From Bharatpur, the train next took us to Agra to visit the world famous Taj Mahal, one of the eight wonders of the world. From the train station. the bus transferred the group to the parking area, from there electric buggies transferred the group to the main gate of the Taj complex.
arriving at Agra Station located near the Red Fort of Agra..
queues of bajajs waiting for tourists..
the entrance to the Taj complex...
The Taj Mahal is located in a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque to the left and a guest house to the right with the Taj Mahal being at the farthest end of the complex with the Jamuna River behind it. The garden contains 4 reflecting pools dividing the garden at the centre.
the main gate into the Taj complex...
details of the inner walls of the main gate..
view of the Taj Mahal from the main gate...
Standing on a raised platform (186x186 ft), its four corners corners are truncated to form unequal octagon. The architectural design uses interlocking arabesques concept. Its central dome rises up to 213 feet. It is flanked by 4 subsidiary domed chambers. The 4 graceful slender minarets are 162.5 ft tall each, slightly tilted outwards such that in case of collapse they would not fall on the Taj itself.
The entire mausoleum is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using gemstones such as agate and jasper.
this reflecting pond bisected the garden at the centre...
the Jamuna River behind the Taj...
the guest-house is to the right of the Taj
the mosque is to the left of the Taj
inlaid designs of gemstones on white marble..
the mosque...
Dilip and John..
Verna...
pakdokter's partner and Phaik Choo..
namaste...
The highlight of this visit to the Taj Mahal was when one of our tour group members, a surgeon in neurosurgery from Ohio took out a diamond ring and proposed marriage to his partner in front of this 'monument of love.' Sooo romantic......
Pakdokter had visited the Taj twice some 15 to 20 years ago and pakdokter must admit that this time pakdokter felt the Taj is in its best condition. Perhaps the on-coming Commonwealth Games in October had made the authorities restore and maintain this monument in fantastic condition.
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