As part of a familiarisation trip with East, South, and Northern African journalists, I was about to dive into a world so different, yet so welcoming. From the moment we landed in Mumbai, the energy of India greeted us with open arms, and the eagerness of the people to know more about Africa was truly heartwarming.

The first few days in Mumbai and New Delhi were an eye-opener. The chaos, the traffic, the markets buzzing with activity – it was like stepping into a whirlwind of life. But what stood out the most was the warmth of the people. Every conversation was a discovery. Whether it was the taxi drivers asking about life in Africa or the local shopkeepers sharing their stories, there was always an eagerness to learn and share. I couldn’t help but be captivated by their curiosity and openness. They were genuinely interested in knowing more about our cultures, our struggles, and our achievements.

But there was one thing that had been at the back of my mind throughout the trip – the Taj Mahal. It wasn’t just a monument; it was a symbol of love, history, and the grandeur of India. Everyone I spoke to had told me about the magnificence of the Taj, but hearing about it and seeing it were two entirely different things. I was curious, excited, and determined to see it for myself.

The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth.

On June 14, 2025, the day we had all been waiting for had arrived. We were going to Agra, home to one of the most iconic structures in the world. We boarded a bus from New Delhi, and as we set off on the five-hour journey, I couldn’t contain my excitement.

The landscape changed from the bustling streets of New Delhi to the quieter, rural roads that led us towards Agra. Along the way, I marvelled at the sights – the fields, the small towns, and the endless horizon.

Everywhere I looked, there were tourists – some taking photos, some sitting quietly, reflecting on the beauty around them.

As we got closer to Agra, the heat began to intensify. It was about 40 degrees Celsius, and the air felt thick, almost like you could touch it. Despite the scorching heat, my excitement only grew. There was something about this building – something that drew people from all corners of the world to stand before it in awe. And today, I was going to be one of those people.

When we finally arrived, the first thing that struck me was the sheer scale of the Taj Mahal. From a distance, it stood tall and magnificent, a stunning marble wonder gleaming under the sun. The intricate details, the symmetry, and the soft hues of the white marble – everything about it was mesmerising. But what really took my breath away was the feeling of standing in front of a piece of history so rich, so powerful, it felt almost surreal.

There was a sense of reverence, a respect for the monument and its history that was palpable.

The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth. The story of their love was etched into every corner of the monument. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but imagine the love, the devotion, and the pain that went into creating such a magnificent structure. It was hard to believe that it had taken over 20 years and thousands of workers to complete this architectural marvel. The Taj Mahal was more than just a monument; it was a testament to the enduring power of love.

I walked around the complex, taking in every detail. The marble floors were cool under my feet, the walls adorned with delicate carvings, and the gardens surrounding the Taj were lush and well-kept.

The flowers, the calligraphy, and the precious stones embedded in the walls – everything was so meticulously crafted, it felt like stepping into a dream.

Everywhere I looked, there were tourists – some taking photos, some sitting quietly, reflecting on the beauty around them. But it wasn’t just the building that captivated me; it was the energy of the place. There was a sense of reverence, a respect for the monument and its history that was palpable.

As I made my way closer to the mausoleum, the intricate designs on the marble became even more impressive. The flowers, the calligraphy, and the precious stones embedded in the walls – everything was so meticulously crafted, it felt like stepping into a dream. The reflection of the Taj Mahal in the water beneath it added to the surreal beauty of the scene. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

The reflection of the Taj Mahal in the water beneath it added to the surreal beauty of the scene. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

Despite the sweltering heat, I never felt tired. The beauty of the Taj Mahal, the history behind it, and the atmosphere of the place were so captivating that the heat didn’t seem to matter. I found myself lost in the grandeur of it all, walking through the gardens, pausing to take in the view, and simply soaking in the moment. It felt like I was part of something timeless, something that had been standing for centuries and would continue to stand for many more.

Before leaving, I took one last look at the Taj Mahal. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the marble, and I knew that this experience would stay with me forever. The Taj Mahal wasn’t just a building; it was a symbol of love, a piece of history, and a reminder of the incredible beauty that can be created when passion and devotion come together.

As we made our way back to the bus, the reality of what I had just witnessed began to sink in. India had lived up to every expectation I had, and more. The Taj Mahal was everything I had imagined and so much more. It was a place where history, beauty, and love converged, and I was fortunate enough to witness it firsthand.

My time in India had been a journey of discovery, not just of a new country but of myself. It was a reminder that there is so much beauty and wonder in the world, waiting to be explored, experienced, and cherished. And for me, the Taj Mahal was the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.