Taj Mahal

Trip Start Sep 04, 2006
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Trip End Aug 20, 2007


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Flag of India  ,
Sunday, October 29, 2006

Taj Mahal, described as the most extravagent monument for love, was built in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their forteenth child. In total 20,000 people worked on the construction for 22 years, many specialising in marble carving and inlay work for which the Taj is renowned. Unfortunately, many were rewarded for their fine work by having their hands and fingers cut off, ensuring nothing of similar magnificence would ever be produced again. There are concerns about air pollution yellowing the white marble mausoleum and only non-polluting electric vehicles are allowed in the 2km vicinity.

We first visited the Taj at sunset, taking a boat across the Yamuna River for the best possible view, and then revisited at sunrise to marvel at the changing colours; the marble first takes on a blue sheen, then slowly turns red, pink and finally gold. The purity and cleanliness is in contrast to the littered Yamuna River alongside where local Hindus conduct their morning prayers. It truly is a magnificent sight that looks unreal and super-imposed against the blue sky. Being able to experience this wonder of the world with very few people around was truly magical.
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