Taj Mahal

Grander and bigger in scale than all the pictures could ever convey. Absorbing as much as possible thinking how fortunate I was to experience this first-hand.

What can be said which hasn’t already been said before? An awe-inspiring masterpiece of true love. Even though I have seen pictures of the Taj Mahal a thousand times, to see it with my own eyes seems mythical.

Construction of The Taj Mahal began in 1632 after the death of the wife of Shah Jahan. The death of his wife left the Emporer heartbroken. The main building was completed within eight years, although the whole complex was not completed until 1653.

Yet, the Emporer did not have time to reflect upon his memorial to his beloved wife, as he was overthrown and imprisoned by his son in the nearby Agra Fort shortly after completion. The old saying that you can choose your friends but can’t choose your family certainly rings true on this occasion. Shah Jahal died in 1666 and was finally able to be laid to rest with his beloved wife

Today visitors numbering more than 7 million come to visit, and like me pass through the gates to catch a glimpse of this once-in-lifetime experience. What is rightfully considered one of the most captivating buildings in the world? I for one certainly did not come away let down.

We were on an organised tour and were lucky enough to experience its magnificence at sunset and sunrise. Staying at one of the many hotels which are located in the nearby city of Agra. They have evolved primarily to cater for the many visitors who come to experience the wonder of The Taj Mahl

Mehtab Bagh Garden

One of the most extraordinary views of The Taj Mahal is from the Mehtab Bagh Gardens. On the north bank on the other flank of the river.

A lush long green garden on the bank of the River Yamuna mirrors The Taj Mahal’s own lush gardens. It had fallen into neglect, little more than a huge mound of sand. The gardens were regentrified in the mid-1990s and today have been restored to its original form.

It is now one of the best places in which to view the Taj Mahal. The gardens were constructed in the early 1500s and they actually pre-date the Taj Mahal.

My first glimpse of the Taj Mahal was just before sunset. We arrived early at 18.00 at the centuries-old Mehtab Bagh Gardens. The ticket office to enter the gardens closes 30 minutes before sunset so don’t leave it too late.

We were able to watch the sunset over the lavish old building from a distance. This was a perfect time to visit, we were able to witness the changing colours as the daylight faded casting an orange-pink glow on the magnificent marble dome.

We spent an exquisite evening with members of our tour group and a few other people, all gazing in awe at history’s greatest monument to love. We got unobstructed views of the Taj Mahal without all the crowds.

On a practical level, the visit at sunset was a lot better for pictures, it was very quiet and we were able to linger for a much longer period of time. Personally, I enjoyed the sunset visit more because of the peace and tranquillity which added to my experience of visiting.

Sunrise at The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal at sunrise doesn’t get much more beautiful than this! Although the bar had been set pretty high with the previous night’s sunset.

Every day 15,000 people visit the Taj Mahal. A dawn visit will cut those numbers down resulting in a more “relaxed” visit.

My first glimpse close-up of the Taj Mahal. It rises up majestically into the dawn sky. It’s practically impossible to get a picture of the Taj Mahal without people, although even the crowds can’t get in the way of its unbelievable enchantment. At first light, it looked truly extraordinary and had a very mystical ambience.

On a practical level, the Taj Mahal opens at 6.00 am. We arrived at about 5.45 and there was already a fair-sized queue there. I would estimate there were probably 150 people in front of us.

It is one of the busiest times to visit. Nevertheless, the complex is very large and except for the front views on the platform as you first enter and the benches further on down, you will find that the Taj Mahal can be relatively peaceful, despite being busy it never felt overwhelmed with people.

I quickly chose not to stress about this and just enjoy the experience. We were far from being the first ones there (even after booking tickets online in advance) and I still found the atmosphere breathtaking. Sometimes it’s more important to just concentrate on the moment.

The bench near the front is another popular photo spot. There are a few licensed photographers there who will take a picture of you by the bench. I usually don’t bother, but I took full advantage to get a professional picture of us together, I paid 600 rupees for 6 pictures, which works out at about £5.75.

We then queued to enter the inside of the Taj Mahal and the wait was about 30 minutes. No photography is allowed inside. If I am being honest it was a bit of a disappointment compared to the grandeur of the outside but it’s included in your ticket price so may as well visit everything.

It was definitely a must-do for me but you don’t have to spend the day there. In fact, your ticket is valid for a three-hour stay. From 10 am the temperatures will get very warm with little shade.

We stayed two and a half hours which was more than enough time for us to see and experience the wonderment of the Taj Mahal. An experience that will live long in the memory.