India: Images 53

Most of the inside of the Taj is closed off, but there isn't anything to see.

Taj mosque. For symmetry, it is identical to the jawab on the other side.

Another view of the Taj, framed by an arch in the gateway.

Me at the Taj Mahal. I debated with myself, whether or not I should pay to see it. Many people said it was not worth visiting, that you can see it from afar, and there is nothing to see inside. True, but it would have been unforgivable for me to come all the way to India, to Agra, stand outside the gate and not go in - just because they charge foreigners $15. (Indians are charged the equivalent of about 40 cents or something like that.)

A not so good composite photo of one corner of the Taj.

India: Images 52

After seeing the temples at Khajuraho, these blank spaces of the Taj just seem to cry out from some kind of image.

This is the inner section section of the Taj. It is dark and photography is not permitted. :-) The cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are behind the marble screen.

A closeup of the marble screen.

Roof of Taj.

The artwork of the Taj. Very nice, but it gets monotonous as it is exactly the same all around.

India: Images 51

Wall carvings at Agra Fort.

Rear view of the Taj from across the Yamuna River. During the monsoon season, the river grows and covers the sand.

Taj at sunset from the northeast.

The classic view of the Taj Mahal. I know it is cliche, but it really does look just like the pictures.

You must remove your shoes or wear a shoe cover to protect the precious marble floor.

India: Images 50

My first glimpse of the Taj Mahal from Shahjahan Park on the chilly morning I arrived in Agra.

The view of the Taj from the "rooftop restaurant" of my hotel.

Mischievous monkeys atop the buildings in Agra. They go into any open door or window and steal things.

The entrance to Agra Fort.

View of the Taj from Agra Fort.