The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is commonly judged one of the seven wonders of the world, so the opportunity to go see it was not one I planned to miss.

Those who don’t know the history of it, can check out Wikipedia. It took 20,000 people 22 years to create and is a monument to love – created by Shah Jahan to the memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal after she died in 16xx.

The guys in the party were a bit worried that a romatic present on this scale, just lifts the barrier a bit high for Valentine’s Day. But then we heard how Mumtaz Mahal gave Shah Jahan 14 children. A couple of the girls exclaimed that they’d want more than a bloody palace for 14 children, and one of them said she’d rather kill herself than have 14 kids. I wanted to ask the tour guide what the Shah got his 1st and 2nd wives!

This is a photo of the gateway. It’s damn impressive by itself. The 11 domes on the front at the top are replicated on the back, and represent the 22 years it took to build.

This is the view of the Taj Mahal from the gateway. It is perfectly symmetrical. And remember this built was 400 years ago.

Just to prove I was actually there, and didn’t just download photos off the Internet.

A close up of one of the marble blocks. Stunning work.

This is a passage from the Koran (well so I am told). There are almost 100 of these on the buildings.

Only as you get closer to the entrance to the tomb itself, do you realise how massive the structure is. You are not allowed to take photos inside.

One of the other structures making up the complex.

Definitely a highlight of the time in India. Well worth the journey.