Agra:
After being enamoured by the Taj Mahal, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni chose to spend a quiet morning on Sunday relaxing at a luxurious hotel in Agra, which presents a magnificent view of the 17th century Mughal monument
Though earlier the French couple was due to visit the monument of love on Sunday morning after spending the night at the Amarvilas hotel, they decided to sneak out last evening itself to view the Taj at dusk and stayed there for an hour.
Fifty five-year-old Sarkozy and 42-year-old Bruni, who got married two years ago, are also set to go to the famous Fatehpur Sikri--the first planned city built by emperor Akbar about 40 kms from Agra, showcasing Mughal architecture. Later, they will leave for Delhi to attend a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Reports say Sarkozy has personally asked for a visit to Chishti's dargah in Fatehpur Sikri. He also wants some sufi music to be played in the background when they arrive there.
While the Taj was closed down for the public at 9:45 am today as per previous schedule of the first French couple, it was thrown open again within 45 minutes once the police was informed they were not going to the monument for a second time.
Sarkozy spent the time in the heavily guarded hotel by going to the gym and jogging in the lawns.