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| carving on the outside of the Taj |
Today was the day for the Taj Mahal. It is even more spectacular in person. The plan was to visit for sunrise and then again or sunset which meant we were on the bus at 5:15 this morning. We transferred from the coach bus to electric powered vehicles apparently to reduce pollution near the Taj, but I think it is because there is no room for the coaches to dump people nearer to the Taj. The security line to get in is one of the first times EVER that the line for women is shorter than the line for men. It was hard to tell really why – at the end of the day the men’s line was even longer perhaps because it seems as though Indian men are ‘out’ more than women are. Although we were told to bring nothing except for water and a camera people of course had to bring giant bags. This significantly slowed things down.  |
| mosque |
However, once we were in it was well worth it. The Taj Mahal ‘gates’ (which are more accurately described as structures) were intended to mask the view of the Taj until an exact moment. There is a little bit of it that can be seen from outside the gates, but it really isn’t until you are standing at the opening of the gate that the entire Taj can be seen. It is truly spectacular. Seeing it was a bit like when I saw the Eifel tower…both are structures that I have seen so many times in pictures that once I saw them in person it was an amazing experience. The biggest benefit of being there at sunrise was the lack of crowds. Aside from a few other people the 100 of us on this tour were about the only visitors there. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum the Shah Jahan built for his third wife due to his extraordinary love for her. We were able to visit inside the actual mausoleum to see where both the Shah Jahan and his third wife were buried. It is amazing that this extraordinary building was never built for anyone to actually live in! In addition to the Taj there is also a mosque on the grounds.
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| more Taj visitors |
However, once we were in it was well worth it. The Taj Mahal ‘gates’ (which are more accurately described as structures) were intended to mask the view of the Taj until an exact moment. There is a little bit of it that can be seen from outside the gates, but it really isn’t until you are standing at the opening of the gate that the entire Taj can be seen. It is truly spectacular. Seeing it was a bit like when I saw the Eifel tower…both are structures that I have seen so many times in pictures that once I saw them in person it was an amazing experience. The biggest benefit of being there at sunrise was the lack of crowds. Aside from a few other people the 100 of us on this tour were about the only visitors there. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum the Shah Jahan built for his third wife due to his extraordinary love for her. We were able to visit inside the actual mausoleum to see where both the Shah Jahan and his third wife were buried. It is amazing that this extraordinary building was never built for anyone to actually live in! In addition to the Taj there is also a mosque on the grounds.  |
| woman working at the Taj |
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| monkeys |
Apparently 80% of the visitors to the Taj are Indians from around the country. Although at a touristic spot we were still a visible minority. There are also monkeys that visit the Taj.
2 comments:
Everything looks so clean. Is it? Great pictures AND commentary.
Jean
Dave just hooked me up to your blog and I have enjoyed your blogs from your previous trips.
I am now caught up and enjoying this magical trip with you. This is part of the world I haven't yet seen so am thrilled to see it through your eyes. Love the pics.
Safe travels.
Jean
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