logo
Ever wondered what Taj Mahal looks like with no people? UK woman found out: ‘One of the most magical experiences'

Ever wondered what Taj Mahal looks like with no people? UK woman found out: ‘One of the most magical experiences'

Indian Express09-05-2025

Imagine standing in front of the Taj Mahal with not a single soul around—no crowds, no noise, just the soft light of dawn and the sound of birds waking up. That's exactly what United Kingdom-based travel influencer Krista Jarman recently experienced, and that left her in complete awe.
Jarman had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the very first visitor through the gates of the Taj Mahal one early morning. Sharing her surreal adventure on Instagram, she posted a video from the visit and wrote, 'When dreams really do come true. This has to be one of the most magical experiences of my life… running around the Taj Mahal at 5 AM like a princess.'
She described the moment as dreamlike. 'Just the sound of the birds waking to the rising sun… the Taj Mahal grounds completely empty of tourists… not a soul in sight… it was like a dream,' she wrote.
Arriving at the East Gate 4.45 AM, Krista was first in line, accompanied by her guide Don, who made sure she had uninterrupted time to soak in the beauty of the monument. As she walked through the towering archways and into the still-dark marble courtyard, the first rays of sunlight lit up the white domes and grand minarets. 'It was so spectacular to walk through those opening gates,' she said. 'Truly, truly spectacular.'
Don not only guided her through the peaceful, empty pathways but also helped her capture some unforgettable photos. 'He took us to all of the best photo spots and captured the most incredible pictures for us… honestly, I cried when I realised how beautiful the images were—all taken on my iPhone, no fancy camera.'
A post shared by Krista Jarman (@kristaslittleadventure)
For fellow travelers hoping for a similarly serene experience, Krista had one piece of advice: 'Arrive at the East Gate by 4:45 am — the Taj Mahal gates open at 5:00 am.'
The video went viral on Instagram with over two million views and netizens shared their views on the video in the comments.
A user commented, 'It's always best to visit tourist places early in the morning as first guest. No crowd. Full of aesthetics. Enjoy the architecture. Live the moment.'
Another user commented, 'I'm from India and this is the first time I saw Taj Mahal more beautiful than ever it was…. Thank you for adding the beauty.'
A third person said, 'We did the same. The first one to enter. For the first 15-20mins, Taj was all ours what an experience.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Mohol flags off flight to Goa from refurbished Solapur airport, cites CM's financial support for Mumbai flight
Mohol flags off flight to Goa from refurbished Solapur airport, cites CM's financial support for Mumbai flight

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Mohol flags off flight to Goa from refurbished Solapur airport, cites CM's financial support for Mumbai flight

Kolhapur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved viability gap funding for airline operators to launch commercially viable Solapur-Mumbai flight services, minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol said on Monday after flagging off the Solapur-Goa flight from the refurbished Hotagi Road airport after a 15-year hiatus. CM Fadnavis was slated to be the chief guest for the event. The authorities, however, said his Mumbai-Solapur flight did not take off because of poor visibility. The Goa-based airline will operate flights on four days a week — Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday — from the airport. The flight took off from Goa's Mopa Airport, landed at Solapur and then took off back to Goa. "Starting commercial flight service from Solapur airport was long due. We refurbished the airport through the UDAN Scheme. Now, we look to develop more facilities like night landing and runway extension at the airport. We also plan to start service to Tirupati and Hyderabad. The CM has approved viability gap funding to operate flights between Solapur and Mumbai, which will start over the next two months," Mohol said. Viability gap funding is a financial support mechanism provided by govt to airlines to ensure affordable air travel, particularly on regional routes. It helps cover the gap between the cost of airline operations and the expected revenue on such routes, making regional air connectivity more accessible. The UDAN Scheme utilises viability gap funding as a key component, with govt compensating airlines for losses due to low fares. "Before 2014, there were only 74 airports across the country, which have increased to 161 now. The aviation industry has been revolutionised under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have centres of worship in Solapur, such as Pandharpur and Tuljapur. Connecting these places via air helps grow trade and tourism," Mohol added.

