I've grown up dreaming of the Taj Mahal, and as a Social Studies teacher, I've introduced my students to the story and the structure each year while discussing the Mughals and Indian history. But there's nothing to prepare you for the majesty of the building and the place. The city of Agra, where the Taj is located, isn't much to write home about - it's small and dirty and doesn't have much industry besides the tourism. The drive to the Taj is also unimpressive and when you walk to the main gates it seems as though are you are getting ready for a major disappointment. But as soon as you walk through security and see the main gate, which isn't even the main structure, you realize that there is magic in this place, just as there is in the monsoons in Eastern India. I can't think of a place more beautiful than this. We arrived at sunrise and the glare of the sun on the white marble was nearly blinding.
The mere construction of the building is a miracle - white marble inlaid with Quranic quotes in black marble surrounded by reliefs and floral designs made with inlaid precious and semi-precious stones is remarkable but what the photographs don't tell you is the the consistency. The pieces of the Taj Mahal were constructed throughout the span of decades and yet the elements of design are identical throughout the structure. The other thing the photos don't do is give justice to the size - it's absolutely enormous and breathtaking. I don't cry often, but the sheer beauty of the Taj Mahal was enough to make me, and several others in our party, tear up.
We avoided most of the crowds by arriving around 6:30 in the morning, but we still weren't able to avoid having our photo taken with the locals, as we have experienced time and time again in India. This time was especially overwhelming as a young couple actually handed me their infant to hold. Somewhere, in homes throughout India, is a great montage of my time here with new acquaintances whose names I never received. It's a bit surreal, actually.
There's nothing I can say that can make this experience come alive to you - the Taj is something you must experience for yourself. And remember to look back on your way out - it's a sign that you will visit again in your future.
The mere construction of the building is a miracle - white marble inlaid with Quranic quotes in black marble surrounded by reliefs and floral designs made with inlaid precious and semi-precious stones is remarkable but what the photographs don't tell you is the the consistency. The pieces of the Taj Mahal were constructed throughout the span of decades and yet the elements of design are identical throughout the structure. The other thing the photos don't do is give justice to the size - it's absolutely enormous and breathtaking. I don't cry often, but the sheer beauty of the Taj Mahal was enough to make me, and several others in our party, tear up.
We avoided most of the crowds by arriving around 6:30 in the morning, but we still weren't able to avoid having our photo taken with the locals, as we have experienced time and time again in India. This time was especially overwhelming as a young couple actually handed me their infant to hold. Somewhere, in homes throughout India, is a great montage of my time here with new acquaintances whose names I never received. It's a bit surreal, actually.
There's nothing I can say that can make this experience come alive to you - the Taj is something you must experience for yourself. And remember to look back on your way out - it's a sign that you will visit again in your future.