After an overnight train ride from Varanasi, Beau and I arrived in Agra four hours late but still eager to see the Taj Mahal. We had an hour to freshen up for our date with the Taj Mahal. A date that exceeded all my expectations. 
We have all seen pictures and TV ads of the Taj Mahal, I even studied the the building in my Architecture 101 class, but the moment I walked threw the archway my heart started pounding. I really can't describe to you how beautiful Taj Mahal is in person. The grounds are filled with tourist, most to them Indian, but there is a calm and still feeling in the air. 
Patient tourist line up with shoes off or booties on to wait hours for their chance to visit the mausoleum of the Emperor's wife Mumtaz Mahal. Every inch of the center building is covered with skillfully crafted motifs and complicated inlay patterns in white marble with accents of black and burnt red marble. 
After taking in the three buildings and all their beauty, Beau and I sat on step and watched the people. You can't beat the colors in India and what better background than the Taj Majal. Simply just magic! 
Our day didn't end at the Taj, we headed to the Agra Fort next. The Agra Fort was not what you would expected of a traditional fort. The fort displays the high level of sand stone carving craftsmanship that is famous to India. It also contained well manicured gardens that happen to be over run by crazy monkeys.
A great way to end the day was a beautiful view from the Agra Fort looking up the river at the Taj Mahal. 
Love the colors and smiles!
Wow, this place is really beautiful even the people looks friendly.
Fantastic colors!!
I love your pictures. Went to the Taj Mahal in 2008 and spent 10 hours inside the compound photographing it in every possible light. India really is a photographer’s dream!
Great pictures, the day I went was much more muggy, so my pictures have a different take…ominous..not bright and cheery.
i have looked at these photos at least 6 times now and cannot get over your capture of the colors and the essence of the magnitude of the structure. I love all the architectural detail with the compliment of the colors of the culture. Love the group of the people in line in line from afar and as you get closer!! Happy Holidays you two! Hi and hugs to all the family with you too!
Thanks for the comments everyone!! We really appreciate it. Sorry for the delayed response, we took a little holiday from the blog, we’re back now!
well its soo good to see this information in your post, i was looking the same but there was not any proper resource, thanx now i have the thing which i was looking for my research.
The photos are very nice, I enjoyed the reading, thanks for share!
wow, this is called incredible india, you did a fantastic job after posting this information, i have no words to explain beauty of tahmahal,