I rolled out of bed at 5:30am to see the Taj at sunrise, though from the hotel roof, it didn't look too different from the night before. I met Laura and Dan at the eastern entrance, and we proceeded to tour the site along with everyone else trying to get an early jump on the crowds. While there was plenty of blue sky to create a great backdrop for photos, the reflecting pools were drained for cleaning.
Up close, the beauty of the building in my eyes lay in the intricate, inlayed carvings. Precious stones sourced from around the world were used, and it is a big part of why the building took 30+ years to complete.
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liz says
June 16, 2008 at 4:24 pmThat bottom photo is stunning. love. love. love it.
Dave says
June 17, 2008 at 1:50 pmThanks Liz! I can’t help myself with the sunset photos…they’re coming out really well here. :)
liz says
June 16, 2008 at 11:24 amThat bottom photo is stunning. love. love. love it.
Dave says
June 17, 2008 at 8:50 amThanks Liz! I can’t help myself with the sunset photos…they’re coming out really well here. :)
Kango Suz says
June 16, 2008 at 2:32 pmYou got some great detail on that detail photo there! What kind of zoom are you using?
Dave says
June 17, 2008 at 8:54 amMy new Canon digital camera has 3.8x optical zoom, up to 15x digital zoom. Nothing too fancy.
Kango Suz says
June 16, 2008 at 7:32 pmYou got some great detail on that detail photo there! What kind of zoom are you using?
Dave says
June 17, 2008 at 1:54 pmMy new Canon digital camera has 3.8x optical zoom, up to 15x digital zoom. Nothing too fancy.
clair says
June 17, 2008 at 1:42 amThat first picture is beautiful and you look happy :smile: . An uncle of mine has that same exact marble table top of that piece (middle picture).. its beauty is astounding is all I can say.
Dave says
June 17, 2008 at 1:59 pmYep, once I realized the beauty of the buliding was partly in the detailed precious stonework, I had to buy a little for myself as a souvenir, and the marble salesmen were eager to make sales. :)
clair says
June 16, 2008 at 8:42 pmThat first picture is beautiful and you look happy :smile: . An uncle of mine has that same exact marble table top of that piece (middle picture).. its beauty is astounding is all I can say.
Dave says
June 17, 2008 at 8:59 amYep, once I realized the beauty of the buliding was partly in the detailed precious stonework, I had to buy a little for myself as a souvenir, and the marble salesmen were eager to make sales. :)
Chenoa says
June 19, 2008 at 8:07 amYou know, when you shine a flashlight onto the inlaid stones, the light filters out through them and into the adjacent stones and marble? Kinda hard to see it by daylight tho; if you try it around dusk, the effect is awesome!
Dave says
June 20, 2008 at 6:17 amYes, a “tour guide” was awaiting me at the entrance to the interior of the Taj, and he had a little light to show me what you’re talking about. Also, all the good marble showrooms will be all too happy to dim the lights and give you a flashlight to help sell their produts. Definitely a cool effect!
Chenoa says
June 19, 2008 at 3:07 amYou know, when you shine a flashlight onto the inlaid stones, the light filters out through them and into the adjacent stones and marble? Kinda hard to see it by daylight tho; if you try it around dusk, the effect is awesome!
Dave says
June 20, 2008 at 1:17 amYes, a “tour guide” was awaiting me at the entrance to the interior of the Taj, and he had a little light to show me what you’re talking about. Also, all the good marble showrooms will be all too happy to dim the lights and give you a flashlight to help sell their produts. Definitely a cool effect!
Brady and Shelly says
May 17, 2017 at 12:25 amThe Taj Mahal was incredible! We got there on a day without alot of other tourists and had the place virtually to ourselves for much of the day. It truly is a marvel to see the marble work inlayed in the building. The muslim temples on either side are also magnificent. We really loved The Taj, and despite what you think, you will never be prepared for when you see it from the south gate as you enter the complex. Really amazing!