Thank you Mr Ramesh for this unforgettable trip.
Occasionally, while traveling, you will visit a place and see something that takes your breath away - the Taj Mahal is one of those places. Beautiful and awesome were the two best words that I uttered when I first gazed upon this gem of a building.
Before you get to lay eyes upon it, you'll first need to buy your tickets, which I believe were 750 INR for foreigners and virtually free for Indians. I think there was a 50 INR camera fee too. After you purchase your ticket, you have to go through a thorough security checkpoint. No backpacks are allowed, purses must be searched. You may bring in a bottle of water, tour book and camera.
Once you clear security, you proceed to the main gate, which is quite nice itself. Expect crowds, many who push and don't understand the concept of waiting in line. (They were probably all at the Who concert). As you make your way through the gate, the darkness of the room and the brightness outside obscures your view, but then it will come into focus - The Taj Mahal.
Once inside, be prepared as all those people you were in line with will now block every photo you try to snap, especially if you try to get one on the famous Princess Diana bench. It's ok though, you're at the Taj Mahal.
Make sure to walk around the inner courtyard to get a look from every angle and perspective. The gardens are perfectly manicured and the trees trimmed to provide a perfect frame for your photos.
Before you approach the Taj, you'll need to remove your shoes or wear shoe covers so as not to add more wear and tear to the marble surfaces. It is truly an incredible site to see the marble carvings and inlays on the building. Such wonderful workmanship.
Inside are the actual tombs surrounded by an ivory gate. What you see are really surrogates, as the real tombs are located in a lower level. The inner sanction is quite small compared to the overall size of the building and the area is usually crowded.
When you exit, be sure to walk around the outside of the building. In the rear, you'll see the Yamana River flowing by, though the level is quite low these days.
It is definitely a World Heritage Site and definitely a must see for visitors.
