When a man loves a woman, he builds a magnificent building in memory of her! If there has ever to be any symbol of love, the Taj Mahal is it. (Sorry to all the men out there, nothing will prove love quite like this!)
The second I arrived in Delhi, I started to feel overwhelmed with the history and culture (and smells) of India. As a mixed up, I mean of mixed heritage (Canadian, Indian, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Scottish), going to India, seeing where my mom grew up was very exciting and helped me better understand all of her wonderful stories.
This was my brother's and my first trip to India. We had to go see the Taj Mahal. So from Delhi we took a van to Agra, a ride that was definitely intriguing with dancing bears and some close calls with other vehicles along the way.
Once we arrived at the Taj Mahal site, it was busy with people and vehicles. The moment when I walked up to threshold (the main, southern gate), where I caught my first glimpse of the absolutely magnificent structure, everything went silent. I was mesmerized by its sheer beauty and size. I had seen pictures, however, the scale of the white marble mausoleum was breath taking.
As if it wasn't enough to just be able to admire the Taj Mahal from afar, but to touch and feel the cold white marble transported me into a dream where this would be my palace! Up close the workmanship was perfection.
The second I arrived in Delhi, I started to feel overwhelmed with the history and culture (and smells) of India. As a mixed up, I mean of mixed heritage (Canadian, Indian, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Scottish), going to India, seeing where my mom grew up was very exciting and helped me better understand all of her wonderful stories.
This was my brother's and my first trip to India. We had to go see the Taj Mahal. So from Delhi we took a van to Agra, a ride that was definitely intriguing with dancing bears and some close calls with other vehicles along the way.
Once we arrived at the Taj Mahal site, it was busy with people and vehicles. The moment when I walked up to threshold (the main, southern gate), where I caught my first glimpse of the absolutely magnificent structure, everything went silent. I was mesmerized by its sheer beauty and size. I had seen pictures, however, the scale of the white marble mausoleum was breath taking.
As if it wasn't enough to just be able to admire the Taj Mahal from afar, but to touch and feel the cold white marble transported me into a dream where this would be my palace! Up close the workmanship was perfection.
There is perfect symmetry of the structure, which is very pleasing to the eye. The four minarets, pillars, at the corner of the main building provide a uniqueness to the structure. I still dream about the beauty of the minarets. The pure blue sky as the backdrop, allowing for the white marble to stand out and glisten in the sun!
The Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site (UNESCO), which recognizes the importance of this site. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, completed in 1648.
The Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site (UNESCO), which recognizes the importance of this site. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, completed in 1648.
Photo courtesy of David Webb In the range of Indo-Islamic architecture, the Taj Mahal is seen as the greatest architectural achievement. There are many aesthetic aspects such as the arches and domes with a variety of other convex and concave structural elements. At different times of the day there are different patterns of shadows that are cast from the various peaks. When there is a blue sky, there is a great color combination from the white marble, green gardens and the reddish pathway.
Side Note: The architectural LEGO set of the Taj Mahal, limited edition, was originally selling for somewhere around $400 (retail) not too long ago, but now, Lego is no longer producing the set, it can fetch up to $3000 dollars from collectors online. I had considered purchasing it when I first saw it in stores, and before I knew it, it was selling for two to three times its retail!
If you ever have the opportunity to visit India, going to Agra to see the Taj Mahal has to be on the list. India has so much to offer from incredible food to culture and fashion to history.
Best,
MJ
*I did not take the photos used in this post. I have used them because they provide the best visual representation of the Taj Mahal.
Best,
MJ
*I did not take the photos used in this post. I have used them because they provide the best visual representation of the Taj Mahal.
