It was in my wish list to visit Taj Mahal which got fulfilled in May 2011, It was spectacular sight.The day we visited Taj Mahal it was windy and rainy which was quite opposite to the weather conditions which prevail in summer heat of North India , but it was a welcome relief for sure.We reached Taj around 12 pm and it was so damn crowded.
The Taj Mahal is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the city of Agra. Like most of India today, Agra is a highly polluted city. This pollution is taking a toll on the beautiful Taj. The once white marble is now a dirty grey. From far, a breath taking view of the Taj is marred by smog.It's sad to see it being damaged from all the smoke and smog of daily life today.
From the main gate till the main entrance of Taj there run rickshaws, one can even take a baggi ( kind of horse ride ) or one can walk as well.Once we reached the main gate of Taj we bought tickets , there were separate queue for men and women but it was heavily crowded because of summer holidays.
Seeing the Taj for the first time was amazing. There is a long walkway from the entrance to the actual structure. Halfway between the walkway and the actual Taj is a step/stage type structure with benches on it. It's the perfect picture setting, because when you sit on the bench, the Taj is behind you as the background.
When you approach the Taj (at the end of the walkway), you have to take off your shoes and turn them in for safekeeping. Shoes are not allowed on the marble. Since we had gone in afternoon, the marble was very hot because of the heat. I wish I had known I had to take my shoes off, because I was wearing sandals and didn't have socks on. My feet were burning because of hear :(
The Taj itself was magnificent. The outside of the building has beautiful marble carvings all along the walls. There are steps and walkways made of marble all around the building, and you can walk all the way around it. The building and towers are perfectly symmetrical, so whatever is on the left side on the right.
Inside, you can view the marble tombs of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan. These are fake tombs, and the real ones are underneath. There are stairs leading down to the actual tombs, but those have been cordoned off. The inside of the Taj is lit by natural lighting, so it is a bit dark. The walls inside are also beautifully carved, with wonderful inlay work and intricate detail. The inside of the Taj is actually smaller than I has thought, and is much smaller than the outside of the building.
The Taj Mahal is open from 6am to sunset, which is around 7pm. It is closed on Fridays, but those who pray at the mosque next door can still visit it.
Another thing to note is that video cameras are not allowed past the walkway entrance.You can take a video of the Taj from the beginning of the walkway,
but can't go beyond that. You must check in your camera with the camera counter, and retrieve it on your way out. Flash photography is also forbidden inside the Taj.
Once you walk out of the entrance gate, be prepared to be bombarded with kids trying to get you to buy "authentic" Taj Mahal souvenirs.Don't fall for it. These kids get paid by the shop owners to bring in customers.
I really enjoyed my visit to the Taj, and I'm really glad I got a chance to see it. It was definitely a memorable experience!
