India - The Taj Mahal (7/31) : Day 2: 14 Magical Days in India: #2

Seeing the Taj Mahal has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. In July of 2019, I finally had the opportunity to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, up close. It is truly a sight to behold, even the best photographs can not capture the splendor of this place.

Contrary to common belief the Taj Mahal is NOT that close to Delhi, but a good 3 hours away. We booked a private tour with transport to Agra, Uttar Pradesh.. We were scheduled for pick up at 2:45AM, but because the driver got lost we left a bit later. While we ended up arriving after daybreak, it was not a problem as it was too overcast for a brilliant sunrise anyway. Even without the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, we were still elated because the early morning light enhanced the building's luminescence.

The first thing we saw when we approached the gates of the Taj Mahal was a little Rhesus Monkey staring down at us.

Beautiful entrance gate to the Taj Mahal — Great Taj Mahal Gate | Darwaza-i-rauza - Beautiful entrance

Notice the intricate white marble inlays in this red-sandstone building.

Our first glimpse of the Taj Mahal and its reflective pools

As we exited the Great Gate, which represents the passage between life on earth and spiritual life, we passed through the gardens and reflective pools towards the white marble domed mausoleum. The fountains in the reflective pool are known to be spectacular with a different type of beauty when the water is not running. The stillness provides a liquid mirror for the Taj Mahal’s reflection.

Breathtaking - no wonder it is one of the new7 wonders of the world

My friend Manisha sitting on the bench parallel to the Princess Diana seat and across from the spectacular Taj Mahal

My friend sitting on a bench in front of one of the Taj Mahal's reflective pools — Sitting in front of a Taj Mahal's reflective pool

Reflecting ponds lead back to the Taj Mahal's great gate — Reflecting ponds lead back to the great gate.

The white marble Minaret and the Yamuna River

To see more photographs of the Taj Mahal please click here

Next Stop - the Baby Taj Mahal

One of the sights that is definitely under-appreciated is the Baby Taj Mahal, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, located on the eastern bank of River Yamuna , Agra, Uttar Pradesh.. Thankfully for us that was the case because we had the opportunity to view this splendid architectural marvel without dealing with crowds.

Entrance to the Baby Taj Mahal which looks a lot like the entrance gate to the Taj Mahal. The baby Taj Mahal was erected between 1622 and 1628 and was used as a model for the Taj Mahal.

Entrance gate to the Baby Taj mahal as seen from the inside of the complex

Look at that intricate inlay work on the Mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah

Ladies making sure the gardens stay beautiful

Detail of the beautiful marble building with parchin Kariinlay using cut and fitted, highly polished colored stones to create intricate mosaic designs in the white marble facade.