The Taj Mahal

Just when we think we're familiar with the layout of Moghul tombs based on what we've seen so far, Shah Jehan changes the format for the Taj Mahal. There is still the walled space that's roughly square, but the mausoleum is close to one side. There is the familiar four-square garden (char baug), but it is entirely in front of the monument. There is a mosque to the east of the Taj, and to preserve the symmetry, an identical building to the west that served as a guest house. The fourth side, across from the entrance, is along the banks of the Yamuna river. (Map) The mausoleum is built on a platform and the effect, along with the riverside location, is stunning. As you enter the complex, and gaze (yes, you do gaze) at the Taj, there is nothing behind it, but open sky.

As a friend put it - walking through the entrance arch and seeing the Taj is a knee jellying moment.

The gates open at sunrise and we got there in the dark to buy our tickets and wait in line. It paid off as we had a spectacular morning with no crowds. The interior, usually crowded, was empty. We leisurely admired the fine marble screens, relief sculptures and embedded stone work. (No photography allowed). Then we walked round and round the monument in amazement. In theory, you could just study one side since the Taj is perfectly symmetrical.

I last saw the Taj Mahal at age 15 and, while I was impressed, I don't think I fully appreciated its beauty at the time.

The Taj Mahal complex seen from across the Yamuna river in the late evening. The mosque is on the right, the rest house on the left, and you can see the main gate peeking out just right of the Taj.

A corner view

A view from below the platform.

I had to take one with an arch around it.

Around 10a with the sun higher in the sky and the ground more crowded

Close up of a minaret

Close up of one of the arches

Detail

One of the screens that let in light into the inner chamber

The inside of the guest house

The inside of the mosque

Dome of the mosque

The main gateway into the Taj - seen from inside.

The main gateway seen from outside.

 You have to have your picture taken with the Taj in the background.

They were having trouble propping up this infant for the picture. He kept falling over.

This one is more stable :)

Questionable stability.