Agra:
For a number of foreign athletes who participated in the Delhi Commonwealth Games, the visit to India was an opportunity to realise a long-cherished dream --visit to the iconic Taj Mahal.
With the CWG closing ceremony putting to end the sporting action, the last of the caravans of visiting delegates headed to Agra city this week.
The Indian Railways, in tie-up with the CWG Organising Committee, organised eight trips between October 6 and October 16 to ferry foreigners to the city of India's cultural symbol.
"We had organised the trips for the CWG visitors to bridge cultural ties," Northern Railway's spokesperson Rajesh Khare said.
For visitors awestruck by the majestic beauty of the 16th century monument, the visit was a dream come true, as they swarmed around it, clicked pictures and showered adjectives like "incredible", "beautiful", "masterpiece" and "terrific".
Kenya's athletics team coach Kimani George Karinki was spellbound at the first sight of the 'monument of love'.
"It is a lifetime experience. I am elated to the core.
I want to take a replica of the Taj Mahal back to my country," Karinki, who was visiting the place along with his marathon team, said.
For Jamaican athlete Jomovcy Arummy Victoria, it was the fulfillment of a long cherished dream.
"I have seen ancient buildings in Greece (Athens) and the Great Wall of China in Beijing. In the Commonwealth Games '10, my dream to see Taj came true. The Games could not have been better," Victoria said.
Marathon Gold medalist John Ekiru Kelai termed the visit as one that made him part of history.
"It feels great to step on to the historical land of the Taj. I am moved and grateful that I got this opportunity through the Games," said the Kenyan athlete as he bargained to buy a Taj souvenir at Shilpgram.
For others, however, there is much more to explore in India that the mere beauty of the Taj.
"I saw poverty-stricken people through the windowpanes of our AC buses... huddled at each juncture where our buses passed. I think that is real India. Taj is a treat, nonetheless," Uganda's Jamie MaCarie said, as he expressed his desire to explore more of Indian villages.
The visitors were also treated to performances by folk artists and traditional dance forms like Mayur dance, Rass Lila, and Kathak during their trip that was guided by tour guides and Railways volunteers.