If you ever had any fears that if you actually saw the Taj Mahal with your own eyes that it might be a bit of a let-down, fear no more. It is exquisitely beautiful and meticulously maintained. And even if you aren’t quite the architectural-enthusiast geek that I am, the people-watching is terrific. I could have stayed there for an entire day, maybe two, just taking it all in. Note: People are not allowed to take photos in the interior of the Taj Mahal Mausoleum, but there are some on Wikipedia, FYI.
Glowing pink in the rising sun, from the roof of our hotel
There were a couple of guards in the symmetrical spot in front of this pond, managing the line of photo-takers. We decided to go asymmetrical and skip all that.
Taj Mahal Mausoleum in the foreground and Mosque behind and to the left
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
Taj Mahal Mausoleum. These are similar shapes to the markings on the floors of mosques to delineate prayer spots, but they are carved in the wall here.
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
Taj Mahal Mausoleum This is one photograph, not three spliced together. These three layers of carved designs are actually layered at the base (!) of the exterior walls.
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
Taj Mahal Mausoleum
On the plaza of the Mausoleum
Yamuna River from Taj Mahal Mausoleum
I could have people-watched all day long.
I could have people-watched all day long.
I could have people-watched all day long.
I could have people-watched all day long.
I could have people-watched all day long.
I could have people-watched all day long.
I could have people-watched all day long.
This woman was a yoga teacher from Mexico, posing for social media, no doubt. She was delighted that I got a kick out of her jacket. Taj Mahal – Mehman Khanah in the background.
Taj Mahal – Mehman Khanah
I could have people-watched all day long.
Entryway Ceiling Detail, Taj Mahal – Mehman Khanah
Leslie Abbott is here, there and everywhere…and not just where I am on the map of the world. I’m kind of here, there and everywhere in the other parts of my life, too. Read more →