February 16, 2009

Taj Mahal from across Yamuna River at sunset

Location: Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India(27° 10′ 48″ N, 78° 1′ 12″ E)
Date: 7 Jan 2009; 4.10pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Taj Mahal is supposedly the ultimate monument of love, built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan commemorating her wife, Mumtaz Mahal. However recent research indicated that it is also a symbolic replica of Heaven. Whatever it may be, it is definitely one of the most recognisable and amazing architectural feat of humankind. Taj Mahal is a busy place- the best time to visit with less crowd is early morning. The entrance fee is prohibitively high for foreigners- 750 Rs per entry. For photography buffs, a better option is to photograph the monument by taking a boat ride (50Rs return if you bargain hard and hide your big camera and tripod) across the Yamuna River to the opposite bank. Just follow the road towards the river after passing the east gate. The view from across the river is stupendous at both sunrise and sunset (like this one).

No comments: