Esther's photos

The ceiling of the Taj Mahal is too dark to seek with the naked eye but its fine detail is visible with a flash and some photoshop manipulation. The Taj Mahal is a masoleum and memorial that was built in Agra, India by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their fourteenth child. Contruction took place from about 1632 until approximately 1653, employing about twenty thousand workers. It was built out of marble with semiprecious stones inlaid as decoration. The central dome has a diameter of 58 feet and rises to 213 feet. AIMG_6037 AIMG_6075

The Taj Mahal is truly a wonderous sight. Photographs can not do it justice The Taj Mahal is a masoleum and memorial that was built in Agra, India by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their fourteenth child. Contruction took place from about 1632 until approximately 1653, employing about twenty thousand workers. It was built out of marble with semiprecious stones inlaid as decoration. The central dome has a diameter of 58 feet and rises to 213 feet. AIMG_6037

In India, drivers fend for themselves. Horns are in constant use solely for the purpose of signaling that the vehicle is on the road. At night, most vehicles drive using their high beam headlights. When they approach other vehicles, they are supposed to "dip" their headlights by switching to the low beam setting. This brightly decorated truck has a painted reminder to do so. AIMG_6012

Red sandstone walkways in Agra, India AIMG_6027

The entrance to the site of the Taj Mahal is enormous, as is evidenced by comparing it to the size of the people passing through it.. The building known as the Taj Mahal is actually a mausoleum on the other side of this entrance. It was built in Agra, India by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. In addition to the iconic mausoleum, there are a number of other significant structures on the site. Contruction took place from about 1632 until approximately 1653. AIMG_6028

Chand Baori is an ancient stepwell located in the village of Abhaneri near Jaipur. The water could be reached by descending a series of stairs about five stories deep which were carved into the walls. The depth of the structure provided royalty with a cool retreat from the heat of summer. AIMG_5999

Many of the carvings at Chand Baori, an ancient stepwell located in the village of Abhaneri near Jaipur, have been damaged or destroyed but this beautiful carving still retains its beauty. The water could be reached by descending a series of stairs carved into the walls and the depths provided a cool retreat from the heat of summer. AIMG_5995

Camels often make fashion statements. Whether adorned with bells and anklets or sporting "furcuts" that look like tribal pattern tattoos, they dress almost as well as their owners. AIMG_5948

Despite the saddle, I don't think that camels were really designed to be ridden. Mounting and dismounting involves being jolted at a 45 degree angle and riding a camel moves your spine as if you were using a hula hoop in slow motion. It's fun to do - once - but unless you are crossing the Sahara, take a bus. AIMG_5942A