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Epitome of Love – The Tajmahal

The final product of the involvement of about 22,000 workers comprising masons, painters, stonecutters, carvers, inlayers, dome-builders, calligraphers and other artisans, from all over Central Asia and Iran is a sight to behold! It is the Taj Mahal, a monument which has a unique blend of Islamic, Persian and Indian architecture. An ivory-white marble mausoleum on the southern bank of river Yamuna in Agra, it is designated as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.”

The charisma of the structure then created is such that even years after its establishment, it is still regarded as one of the most magnetic and eye- catching manmade monuments of the world. Not only the Taj but also the structures alongside it are extremely charming and add to the artistic wonder and architectural grandeur of the place.The entire Taj complex consists of the following major constituents.

Darwaza – The Main Gateway

The main sandstone gateway adorned in calligraphy with verses from the Holy Quran and having a domed central chamber, was constructed in between 1932 and 1938. The door of the gateway was originally made out of solid silver to prevent outsiders from catching sight of the tomb until they are right in the doorway itself.

Charbagh – The Taj Garden

On entering the Taj Gateway, you can view a garden stretching in front of you up to the plinth of the Taj and it occupies most part of the Taj complex- 300 m X 300 m out of the total area of 580 m X 300 m. Symmetry is the guiding principle in creating this garden and it can be experienced everywhere.

The Main Tomb

Although Taj was built to epitomize Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, but later it was decided to make it their final resting place also. The southern face of the tomb is the prime entrance to the interior. A finely cut marble screen, decorated with precious stones, scatters light over the cenotaph of the wife in the centre and that of the husband too beside it. The 99 names of Allah embellish the top of Mumtaz’s tomb and rest of them into Shah Jahan’s -the ones that are the indicator of a male ruler.

Naqqar Khana – The Rest House

The Taj Mahal Rest House, also referred to as the Assembly Hall or the Naqqar Khana, is established on the eastern side of the Taj and Taj Mahal Mosque’s replica lies exactly opposite, on the western side. It is believed that the rest house was built to provide a ‘jawab’, as it balances the architectural symmetry of the entire structure.

Best time to visit

There is no time of the year when the monument’s grandeur and magnificence fade away but comparatively better months to visit the Taj Mahal are from October to March. It comes to the peak of its luminescence during the sunrise, sunset and the full moon nights. Night viewing is permitted on full moon nights, plus minus two days, but tickets need to be booked one day in advance for the same.

5 To Do’s at Pangong Lake

Remember the last scene from 3 Idiots movie, when Kareena approaches Aamir in bridal dress and confesses her love to him. That epic shot is from Pangong Lake. The famous lake is 160 km from Leh, and is 14,256 feet above sea level. Nearest airport to reach to the place is Leh airport, from where either you can drive or bike ride to this beautiful lake which makes you speechless and gives you timeless experience. The ride to the lake in itself is scenic as one gets to pass through famous Changla Pass and other small villages. The countryside makes you feel nostalgic and reminds you of childhood paintings. Apparently, it is just the 40% of the lake that lies in India and rest lies in China. The crystal clear blue lake sprawls over an area of 100 kilometers across the borders of two countries in India and China. This is the reason; you may also see the patrolling by the defense personals. It is opened for tourists from May to September, as it is frozen during winters and routes to the lakes are usually closed. During the trip to Leh-Ladakh, one should keep at least 1 night/2 days for the place. Penning down few must to-do’s that one should plan while at Pangong.
Bird Watching at lake
Pangong is bird watcher’s paradise. Though due to salty water, you may not spot much aquatic flora and fauna, but surely you may find migratory birds as the lake is breeding ground for many. Bar-headed goose and Brahmini ducks are the most common, though.

Stroll at the lake
The serenity and tranquility at the lake will let you spend time with yourself. Evening and mornings are the best times when you can go for a quick stroll around the lake or maybe sitting on the banks to soak yourself in the sun. The clear and crystal water will try to lure you, but you are not allowed to take a dip in the lake, so resist yourself and enjoy just being at the bank.

One night stay with Locals in Home Stays
There are several homestays near the lake. You can pick and choose any of them and enjoy their lifestyle by spending one night with them. Panoramic view from them is usually beautiful, as most of them are near the banks. Cooking rice, chopping vegetables, talking to them in sign language, enjoying with their pets and trying to accommodate with locals is super fun. These homestays are budgeted accommodations and are almost close to Ladakh traditions. Usual price range from 3000 to 3500 inclusive of all meals. It gets really cold in the night, but fortunately good homestays like the camp watermark and eco huts provide you with warm water and other amenities to make the life easy.

Capturing Pangong with your lens
You can never get over capturing Pangong’s beauty with your lens. The place is beautiful especially when the sun shines at its peak. One can identify the three different shades of blue in the water. The landscape is beautiful. The place is indeed picturesque.

Eating Momos at 3-Idiots Point
Momos and Chowmein are famous at these small joints that have come up post 3 Idiots movie. Their Momos are different from what usually eat. You may find spinach momos, which are exceptionally good, and it is advised to have your food at these places, as once it gets dark and you enter homestays, you are left with very less options to eat.

Pangong Lake is the must visit place, on your trip to Leh-Ladakh.

Are you ready to book your tickets to the land of gods this vacation?