I happened to be in Noida for work and couldn’t miss the chance an opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal came up. I never thought I would set foot on this magnificent monument of love and devotion. We started our journey at 6am from Noida to Agra. The journey was fairly comfortable on the highway.

The Taj Mahal stands as an architectural marvel and a timeless symbol of love, nestled in the city of Agra, India. Commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it epitomizes the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. Crafted from gleaming white marble that seems to change color with the shifting sunlight, the Taj Mahal’s intricate details and symmetrical beauty never fail to captivate visitors from around the world. Its majestic dome, flanked by four elegant minarets, rises above a meticulously manicured garden, creating a scene of unparalleled serenity and grandeur. Beyond its breathtaking exterior lies a rich history and romantic tale, making the Taj Mahal not just a monument, but an enduring testament to enduring love and artistic excellence.

We had a guide showing us the highlights as we were short in time as most of us have evening flights to catch. The weather was kind to us as it wasn’t too hot and we occassionaly had a cool breeze.

No pictures were allowed inside the main mausoleum. There is an official advisory on what you can and can’t do at the Taj Mahal.

Things that I learned from the visit are:

1. Nothing is permanent, as the Mughal empire reign eventually collapsed
2. The Taj Mahal Marble is luminous which causes it to change colour with sun light and moonlight
3. There are little to no artifical light around the Taj Mahal by choice to preserve the integrity of the historical site

It is a must visit and I have been very fortunate to be hosted for this trip of a lifetime.