Travel
After leaving the interior, I walked
toward the river and gazed across
where the merest foundation for the
Black Taj remains. Shah Jahan
intended to build a replica in black
marble opposite the current
monument. However, a war with his
sons interrupted his plan. The sons
placed him under house arrest as
they were particularly opposed to
his lavish spending for another
shrine. As you glance further upriver,
you see the red sandstone fort of
Agra; the location where the father
was imprisoned.
Left:
View from
Terrace to
Gateway
Right:
My Last Look
Below:
Ticket Office at
10am
Bottom:
Beautiful ITC
Hotel Spa
A red brick mosque sits on the left
hand site of the Taj, used only by
locals, and a symmetrical structure
stands on the right, formerly used as
lodging. No touring inside either
building is permissible.
I strolled through the gardens and
was very glad that I had come at
dawn. Within a few hours, tourists
had mushroomed like well watered
weeds, pushing forward and
disrupting the serenity. The area
outside the ticket office was now a
disorderly swarm.
Other photographs of this site show
its varying moods from dawn to
dusk. The guide told me a full moon
gives the Taj a golden, sensuous
appeal and that it shines like a pearl.
All I can say is see it for yourself.
The romanticism and sheer majesty
of the structure is undeniably real.
*****
Photography by Debi Lander.
pointed out the gems, the
harmonious curvature in the vines
and depth in the blossoms. Each is
neatly etched, cut and inlaid to
perfection. He said one special
flower on the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal
is inlaid with 35 different precious
stones. Such perfection simply
leaves one mesmerized.
Marble lattice screens, which are
elaborately cut in oriental designs,
enclose the cenotaphs. The actual
graves lie below in the basement,
undisturbed in quiet environs. The
play of the sun’s filtering rays
reflecting off the river and through
the lattice work creates a mood of
solemn respect.
I admit I did not notice the inkwell
over Shah Jahan’s tomb or the slate
on top of Mumtaz Mahal’s. The
official website says they were
placed there because “a man writes
his desires on the woman’s heart.”
Hmmm.
Disclosure: My trip to India was self
funded, however, the ITC Mughal
Hotel in Agra generously provided
overnight accommodations. Before I
left the hotel, I toured their Royal
Spa, Kaya Kalp, and must say, it is
the most fabulous treatment center
I have ever seen. Polished dark wood
decor is blended with pomegranate
colored accents, secluded lighting,
marble baths, flowing fountains and
the plushest rooms imaginable. No
wonder the spa wins major awards.
My recommendation for visiting the
Taj Mahal is to spend two nights in
Agra, allowing extra time to bask in
the splendor of the hotel and spa. I,
of course, would also suggest going
back to photograph the Taj at
sunset.
For further information on the Taj
Mahal: www.tajmahal.gov.in/home.
html
For information on the 5-star Hotel:
www.itchotels.in/hotels/itcmughal.
aspx
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