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.
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio, a food blog. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Read the complete story of how he became a pro travel blogger.
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Brady and Shelly
Wednesday 17th of May 2017
The 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!
Chenoa
Thursday 19th of June 2008
You 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
Friday 20th of June 2008
Yes, 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
Thursday 19th of June 2008
You 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
Friday 20th of June 2008
Yes, 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!
clair
Monday 16th of June 2008
That 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
Tuesday 17th of June 2008
Yep, 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
Tuesday 17th of June 2008
That 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
Tuesday 17th of June 2008
Yep, 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. :)