See the Taj Mahal

“I happened to be the first through the security line. [...] Finally, I walked through the main door, and there in all its splendor was the stunning Taj Mahal. [...] Standing alone inside the Taj Mahal was a silent, peaceful, and moving experience. It took a second before it hit me—I could take a photo without another person in it—and so I did. But only a quick couple of photos—it was a truly special moment and I stood there relishing in the peace while taking in the beautiful building designed and built by a man as an expression of his love.”

“You approach the Taj Mahal and get your first glimpse through a massive archway. It’s clear that it was all designed purposefully. There was a deep haze hanging over everything — part fog, part smog. The structure looked two-dimensional from a distance; almost like a ghost that will vanish if you turn away just for a moment. [...] I walked around to the right side, and no one was there. I mean, no one. It was completely empty, except for a a flock of chirping birds fluttering about. I took a few pictures, then just sat on the ground.”

“I did not look up at the building and actually closed my eyes part of the way, until Rich had me standing directly in front of this most amazing building. I had seen hundreds of photos of this building but absolutely none of them, even the national geographic photographers do this place justice, so beautiful, and so perfect [...] Both Rich and I just sat down and stared in ooh! at the Taj.”

“Spread out across 42-acres, like many world monuments I’ve visited, simple pictures did nothing to prepare me for the actual experience of being there. Staying with Oberoi made getting there easy, their golf cart delivering us to within a short walk away from the main gates. The plan was to visit the Taj Mahal twice, once at sunset and again at sunrise. From experience I knew that the two times would reveal vastly different experiences and I couldn’t wait to get started. What was missing from the scene was the chaos I had expected. Friends had regaled me of tales of touts on every corner, livestock roaming unencumbered and more stories of an undisciplined UNESCO site. That’s not what I found though. No, instead I found a clean and tidy shopping district that led up to the main gates themselves.”

“After a quick history lesson, we entered the pedestrian entrance called the Royal Gate. As you walk through the dark tunnel, you begin to see the opulence of the Taj Mahal in the distance. Our guide led us through the grounds and took us to the best spots for photos. I even got my picture taken on the Princess Diana bench! We went inside the mausoleum, which (in my opinion) was less dramatic than the grandeur of the beautiful, white marble on the outside. My favorite part was when we were left to our own devices and I was able to wander around the building and admire the intricacy of the gems precisely laid into the marble.”