As I approached the train station, a man dressed like a security guard came up to me and said, “You have to pay to get inside.” Strangely, the amount he demanded was even higher than what I’d paid for my guesthouse the night before.
Sensing something was off, I searched for another entrance—and sure enough, I got into the station without any issues. It had been a scam. Soon after, another man tried the same trick. Thankfully, a fellow Japanese traveler told me, “That’s just a scam. Ignore it.” I felt saved.
Travelers bond quickly. At the station, a group of seven Japanese backpackers naturally formed, exchanging tips and deciding to travel together. That night, we had what we called our “first drinking night in India” at a bar-like place.
Since public drinking is frowned upon in India, the beer was served wrapped in silver foil. It wasn’t cold—more like room temperature—but it tasted unbelievably good. Maybe it was the exhaustion, anxiety, noise, and constant scams, but that beer felt like it washed everything away. It might’ve been the best beer of my life.
The next morning, I hopped into a tuk-tuk and headed to the Taj Mahal. My driver? The same guy who had persistently approached me at the station the day before. For 500 yen (about $5), he agreed to show me around for half a day.
The iconic white Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. He later planned to construct a “Black Taj Mahal” on the opposite bank of the river, but his dreams were cut short when he was overthrown and imprisoned by his own sons.
Even amidst the bustle of tourists, the beauty of the structure—and the tragic story behind it—left a quiet imprint on my heart.
Next up: Wandering Through India #3 — The Chaos of Varanasi and the Temptation of Chai
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