In 1631, when his wife died in childbirth,the emperor Shah Jihan brought to
 Agra the most skilled craftsmen fromall Asia and even Europe. He intended
 to build a black marbled mausoleumfor himself and the link between the two
       wasto be a silver bridge. But the enemy of mortality stopped this
                    breathtakingly beautiful conception.

Everyone has their own favourite time to seethe Taj Mahal. Crowds will
  distract you from the coolly serenepresence of this flawless monument. Try
    arriving just as it opensor is about to close. A few minutes alone in the
   perpetually echoing inner sanctumwill reward you far more than several
  hours spent on a guided tour. Thesensuously curving lines of the temple of
  love demand to be savoured withoutinterruption, then the presence of the
                 building itself will impart its own message.

 The tombs of Shah Jahan and his wifeMumtaz Mahal are actually located in
 a shadowy burial crypt. At ground level,in the very centre of the building is
 the cenotaph dedicated to Mumtaz. Singin the inner shrine and the notes will
        float upwards in a presentiment of the music of the spheres.

 Relax and be open. Under the full moonthe pearly white exterior is shrouded
  in mystery. Love, the greatest mysteryof all. In India, part at least of your
      time willbe spent learning and gaining new perspectives. That lasts.