interested to get themselves clicked as though they are holding Taj Mahal in their hand, lifting Taj Mahal in their hand & so on.

After spending quality time looking at Taj & walking around the premises, came back to lodge. Then on, it wasn’t anything special than blogs, dinner & sleep early as I had to visit Mehtab Bagh tomorrow early morning.

One of the 7 Wonders!

Loved this angle of the Photo

Yamuna flowing...