Travelling – to the Taj Mahal
Bayard Taylor, American novelist. “Did you ever build a castle in the air? Here is one, brought down to earth and fixed for the wonder of ages.”
How many children should a mother have?
What about fourteen?
Did you know Mumtaz Mahal had fourteen children but tragically passed away giving birth to the last one on June 17, 1631.
But who was Mumtaz Mahal? She was the chief consort of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, and the reason we have the Taj Mahal today—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an icon of love.
Now, let me share more from my 2020 adventures in India.
Before I reveal one of my favourite photos of myself (and yes, I don’t usually like having my photo taken), I’ll set the scene. I was sitting on the same bench as Princess Diana had in February 1992, soaking in the grandeur of the Taj Mahal.
It was Day 6 of my Best Exotic Marigold India Tour. Before our big visit, we enjoyed some local shopping experiences.
Imagine this: choosing a fabric and design for an outfit, having it custom-made, and delivered to your hotel room by morning—just in time for your excursion! We also visited a jeweller, which was heaven for me.
I was in seventh heaven. Ever since I started working, I've preferred to choose my own style and material and have my dressmaker create my outfits. As I mentioned in NL Travelling - heart racing moments, rings are another passion of mine—I adore collecting them. On this trip, I added another treasure to my collection.
Barely containing my excitement, I wandered around in total awe of the vibrant colours and range of fabrics - choosing fabrics was both exciting and overwhelming. After much deliberation (and a gentle nudge from our tour guide), I settled on a tunic, trousers, and a matching scarf. The staff took my measurements and explained how the design would come together.
Next, I selected a ring design. I’ve always loved moonstones for their ethereal glow and symbolic properties—supporting change, energy and protection during travel. Paired with a plaited silver band, my ring felt perfect.
As I stepped out of the jeweller, I couldn’t help but do my little happy dance.
That night, excitement kept me awake—along with an unwelcome tummy bug. Thankfully, my travel doctor had prepared me for such situations. After a rough night, I skipped breakfast but perked up when my new clothes arrived. They fitted perfectly and gave me the energy boost I needed to face the day.
Dressed in my custom-made outfit, sparkly sandals, and a touch of makeup, I felt like a princess. The timing couldn’t have been better: no smog, fewer crowds, and perfect weather.
As I stood before the Taj Mahal, I was awestruck by its grandeur. It truly is a masterpiece, deserving all the praise it receives.
British painter William Hodges once said, "It appears like a perfect pearl on an azure ground." I couldn’t agree more.
Firstly, I held my breath and took in the beautiful surroundings before getting my professional photo taken. We also got a group photo of all the ladies in the group, dressed in their finery.
About the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1631 by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal and completed in 1648, with some phases continuing for five more years.
Here are some incredible facts about this masterpiece:
- Size: It spans a 17-hectare complex along the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh.
- Cost: Estimated at 5 million rupees, roughly $77.8 million USD today.
- Labor: Around 20,000 workers and artisans contributed to its creation.
- Architecture: A perfect example of Mughal design, with Arabic and Persian influences. The name "Taj Mahal" means "crown of the palace."
- Materials: Twenty-eight types of precious stones from China, Tibet, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Arabia were used in its intricate inlays.
- Legacy: Pollution over the years has turned the once-pristine white marble into yellow-brown tones.
Inside the main chamber are cenotaphs for Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, while their actual tombs lie in the lower chamber.
My romantic side believes this stunning mausoleum reflects Shah Jahan’s deep love and grief. Standing there, I felt overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty and the serene atmosphere.
I felt like a princess in my tailor-made gear and did not want to leave the “castle in the air”. I quietly thanked everyone for this spiritual experience and could not believe our luck with timing and weather.
Have you been to the Taj Mahal? If not, you absolutely should. Who knows how much longer it will retain its glowing beauty under environmental threats?
For me, the Taj Mahal was not just a sight but an experience—a journey of awe, gratitude, and quiet reflection.
If you haven’t read, and want to know about an Australian place that is called the Taj Mahal of the Kimberly. Click on the link below for one of my previous Newsletter.