The Taj Mahal
Need I say more than the words Taj Mahal.
We arrived in Agra. As we drove through Agra this was the most poverty I think I had seen since I arrived in India. The buildings were very dilapidated and the streets will lead it with garbage. It was very disappointing. We inched our way through the traffic and just didn’t have a good feeling. For a city that was once the capital of a country and the home of the Shah it didn’t have even a historical appearance. We arrived at our hotel which was beautiful and it’s gates kept us away from the chaotic city that surrounded it.
Our plan was to be up before sunrise and head to see the great Taj Mahal. We follow that plan pretty well. When we got there there was still hundreds of tourists both native Indians and foreigners. What was nice is that the foreigner line was always shorter. In the Indian Line People were crowded together and they were pushing and shoving trying to get in. It was difficult to watch. Once we got our tickets we walk through the gates and as I look to my left I could just see the dome of the Taj Mahal. It literally took my breath away and I could hardly believe that I was really there. I hadn’t even seen the whole thing! Just the dome! I think I actually had tears in my eyes.
As you approach the complex you enter through a lodge arch what they call the gate. Going right through the middle it opened up the view of the entire Taj Mahal. The sky was a misty gray as the sun had not quite come up yet and it gave the Taj Mahal very mystical look. It’s marble is so white and it cast such a beautiful reflection in the pools that are in the front of the building. Although they were many people around, I don’t think I really even saw them.
As the sun came up, the building took on a new lock. The contrast of the blue sky in the white marble just wear a sight to behold. This was one of those bucket items that I could now crossed off and it was certainly a big one. I was able to go up on top of the building and go in and see the tomb of the queen and the shah himself. I photographed it looked at it from different angles and it was just such a magnificent sight. What a morning!
In the afternoon, we went to see Fort Agra. This was built around the same time as the Taj Mahal and it was a palace and a Fort where the shah lived. Much of it was built using the same type of marble that was used on the Taj Mahal. It was interesting to see how the palace was set up with areas where people could stay behind the screen yet watch which is going on in the courtyard. We were able to see the harem area and also and had a marvelous view of the Taj Mahal.We know so little about the history of the Indian subcontinent. This Fort gave me an insight into how the rulers lived. Even now, Shah Jahan is probably the only one I can name. With the Fort and the Taj Mahal he has left an indelible mark, even if he had no other accomplishments. He did, however. He was the ruler who moved the capital fr9m Agra to New Delhi.
It’s amazing how was city that is so disappointing could have two of the most beautiful buildings in India. I still cannot believe that I thought the Taj Mahal and was able to walk on it and walk into it. It’s just unbelievable.
We arrived in Agra. As we drove through Agra this was the most poverty I think I had seen since I arrived in India. The buildings were very dilapidated and the streets will lead it with garbage. It was very disappointing. We inched our way through the traffic and just didn’t have a good feeling. For a city that was once the capital of a country and the home of the Shah it didn’t have even a historical appearance. We arrived at our hotel which was beautiful and it’s gates kept us away from the chaotic city that surrounded it.
Our plan was to be up before sunrise and head to see the great Taj Mahal. We follow that plan pretty well. When we got there there was still hundreds of tourists both native Indians and foreigners. What was nice is that the foreigner line was always shorter. In the Indian Line People were crowded together and they were pushing and shoving trying to get in. It was difficult to watch. Once we got our tickets we walk through the gates and as I look to my left I could just see the dome of the Taj Mahal. It literally took my breath away and I could hardly believe that I was really there. I hadn’t even seen the whole thing! Just the dome! I think I actually had tears in my eyes.
As you approach the complex you enter through a lodge arch what they call the gate. Going right through the middle it opened up the view of the entire Taj Mahal. The sky was a misty gray as the sun had not quite come up yet and it gave the Taj Mahal very mystical look. It’s marble is so white and it cast such a beautiful reflection in the pools that are in the front of the building. Although they were many people around, I don’t think I really even saw them.
As the sun came up, the building took on a new lock. The contrast of the blue sky in the white marble just wear a sight to behold. This was one of those bucket items that I could now crossed off and it was certainly a big one. I was able to go up on top of the building and go in and see the tomb of the queen and the shah himself. I photographed it looked at it from different angles and it was just such a magnificent sight. What a morning!
In the afternoon, we went to see Fort Agra. This was built around the same time as the Taj Mahal and it was a palace and a Fort where the shah lived. Much of it was built using the same type of marble that was used on the Taj Mahal. It was interesting to see how the palace was set up with areas where people could stay behind the screen yet watch which is going on in the courtyard. We were able to see the harem area and also and had a marvelous view of the Taj Mahal.We know so little about the history of the Indian subcontinent. This Fort gave me an insight into how the rulers lived. Even now, Shah Jahan is probably the only one I can name. With the Fort and the Taj Mahal he has left an indelible mark, even if he had no other accomplishments. He did, however. He was the ruler who moved the capital fr9m Agra to New Delhi.
It’s amazing how was city that is so disappointing could have two of the most beautiful buildings in India. I still cannot believe that I thought the Taj Mahal and was able to walk on it and walk into it. It’s just unbelievable.
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