The stunning 16th century Mughal architecture presented on a sprawling ca. 200 meter brick red entrance wall is just an ‘entrée’. One cannot ignore the splendor of the kings and emperors who reigned this marvelous piece of construction. It’s called ‘The great gate’, and is the most often used entrance to visit the famous ‘Taj Mahal’. But reaching this gate is no cake walk. Endless ticket queues with Taj Mahal admirers, luggage deposit instructions, and rigorous security checks. But the prize is absolutely worth it.
As I pass though ‘the great gate’, Taj Mahal starts to bless with glimpses of it’s sheer beauty. It needs no introduction to present this icon of love. The almost 400 year old construction will definitely leave you speechless as your senses try to absorb the sheer beauty of this marble masterpiece on the banks of Yamuna, one of the important rivers of India.
My very first sight on the entire scene is unforgettable. The opulent gardens stretching from left to right, the fountains and walkways through the gardens and the iconic Taj Mahal decorated by stunning detail in every inch of it’s marble.
If you remember Alice entering the wonderland, or harry entering Hogwarts, you can easily imagine how I feel at this very moment. The very sight of Taj Mahal, barrels of trees either sides of the sidewalks, the silent fountain waters that multiply the marble reflections, the intricate carvings on the walls, the sun rays escaping thru the carvings, the colours chosen to boast their masters, the golden light lightening the dome, the fragrance in the air, the early morning mist… Everything including the five elements… Seem to have organized themselves eager to wish good morning to their visitors from across the world.
The effort that might have gone into this construction is easily visible on the delicate work presented inside the dome. Is this how much ‘Shah Jahan’ loved his wife ‘Mumtaj’? Where did he get this ‘passion’ and ‘resolve’ from?
As if the crown jewel wasn’t enough, two almost equally beautiful constructions lay next to Taj Mahal. ‘Kau Ban Mosque’ (on the right) and ‘Mehmaan Khana’ (on the left). Kau Ban Mosque seems to be people’s favorite, and also where I met Daya, Mayur and Bhakti. Mayur and Bhakti just got married and doing their first trip. Although Daya wanted to them to enjoy, she couldn’t resist Taj Mahal, and I can completely understand that 🙂 They are such an adorable couple, and family together. Helping them with few pictures, I wished them ‘happy married life’ and reluctantly started to head back to the hotel.
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There is some magic at this place and the icon of love definitely seems to have something to do with it. Taj Mahal is a must visit in one’s lifetime.
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