WorldTravelReynolds

Our next stop on this world cruise with Royal Caribbean brought us to India, and high on our bucket list was the Taj Mahal. Disembarking in Cochin, the hot and humid air hit us like a slap in the face. To reach Agra, the city where the Taj resides, we boarded a chartered plane, a perk of our three-day adventure. Excitement in the air as we soared towards our destination.

A smooth landing later, we piled into six tour buses, eager to reach our 5 star hotel and very hungry, a delicious Indian dinner awaited us. Tomorrow, the Taj awaited! 

However, the next day’s planned 2-hour “priority train” experience became a six-and-a-half-hour adventure, far from what we expected.

While frustrating at first, the unexpected delay transformed into a unique memory. Our train was anything but “priority,” with each station bringing a pause that offered glimpses into the vibrant tapestry of Indian life. However, these glimpses weren’t all bustling markets and curious children waving. The train tracks also revealed the harsher realities of the country, with dilapidated shacks lining the route and even starving animals scavenging for scraps. Heartbreaking.

To make the most of it, we pulled out a deck of Uno, a welcome distraction amidst the frequent stops. Our fellow travelers became temporary companions, sharing stories and laughter as we played cards and even hung out the train doors as the locals do.

By the time we finally reached Agra, the initial frustration had melted away for most of us. In its place was a sense of camaraderie and a touch of amusement at our not-so-priority train ride.

While others were complaining we were excited about seeing this majestic place.

Before we arrive, let me tell you a story.

Have you ever dreamt of a book capturing the enduring love story behind the Taj Mahal, a monument that rivals time itself? This captivating tale unfolds with a chance encounter. Prince Khurram, a teenager, meets the beautiful Arjumand Banu Begum, also a teenager, in a bustling bazaar. Though sparks fly, Khurram’s hand is promised elsewhere for political gain.

Years filled with palace intrigue pass before their fates finally intertwine. In 1612, Khurram, now emperor Shah Jahan (“King of the World”), marries his beloved Arjumand, who becomes Mumtaz Mahal, the “Jewel of the Palace.” A constant by his side, Mumtaz is not just his wife but a trusted confidante, accompanying him on campaigns and enduring the challenges of travel during multiple pregnancies.

Tragedy strikes in 1631. Near a battlefield, Mumtaz gives birth to their 14th child but succumbs to complications the following day. Legend has it that her final request of the heartbroken Shah Jahan was twofold: to never remarry and to build a monument that would immortalize their love.

Consumed by grief, Shah Jahan embarks on a monumental project. The Mughal Empire, then one of the world’s wealthiest, becomes the source for a grand mausoleum. The “Crown Palace,” the Taj Mahal, rises along the Yamuna River in Agra, the capital city.

This unprecedented structure, the first mausoleum dedicated to a woman, is a testament to Shah Jahan’s unwavering devotion. Skilled artisans from across the empire and beyond are summoned to Agra. Makrana marble, the whitest in India, is quarried hundreds of miles away and transported by a thousand persevering elephants.

The Taj Mahal’s beauty transcends mere pictures. Its perfect symmetry is captivating, but it’s the intricate details that leave you breathless. Verses from the Quran, inlaid in black marble, adorn the edifice. Flowers and vines come alive through a dazzling array of precious and semi-precious stones – lapis, lazuli, malachite,  turquoise, and more.

However, Shah Jahan’s all-consuming focus on the Taj Mahal takes a toll. Palace intrigue, a constant threat in those times,tears the kingdom apart. Five years after the Taj Mahal’s completion, Shah Jahan is deposed by his own son, Aurangzeb,and imprisoned in Agra Fort. From his window, he gazes upon the only solace he has left – the final resting place of his beloved Mumtaz Mahal.

This poignant tale of love and loss, a story that inspired the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore to call the Taj Mahal “a teardrop on the cheek of time,” is a testament to the enduring power of love.

Our journey to Agra began with the tale behind the magnificent Taj Mahal. 

As we disembarked from the bus, golf carts whisked us towards the entrance. Stepping through the gates, a breathtaking vision of a white marble dome greeted us. Its beauty was simply unparalleled.

Throngs of visitors, here for the same reason, surrounded us as we strolled through the exquisite gardens. Our precious tickets granted us access to the interior. To protect the pristine marble floors, we donned hospital booties before stepping inside. Limited to one floor, we were mesmerized by the intricate carvings and the dazzling array of jewels adorning the walls. The camera restriction was a constant ache, but the vivid memories etched in my mind are far more precious.

Exiting the mausoleum, the sun dipped towards the horizon, casting a soft, orange glow upon the Taj. Its ever-changing beauty left us wanting to stay and see more bus as our time there drew to a close, our heads buzzing with newfound experiences, we boarded the bus. Another Indian dinner awaited us, accompanied by traditional entertainment. The conversation buzzed with the day’s adventure.

Knowing we had a 3 am wake-up call and a 4-hour bus ride back to Delhi, we hurried through dinner, opting for the bus this time to guarantee a timely arrival. Along the way, a sight tugged at our heartstrings. Several homeless families huddled at a roadside rest area. Many from our group, touched by their plight, offered them their lunches.

We reached Delhi in time for our flight to Goa and returned to our ship, still reminiscing about our incredible 3-day adventure.

The Taj Mahal – an unforgettable experience that will forever hold a cherished place in my memory.

Tomorrow we will be in Mumbai for 2 days. Another adventure awaits!

May God bless you always.

Chuck and Lea Ann