CWG tourists soak in beauty of the Taj

AGRA - The bright sun and the heat are proving quite a challenge for the many Commonwealth Games athletes and officials travelling from Delhi to Agra but the Taj Mahal makes it all worthwhile, officials here said Monday.

On Sunday, as many as 320 CWG guests visited the 17th century mausoleum, famed as one of the wonders of the world, while the number did not cross even 200 in the previous two days.

The sportspersons and officials were taken in 20 odd buses to the Taj Mahal from Delhi, about 200 km away. “Groups from England, New Zealand, Canada, Sri Lanka and Malaysia came on Sunday,” an official said.

The disabled roamed the complex in wheelchairs and had a wonderful time, he added.

Agra Tourist Guides Association president Shamshuddin said: “The heat is proving a dampener as some tourists are having minor health problems. But now the number is picking up. We expect more tourists from the Games Village.”

At the Taj, the sportspersons look totally relaxed as the soak in the beauty of white marble monument and the landscaping. “Some have posed for photos in yoga postures, and while doing aerobics and exercises. They are just enjoying themselves,” said Vishal, a photographer at the Taj.

The Indian Railways have been running a special Shatabdi Express daily between Agra and New Delhi to bring the CWG guests to the Taj city. Air conditioned Marco Polo buses were also arranged for the guests from the Agra Cantt railway station to the Shilpgram complex where gold carts are available to reach the Taj.

After spending two hours at the Taj, the guests are taken to hotel Jaypee Palace where they have lunch and relax for a while before returning to Delhi, another official said.