October 19, 2018

Breathtaking Taj Mahal

I should have written this six months ago. I was meant to share this on my birthday month, February! As they say, better late than never.

Actually on the month of February I got to visit two of my favourite destinations. Paris, in France of course not missing the Eiffel Tower and the walled city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh in India , the home of the Taj Mahal. We will talk of Paris later, today I focus on the Taj Mahal.

I landed in New Delhi and my my mind was made up. Even though I felt exhausted, there was only one thing to see. The Taj Mahal.

It was a warm, winter day. The sun was out and great for outdoors. Because I had not planned this trip, this impromptu decision meant I have to scour for all the information I could before actually heading out to tour. From the hotel lobby, I gathered it would take me at least three and a half hours. I convinced myself I would do with a sightseeing prior to arriving at my priced destination.

Lady lucky was smiling at me that day. A local taxi operator offered me a good deal and they were willing to wait for me and bring me back after I am done soaking in all that the Taj had promised.

So much for sightseeing, I slept through most of the journey. I caught just about an hour of the drive but that was more than sufficient.

The queues short, the entry fee fair, I was ready to plunge into the awe and wonder of this historical monument. The Taj Mahal is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in a vast Mughal garden of almost 17 hectares. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory and honor of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal between 1632 and 1648 AD. Other additions were completed in AD 1653. This time, there were not so many foreigners but the locals thronged the place like swarms of bees.

Everyone was clicking away to immortalize their experiences. I found myself a favourite spot, Lady Diana’s bench. The very spot she sat when she visited the Taj on St. Valentine’s week.

Here I was in the same week, replicating that experience. It is sad though that for the Princess, it marked both the end and the beginning of a season in her life (May her soul rest in eternal peace)

I visited the Emperor’s wife tomb, who died in 1631 in present day Madhya Pradesh during the birth of her fourteenth child, a daughter named Gauhar Ara Begum. The Taj was in fact built around her tomb, showcasing the great length and deep love the emperor had for his wife. I could help but admire the detailed workmanship, art, carvings, paintings, calligraphy and a whole lot more of expressive work done to the highest standards today. Hey, they said no photos in here!

I walked out and as I was enjoying the view of the sun setting on the Yamuna River, I realised I was part of the attraction…The fascinated friendly locals asked to take photos with me. I lost count so if you see a photo of someone like me somewhere in an Indian household, it may well be me! Strange as it may be, I kept wondering what is making them want to have a picture with me? Was it my hair, do I look alot more different? Whatever the case, I was out to have fun, and I did. I try to be a good sport.

Back at the hotel after a ‘short’ drive. I was exhausted, famished and in need of a good soaking bath. I decided to flip through my photos and I noticed this beautiful and spectacular image of the Taj reflection on the pooling leading to the entrance. It was breathtaking summing up a day well spent.