Around the World in 21 Days-Part 34

Incredible India!

A diya, the image of an oil lamp is associated with Diwali

We arrived in India on the first day of Diwali. Diwali festival marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. Diwali is synonymous with pooja (a Hindi religious ceremony), diyas (oil lamps), rangoli (decorative floor designs), sweets, gambling and gift exchange, and is generally an auspicious time of year. The celebration is a noisy one with loud music and firecrackers.

Our first stop in India was Agra, the location of that most famous of Indian landmarks, the Taj Mahal. We were extremely fortunate to access Agra through its military base. This facilitated a short 30-minute drive to the Taj Mahal.



Floral displays are everywhere in Agra

The sacred cattle of India share the streets

A colourful storefront

In the busy streets of Agra, our group was of interest

 

The Taj Mahal

We took electric bikes into the facility as there is a "no drive" policy in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal to minimize pollution. It's all about preserving the pristine whiteness of the mausoleum's marble.

Prohibitions at the Taj Mahal; its preservation is serious stuff

 

The gate through which one passes into the grounds of the great mausoleum

As we passed through the gates, this is the first breathtaking view of the mausoleum

Javier, our concierge, measures the Taj Mahal

Patty, Gail, Amy, Patty

Rochelle, Lynn, Chris, Selma, Brenda

A memorable experience for our tour group



Colourful saris in honour of the celebration of Diwali

This column looks three-dimensional but the effect is created by the design of the inlaid marble. 

The marble actually glistens in the sunlight



The mausoleum's marble facade is actually not completely white. It is inlaid with many precious stones and colourful gems.

 

Construction on the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed some twenty years later. It is considered to be the world’s finest example of Mughal architecture. As the story goes, Shah Jahan, emperor during a period of greatest prosperity was grief-stricken by the death of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. She died giving birth to their fourteenth child.

 

The last glance of this famous building is as memorizing as the first.

The Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

We then boarded the plane for our flight from Rajasthan to Mumbai, where the population density is four times greater  than that of New York City.

We're staying at the  Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai and have alreay experienced their superior service - a representative from the Four Seasons expedited the delivery of our room keys and check in information. Here is the link to this beautiful hotel : http://www.fourseasons.com/mumbai/

 

Marigolds at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

 

The technique of threading marigolds