NRIs launch curated tour packages for Singaporeans in coastal Karnataka
NRIs launch curated tour packages for Singaporeans in coastal Karnataka

Time of India

time5 hours ago

  • Time of India

NRIs launch curated tour packages for Singaporeans in coastal Karnataka

Mangaluru: Undeterred by the recent setback of direct flights between Mangaluru and Singapore failing to take off, Singapore-based NRIs launched an alternative strategy to boost tourism in Coastal Karnataka. Their new initiative, a series of curated tour packages for Singaporeans to Mangaluru, aims to significantly increase tourist traffic, ultimately reviving hopes for direct air connectivity. The first tour, 'Ashta Kshetra Darshan', a five-day spiritual and sightseeing journey, commences on June 13, with an inaugural batch of a small group. This marks a crucial step in showcasing the region's unique appeal. Future plans include 'Exotic Tulunadu' for adventure and beaches, and 'Rome of the East' focusing on historical churches and recreation. Rajesh H Acharya, director of HQ Connections Pte Ltd, Singapore, curated the tour packages with an aim to promote tourism in Coastal Karnataka, and to encourage direct flights from Singapore to Coastal Karnataka. The Tulu community in Singapore was keen to promote the destination when a direct flight between Singapore and Mangaluru was announced from Jan 2025, but the withdrawn later. The 'Ashta Kshetra Darshan' is a tour of eight popular temples in Coastal Karnataka, which is offered through tour operator Udupi Vaibhav. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo A native Singaporean couple, Asokan and Mohanammbal, are excited about joining the tour as their 14-year wish to visit Kollur Mookambika temple is coming true. They are third-generation Singapore citizen of Tamil origins. "About 14 years ago, I went to Thiruvarur to my son-in-law's village where I met a local diamond merchant who gave me the picture of Kollur Amma and told me to visit her. I am excited to take this journey," shared Mohanammbal. Acharya said that this trip will be held every month, and two more packages will be introduced from Sept: Exotic Tulunadu and Rome of the East—10 churches visit, sightseeing, and recreation. "The initiative seeks support from the global Tulu community to promote tourism and strengthen the case for a direct flight between destinations. Soon we will also contact all the Indian communities here in Singapore to support it," said Acharya, adding that the tour packages aim to target more than 2 lakh Indian expats and Singaporeans.

Meghan Markle to open up hotels & restaurants in a move to expand business empire, reveal experts
Meghan Markle to open up hotels & restaurants in a move to expand business empire, reveal experts

Time of India

time6 hours ago

  • Time of India

Meghan Markle to open up hotels & restaurants in a move to expand business empire, reveal experts

is surely making waves this year. The Duchess of Sussex has been very active in 2025 with the launch of her Netflix show 'With Love, Meghan' and her lifestyle brand 'As Ever' and her podcast 'Confessions of a Female Founder' Recently, she announced that she was putting the brand on 'pause' until it was 'completely stable.' Now, it seems she is ready to be back as she trademarked the lifestyle firm As Ever for "hospitality services" It will include places to stay, "provision of food and drink" and temporary lodgings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Additionally, she could serve some of her recipes shown in the show. According to experts, the move shows her ambition to move forward while seems stuck in the past. In 2025, she made major moves to rebrand herself as more than a former royal and as a lifestyle, entertaining hostess. Hotels and restaurants fit in with her lifestyle business image, said brand experts. Meghan Markle is now 'Californian Royalty' Image credits: Instagram/@aseverofficial As per experts, Markle is now focusing on the US and the people here. "Her new products are marketed at Americans and not the UK." She has become more active on her personal Instagram account sharing videos and photos of her life as a host and as a mom and wife. She recently posted an 80-second video of her dancing to induce labour with Prince Harry which received much love in the US. Additionally, the family went on a trip to Disneyland and the couple even hit a Beyonce concert. As Ever in particular allows her to pose as a hostess. PR and branding expert Jack Izzard, of Gallia Communications, said of her trademark application: 'In terms of positioning, it's not a million miles from where As Ever is." to The Sun. "She is very much positioning herself as a star hostess, Californian royalty who makes her guests feel welcome. According to Izzard, the problem Markle might face in a possible hotel business is that it has a completely different skill set. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'A night in an As Ever B&B will be several hundred pounds. That's really going to blow up if it's bad.' While she is reclaiming her identity as more than a Duchess she'll have to stick to the game now. "She always intimated she was stifled by life in the Royal Family. She's got to earn a living. It's very much 'I'm this Californian hostess now'."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store