Fascinating Agra!

For this #TrueTravelers edition we’ll share Enrique's story, a passionate photographer who lives in Barcelona and makes traveling part of his daily life!This time he visited Agra, a fascinating city in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India; and he is going to tell us everything about his trip.

"Definitely, Taj Mahal is a must and maybe the most memorable place in Agra, non leaving unnoticed the other small Tombs, mausoleums and exotic ancient buildings in the city such as the "baby " Taj or  Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah and The Red Fort. Still whenever I think about Agra,  maybe my favorite time there was roaming at the other side of the Yamuna river, at the gardens of Mehtab Bagh, away from the hordes of tourists where you cannot only overlook the Taj but also it's reflections on the water."

"If you ever come to Agra and cannot access the Taj Mahal, for instance on a Friday when it's closed to tourists, maybe the next best thing is to visit the Mehtab Bagh gardens, which allows you to overlook the mausoleum from the backside of the river, it's still memorable and for a portion of the price. The best indian food you'll ever eat while in Agra is at Pinch Of Spice at Fatehabad Road, delicious, spicy and with excellent service."

If you ever feel exhausted about the noise, colors and people, please find yourself a quiet place. I was surprised to find so many public gardens, an hour or two seated on the grass and under the shadow of a tree was maybe the best remedy for the amazing but explosive hechices of the streets.

I didn't planned to stay in the city at first, however I found and stayed at Atulyaa Taj, a small nice hotel with terraces that overlook at the Taj, a refreshing and all-need-for-the-summer swimming pool and excellent service, I couldn't believe it was all for slightly above 20 USD per night in a 4 stars worthy private room. Nevertheless, I don't think it was luck, general accommodation in Agra and India is quite un-expensive, for as little of 40 USD you get a Hilton category hotel and for only 8 USD can still find affordable basic rooms, so I'd dare to say there's something for everyone on this historic town.

My favorite piece from Cristina Ramella is the Mexico Pendant my best friend gifted me, it's definitely my favorite piece of jewelry in general! It's simple and so nice looking, it's also a great conversation starter since a few people have the tendency of pointing it out, asking me about my own heritage and well, it also serves as a map whenever I speak about my hometown to people not very acquainted to the Mexican geography.

At first it was more about the excitement of just going to places, but over the years it has evolved into a passion for learning and discovering new uses, forms and flavors. It's not uncommon finding friendly people to talk or to listen, stories about different lives and realities that help me feel more connected to this world. Traveling has also helped me raise my own awareness about the culture I grew up in, but also to appreciate the small things that make life beautiful... like food!

Now, my travel plans are almost as goals! On the short term can't wait to visit Egypt and Greece next summer, to visit Kenya and Ethiopia in the following years and to plan an extensive 6 months experience across India, from the Kerala beaches in the south, going all up to the Himalayas in the north but this time, hopped on a motorcycle!

To keep up with Enrique on his next adventures, follow him on his Instagram account: @enriquedelah