Bright and early our second day in India, we awoke at the beautiful Oberoi Amarvilas before dawn in order to make it to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Luckily, the storm from the night before had subsided a bit and though the streets were wet, no rain fell during our visit. We hopped in a golf cart from the hotel, taking us to the entrance gates for the Taj, bought our tickets and wandered in, not sure what to expect.
To say seeing the Taj Mahal is anything but awe-inspiring, would be an understatement. Seeing such a world famous landmark, one of the seven wonders of the world, was pretty incredible. Though we didn’t get a great sunrise due to the storm, we did approach the Taj as morning fog swirled around it, rising up in a hug around the building. The fog gave a mystical view of the tomb and made it even more surreal. I was shocked at how large it was, especially up close but equal to its size, are the incredible intricate details on its surface and the overall thought behind the monument.
Built as a tomb for his wife who died too young, the ancient King was mourning deeply for the love of his life and wanted a paradise for her to be buried in. He built the Taj as a monument of love for her, engrained with symbols from Hinduism, Islam and Christianity as a place that connected all the faiths of his subjects, leaving no one out, a paradise for all, for tolerance. Every part of the Taj is immaculate and perfectly thought out, everything is symmetrical (except for the King’s own tomb placed next to that of his wife’s against his wishes by his son.) Walking around the monument, touching the carvings, feeling the marble under your fingers is a feeling I can’t quite explain, a feeling I’ll never forget.
We wandered around the grounds for a while, taking in the mosque next to the Taj and the symmetrical building on the other side, built identical to the mosque but with nothing inside, just to make sure everything was balanced. Upon leaving, we took one last look at the majesty of the building we had just seen, just touched, just experienced.
We returned to our hotel, had a quick but delicious breakfast and took a look around the grounds just a bit while the rain stopped and then headed back to meet our driver to make the drive back to Delhi, to the airport and on to Udaipur. Our time in Agra was short, but the memories we made there I’ll never forget.
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Cynthia says
I can’t imagine how it would be to actually be standing in front of the Taj. Also, that love story of how it was built is so incredibly romantic…. sighhhh.
Casey Martin says
It was such an amazing experience standing there, touching the marble. And yes, the story makes it even better!
Alex Fahey says
Beautiful! I really want to visit the Taj Mahal, but I don’t think it will be anytime soon- my husband is not on board with India right now.
Casey Martin says
It was such a memorable experience and totally worth seeing it. Why isn’t your husband on board!?!?! I’m sure you guys would love India!! 🙂
Leah says
It truly is amazing. Beautiful photos, I have some of the same shots!
Casey Martin says
Isn’t it!!? It’s just a magical experience.
Iris Hanlin - Writer/Photographer says
What an enchanting place….
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Casey Martin says
Enchanting is a great word for it and it really is!
Christy Rodriguez says
I’m in the same boat as Alex above – I need to get my husband on board for India! This looks enchanting.
Casey Martin says
What!?!? Come on guys, get those men to India! 🙂
Quyen Nguyen says
Such an incredible building. Your photos are beautiful, but i’m sure they don’t do justice to the real thing though! I can’t wait to see it myself.
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Casey Martin says
They really don’t do it justice, it’s so massive and so beautiful that it’s hard to even describe it in words or photos.
Jenn @ A Country Girl's World says
Amazing! I was really looking forward to seeing nicks photos and they definitely did not disappoint!
Casey Martin says
Oh good! He definitely got some great ones!
Jane {In the Pink and Green} says
I would love to go to the Taj Mahal one day, it looks absolutely incredible!
Casey Martin says
Its truly one of those places that is more amazing in person than you think, totally lives up to its reputation as one of the seven wonders of the world!
Brand New Sunrise says
Some simply beautiful pictures. I would love to go to the Taj, I love the story and history behind it’s build and the craftsmanship is utterly stunning. x
Casey Martin says
Thank you! 🙂 The story behind the Taj, for me, made it even more beautiful!
Tracy says
Gorgeous photos! Absolutely stunning views! I can’t wait to get to India some day and experience the Taj Mahal in person!
Casey Martin says
Thanks! I love the different views Nick captured of the Taj, as it really takes on a new view everywhere you go in the grounds!
Amanda @ Living in Another Language says
Nick did a WONDERFUL job with these pictures Casey!!!! How beautiful! I love the Taj Mahal, but to be honest I love the other photos too!!! The colors of India are beautiful. 🙂
Casey Martin says
Didn’t he!?!?! I know, I love the shots he got! And I agree with what you’re saying, I wouldn’t necessarily go to India just to the see the Taj, it’s wonderful but the country as a whole has so much to offer even if you don’t make it to the Taj.
Casey says
So pretty!! I’m counting on someday being able to check this off our bucket list as well! Love all the colors! 🙂
Casey Martin says
You must see it one day! It’s truly remarkable to see.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
Such beautiful pictures. We would love to take a month or so to visit India in the future and see some of these great sites. Looks like you guys had a great trip.
Casey Martin says
Yes, that would be wonderful, just to travel around and see the country. We definitely want to go back and explore more areas of India, we fell in love with it!
monika singh says
Agra Tour Packages From Delhi Comment Thanks for sharing good information !