A symbol of love between two human hearts constructed on Indian soil centuries ago transformed to the soul of Indian tourism for the entire world. A memorial for which a view on a moon light costs 25 times than on an ordinary day visit. A unanimous choice for one of the world’s wonders in the new list among the old ones.
An iconic structure with unenviable symmetry being its beauty, an architectural wonder that defies the many people’s notion of having content with only one visit to any tourist place and finally a disclaimer from me that this travelogue may well be like a drop in an ocean among the countless articles, travel stories and blogs that had written so far about Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal which seems to be an odd one out among the most prominent tourist’s locations within India is situated in Agra in the state of UP. The proximity of this place with Delhi also makes it more convenient and fame especially among foreign tourists. A world class National Highway from Delhi to Agra via Noida has been also available now that makes the level of comfort for road travel many notches up comparing with the struggle through the old highway.
Even after many trips to Taj with family and friends whose first choice always remains Taj mahal in the list of places to visit when in Delhi and except the travelling and driving to and from Delhi, but I never lost the excitement in visiting this place even in extreme horrible climate associated with North India. Each trip throws up either some interesting facts, some never seen perspective look from a new location within the structure or the fresh appearance of entire Taj Mahal depends on the brightness of sun especially in the evenings.
A local guide is of great help here and how much one would be able to explore with historical facts and hidden secrets depends on the guide we accompany. All the way from the main entrance till exit there are many interesting symmetries, stunning designs and patterns on the wall, predefined peep holes and locations that reveals unexpected view of other parts of the complex which only an expert guide can explain in detail.
The only way to understand what Taj Mahal is and where were its real beauty is to hire a guide and they are enough in numbers from the parking place to the main entrance with proper accreditation cards as well as duplicate too. They also turn out to be our photographers even knowing the best places within the whole complex for stunning photographs with Taj Mahal in the background.
All my trips were on holidays and weekends which means standing in a long queue was part of the visit every time before crossing the main entrance and after the security screening it is free until we reach the main entry to the Taj. The compound wall in red sandstone is so huge that everyone is excused from getting a glimpse of Taj Mahal from outside. The openings made in arch shapes are equally matching for such a grand memorial. Taj Mahal is also one of the UNESCO’S world heritage sites and the security screening is slightly stricter than normally have in other tourists’ attraction in India.
Comparison is not fair, but it was funny to think that a huge compound wall separates two India with contrasting identities. Outside, a 21st century Indian city consists of unorganized, congested streets with cows wandering on the roads and inside of the compound wall, a reflection of works by Mughal empire left behind almost four centuries ago with huge trees and gardens providing refreshing cool air everywhere in the vicinity.
A short walk from security check took us to the gateway to the Taj Mahal another glorious entrance within the complex. The gate itself was a piece of outstanding construction made in red sandstone with white marble and other stones to enjoy for a while.
The Arabic verses which mean “inviting visitors into paradise” inscribed in the white marble on both sides of the opening in a vertical plane is in such a way that letters on the bottom and at the top at a height of almost 90 feet looks exactly of same size at the bottom and at the top instead of narrowing as the distance from our eyes goes further. The guide tried to make his point by telling us to think about how a railway track could see few meters away after which a closer look on it revealed its precision in which those words were imprinted in the marble.
The first look of Taj after we crossed this gate brought mixed feelings, one that of finally got to see this ultimate beauty, second an emotional excitement, third a statement being expressed as nothing is Impossible for love, and love is same and blind for emperors too. It is also realized that whether it is the first, second or fifth visit, this may be the only structure in India which makes the same exclamation from everyone’s conscience every time the visitors will realize how this memorial for love has been transformed to an architecturally wonderful building.
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