At any hour, but particularly at sunrise, sunset and in moonlight, the view of the worldвЂ™s greatest symbol of love lives up to itвЂ™s reputation. From many terraces the Taj feels but a few steps away across the lawn. вЂњAmateurs,вЂќ He said вЂњthey couldnвЂ™t possibly be happier than we are.вЂќДЄmarvilas is a unique property a short tuk tuk ride away from the Taj Mahal. вЂњThe monkeys down there are on the wall seem to be having a good time,вЂќ Me said. Standing on our terrace at the Oberoi Amarvilas, the Taj Mahal was veiled in morning mist, dreamlike, just beyond our touch. Bathroom facilities may prove challenging for some and having вЂњprivate paperвЂќ (while it is available in short supply and particularly as paper towels are not available) is always a good idea when traveling.Be prepared to purchase shoe covers (tiny charge) or remove your shoes when entering certain portions of the interior.Not all guides being equal, you may want to arrange for your guide through your hotel or travel agent to ensure the best experience. His narratives were truly enjoyable and memorable and added greatly to the experience. In addition to the colorful history and stories he told us, he was able to navigate easily through the ebb and flow of tourists and make sure we saw everything without be crowded. While a guide is not necessary to appreciate the Taj, we appreciated having ours.ItвЂ™s magical вЂ“ mystical.вЂќДЄs we walked back to the tuk tuk for a harrowing ride back to the hotel, He smiled and said, вЂњWould you believe it, MaвЂ™am?В Centuries later, love lives on.вЂќ вЂњIвЂ™ve always believed it, вЂњMe said. I didnвЂ™t expect to be overwhelmed,вЂќ Me said, вЂњTaj Mahal is so much more than a symbol or cliche for the worldвЂ™s greatest testimony to love.

It is evidence of extraordinary love and the efforts of countless extraordinary people. Having seen it, touched it, felt it, The Taj undoubtedly merits its special place in history and legend. Before seeing it, the astonishing stories, facts, and achievement Taj represents would seem overblown, unlikely or myth. вЂњAnd would you believe it, MaвЂ™am, Sir вЂ¦вЂќ asked Rais as he remembered yet another wonderful anecdote to share about the remarkable history of The Taj. The original artisan families have continued to use the same, carefully guarded, stone working skills for centuries, passed from generation to generation, allowing The Taj to be meticulously maintained for hundreds of years and perhaps, as intended, for eternity. Remarkably, this marble hardens with human touch making it possible for visitors to pass their fingers, place their cheek or press their lips against it вЂ“ a truly lasting memory. вЂњArchitects and engineers were brought from around the world in order to find a way to build this heavy, very heavy structure on the unstable banks of a river.вЂќ 20,000 workers, 1,000 elephants, 22 years. вЂњAnd would you believe it, MaвЂ™am?вЂќ Rais asked. The final wish of a beloved Maharani, dying at the birth of her 14th child in 19 years вЂ“ to be buried at the riverside where she first met the great love of her life. вЂњAnd would you believe it, Sir?вЂќ The number of years, workers, stones, engineers, carvings, visitors would seem unbelievable but true. This question was asked repeatedly by our guide, Rais, arranged for us by Indebo Travel, on our visit to the Taj Mahal.

It follows me everywhere