A trip to Agra, to see the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. A very romantic story of a Raj building a palace of a mausoleum for his favoured wife, Marred I think by the knowledge that to prevent repetition, all the craftsman hands were chopped off.

The guide said it took 20,000 paid workers 22 years to complete it, but if’s true, that’s a lot of hands. A bargain of a ticket at equivalent to £10.00, slightly more than the locals,!! but I did get preferred access into the main mausoleum, a free bottle of water and free use of the toilets… ;-)

Seriously though, completed in 1653, (that’s why there are 1653 fountains I believe), it’s an awesome piece of architecture. So one of the earths Great Wonders down, only another six to go.It’s all about symmetry to, a mosque repeated on the other side, the gardens symmetrical.

To keep the marble in good condition, cars are not allowed near the the place, so after parking a small trip in a horse carriage. Very hard to get the classic shots as a lot of local guides commandeering the best places to get pics of their clients.

I did struggle with the weather, a bright sunny humid day, drawing the very breath and sweat from my body, soo much it looked like somebody had thrown a bucket of water over me. After that back down into Agra to see the Red Fort, from which the Raj would look every day across to the Taj where his wife lay waiting for him.

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Entrance into the Taj, a Grand Sight

Steppign right upto the barrier, I was able to get this shot with minimal crowd

Through the trees in the grounds. I do like this shot

Playing with a vintage look

Ongoing renovations

One of the corner pillars….angled slightly outwards so in event of earthquake they would fall outwards

Looking back towards the entrance

Entrance to the Taj. 22 Minarets above the two doors, for the 22 years it took to build

This was my very first view of the Taj Mahal, from the town of Agra. Even at this distance it looks impressive and builds excitement in the observer

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