When people think of India, an image of its most famous iconic monument certainly comes to mind: The Taj Mahal. It's been photographed hundreds of thousands of times while being featured on magazine covers, uploaded on social media feeds and headlined in travel guides. When planning my trip to India, visiting the Taj Mahal was at the top of my list. I couldn't not go - I mean, it's the Taj Mahal!
I was really excited to finally set eyes on one of the most famous icons in the world. But, I, myself, was surprised that I didn't fall in love with the Taj Mahal. After all, the story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal is one of epic love.
ON NOT FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE TAJ MAHAL
I was really excited to finally set eyes on one of the most famous icons in the world. But, I, myself, was surprised that I didn't fall in love with the Taj Mahal. After all, the story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal is one of epic love. The story goes like this:
When Mughal Emporer Shah Jahan lost his beloved (and favorite) wife, Mumtaz, to a sudden death giving birth to their 14th child, he was in so much grief that he ordered the construction of the most elaborate and beautiful tomb ever built as an ode to his eternal love. Romantic, isn't it?
Located in the city of Agra, the Taj Mahal consists of a main centerpiece mausoleum which houses Mumtaz's tomb (Emporer Shah Jahan's tomb is next to hers), a red sandstone mosque and an elaborately designed guest house. Four minarets strategically placed at each corner stand tall seemingly guarding the tomb (they were actually built to facilitate the call to prayer).
The expansive complex is set on verdant gardens with a pristine water channel in the middle. With the main mausoleum made of white marble and decorated throughout with intricate lattice work, detailed floral inlays, finely-executed carvings, delicate bas-reliefs and elegant Arabic calligraphy, no one can argue that the Taj Mahal is a work of architectural genius.
I was fascinated by the fact that the Taj Mahal is of Muslim (about 14%) origin while India is mostly Hindu (80% of its population) and yet it's the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions India. Just another odd realization that's part of the wonderful complexity and history of Mother India.
I was impressed by the magnificent design, the exquisitely rich materials, the endless details on every wall and the history attached to this beautiful complex. The sheer beauty of it all was incredible. It was breath-taking. It was extravagant. It was grandiose. But it also felt shallow.
As mentioned earlier, the Taj Mahal is India's most prominent site with millions of people from all over the world (including India) visiting every year. Fortunately, the grounds are expansive enough to accommodate lots of people every day without feeling crowded. Well, except for when you enter the main mausoleum complex (where you're not allowed to speak or take pictures).
I kept thinking that this was essentially a tomb, a place of rest. I felt like I was trespassing. I was getting annoyed at so many people trying to get that perfect picture. I admit I also wanted my photo in front of the Taj Mahal but my patience was wearing thin.
I didn't get a sense of serenity or calmness I (foolishly) thought I would. Quite the opposite, I felt uneasy at the overt opulence of the Taj Mahal (and the crazy amount of water used) whilst just outside its gates was a city filled with poverty, desperation and pollution. It looked totally out of place. The whole place felt very commercialized (spoiler alert: it is). This was a tourist attraction with a hefty entrance fee, plain and simple. It felt like the essence of the Taj Mahal had been lost.
Don't get me wrong, the beauty of the Taj Mahal is unequivocal. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to visit one of the most iconic monuments in the world but it wasn't my favorite. I was disappointed by the atmosphere. I much preferred the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
That's my take on not falling in love with the Taj Mahal.
Have you been to the Taj Mahal? Is it on your bucket list? What are your thoughts? Yay or nay?
31 Responses
Ellis Veen
I visited the Taj Mahal several times. Last time was during Diwali and oit was crazy. Later I even read in the local newspaper it was the busiest day in the year. Not my best visit.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I can only imagine how many people there were during Diwali! :
Simon - SiDash Travels
Great post 🙂 thanks for sharing. Were off to India in 2 weeks and of course the Taj Mahal is top of our list. Im glad you posted this because I was thinking that I might need to lower my expectations, as is usually the case when travelling to big tourist hot spots.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Unfortunately many tourist attractions lose much of their charm but let me know what you think of the Taj Mahal! And have a great time in India!
Frank Thomae
The problem with travel today is coming to all these famous sites and dealing with all the tourists posing for their selfies and group photos. They don’t bother reading the history, they don’t bother even looking at it properly – it’s all about them posing next to a famous building. Sorry, but just had an overload of that stuff in our recent 7 weeks in Japan.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I agree – it’s all about getting that perfect shot without any consideration for anyone else or for the place itself. I admit I also want to have photos of all these iconic places but I lose interest when others start pushing and shoving. I was very turned off at the Taj Mahal because of that. And I can’t stand all these selfies and poses! One girl at another monument in India was taking her sweet time posing like she was a super model – grrrr!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
It can be disappointing sometimes but I was still grateful to have seen the Taj Mahal – it is quite a beautiful monument!
TheSoulofSeoul
We got there just after they opened early in the morning and were pretty alone when we took that must-have shot, but I imagine later in the day or even on just a popular touristy day it’d be hard to get a shot without people in the background. It is a must see for sure though. Stunning.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I’m sure it’s quite a different experience without all the people killing the vibe (for me anyways). I agree though it is a must-see. 🙂
Natasha Welch
This is really interesting. I had no idea the Taj was Muslim and I’ve been really battling with whether to take time out to see the Taj when I could be spending more time elsewhere in India (I can only be there for a month) This is making me lean towards maybe skipping it… gah i don’t know
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I really don’t want to discourage anyone from visiting the Taj Mahal. Honestly, I would’ve regretted not going. Everyone has their own personal experience. If you’re in New Delhi then going to the Taj Mahal is easy (well, nothing is easy in India but it’s close enough to go on a day trip). 😉
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
It was also on my list and I’m glad I went – I mean it IS the Taj Mahal after all! But like I mentioned I didn’t have the reaction I expected and I was mostly disappointed (notwithstanding its beauty). Enjoy India – it’s an amazing, crazy and wonderful country! 🙂
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I think sometimes some places get blown out of proportion but the Taj Mahal is without a doubt a stunning architectural feat with a very romantic history. Unfortunately, it didn’t have a very positive effect on me.