It often struck me that the Taj Mahal looks like a giant Iced Gem biscuit. Beyond that I had no further ideas about this ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. Although it made for an interesting feature in the 80s classic board game ‘Hotel’ – I never experienced any great desire to visit.
When Alex suggested we should add it to the itinerary of our amazing Indian adventure I was most happy to oblige (I was always fond of Iced Gems). In March 2015 we were lucky enough to spend two days visiting and taking pictures (heavy rain hampered snapping on day 1).
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The name Taj Mahal derives from Mumtaz Mahal’s name and means ‘Crown Palace’.
The incredible love story that surrounds the Taj Mahal feels mythical in nature and surely makes visiting a richer more powerful experience. Alex and I were both awestruck by the beauty and the history of the Taj Mahal. The ivory-white marble shimmers in such a magical way it is almost as though the mausoleum itself has a visible aura, the way I felt in its presence I’d say perhaps it does.
The Taj Mahal has earned a rightful place as one of the most iconic architectural wonders of all time and we both highly recommend a visit. Iced Gem biscuits pale in comparison.
