Taj Mahal

March 31, 2018

The world famous Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India. It is a mausoleum for the burial of the favorite wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It’s built out of white marble and took over 10 years to complete. The main center was constructed between 1632 and 1643 and is the focus of the complex.

We took a ride to the riverside site directly across from the Taj Mahal last night to get a sneak view. There were lots of people in the park. Even though this was the backside, it was still stunningly impressive.

 

One of the red sandstone buildings that sits on the side of the complex.

Our Bhutan travel group seized the opportunity for a photo.

This morning we had a 4:30 wake up call so we could get to the Taj Mahal before all the crowds. This is the entrance gate into the complex.

I love th red sandstone and marble mixture in its construction.

Walking into the garden area and seeing it in all its glory was a moving experience. I never dreamed I would be able to stand at the end of the reflection pool and gaze upon what is one of the greatest architectural designs of the world.

Messing around and trying to get a comic shot picking it up.

I am so glad we made the effort to arrive early as there were very few people and as the sun was rising you could see the light changing the color reflections.

I took over 50 photos but have chosen just a few to share. It was hard not to keep talking pictures as you looked at it from different angles and with the changing light.

As you can see the people behind me, you can get a sense of the massive scale to which it was built.

The marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones that glitter.

 

There are 2 mirror image  red sandstone buildings that stand on the left and right of the main mausoleum. The one on the right is a guest house and the one on the left is a mosque.

They are also highly decorated with carvings.

 

This is the building where the body of his wife was kept until the main construction was finished. It now serves as a museum.

Looking back towards the main gate is an impressive site in its self.

Before leaving we took a group picture.

This is an experience that I will always remember.