The Ultimate Epitome of Love, Taj Mahal
We had visited Taj Mahal previously and yet this time on our India tour we couldn’t resist visiting the architectural marvel, Taj Mahal again. The monument is splendidly decorated with beauteous murals adorning its inner and outer walls. The edifice is an amalgamated structure of red brick and mortar clad mostly in marble that gives it ever so charming texture.

The formation of Taj is another sight of amazement, the unique structure with four turrets embellishing the structure combined with colourful variations enchants the onlooker. I was completely spell bound and it got me thinking about the man who built it. Shah Jahan built this mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal; what amazing love it must have been that motivated him to construct a mausoleum so beautiful, truly it is the ultimate epitome of love.

Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra
The concept of building one’s own tomb before death fascinated me the most as I heard about Akbar’s unique idea of creating one for himself. Since then I desired to visit the Sikandra first thing on my Agra trip. Agra’s Emperor Akbar started building his own mausoleum because he wanted to have a royal and splendid one as per his own liking. The mausoleum is a fascinating blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain architecture which speaks of Akbar’s secular views for which he was world renowned. However, the construction work couldn’t complete during his lifetime and thus later his son Jehangir completed the work making some alterations in the original structure thereby adding the style of Mughal architecture. Even for those who are not much interested in history can still visit the place for exploring the exquisite inlay work of marble and enjoying a peaceful walk amidst the gardens of the tomb.

Encounter with World Wonder at Taj View Hotel
While vacationing I love to stay at hotels with some distinctiveness. This time on my Agra tour as suggested by my tour operator I had opted for Taj View Hotel and truly I must say the experience was most satisfactory. I had c a Superior Room to myself which gave me although a distant, but truly magnificent view of Taj Mahal. I remember sitting in my balcony for hours during the sunset with brilliant masala tea and just gazing at the world wonder, Taj which changed colours with the ever so changing rays of the sun. I was at my photographic best during one moonlit night when even though the Taj premises remained closed for the commoners I had an exclusive view of the spectacular Mughal marvel for the entire night.