Taj Mahal
We were up and ready by 5:30am for our main event. We arrived at the gates of the Taj Mahal in time to watch the sunrise glisten across the marble. I had a saree tailor made so I could get all dolled up today. Once inside, a sweet girl helped me wrap it just right. All set, our guide was absolutely wonderful and directed several pictures of us as we made our way from the gate to the center marble platform. Here, there is a bench made famous because Princess Diana posed for a photo there.
As we made our way along the fountain path, the Taj Mahal looms bigger and more extravagant. The turrets lean out from the building in case of an earthquake. A mosque is to the left and a guest house is in perfect symmetry to the right. We cued to enter the Tomb and put booties on to protect the marble floor. The walls are marble and inlaid with lapis lazuli, carnelian, turquoise and other precious stones all delicately cut to make floral or geometrical shapes. It is stunning. The tomb is an octagonal room with the king's resting place to the left of the queen's tomb. We walked with the crowd around and then out to the surrounding marble rooms until we exited the back. People don't congregate back there, so the river view is quiet and a photo op is easily acquired. I kept telling Fierce, "I can't believe we are here." What kind of love Shah Jahan must have had for his queen to build a tomb that would last the test of time and become a Wonder of the World in every right.
Quick note: We got on the right train back to Delhi and the Gatimaan Express is a very pleasant experience…there were even snacks!
