"This ode to love shimmers in the moonlight, floats in the early morning mists and mesmerises with its changing shades at sunset. More than simply a building, it’s the greatest gift one man ever bestowed on his beloved." ~ Rhino Africa

Our adventure to the Taj Mahal...

began in Jaipur, 

supposedly a four hour drive away.

Only if you plow over a few cows lounging in the middle of the "highway", 

 horse drawn carts meandering from one field to the next...

or a party of goats on their way to happy hour.

Best to be mentally prepared for a six to seven hour drive

 and be pleasantly surprised if it is less.

Tip #1

Savvy travelers have reported a better experience driving from Delhi.

Newer "highway" and only three hours.

Also, Jaipur deserves your full attention without a side trip to Agra.

Meanwhile,  

our expected arrival of 4:00 p.m.

 instead found us arriving around 6:30 p.m. just as dusk descended on The Taj Mahal.

The moment I entered the lobby and peered out the back window...

 the voice of Frank Costanza...

whispered 'serenity now'...

'serenity now'.

Tip #2

Spend at least one night at The Oberio Amarvilas.

You will thank me later.

After a lovely dinner including the best lentil soup ever tasted,

the culinary team shared their recipe
 along with a thank you for my appreciation.
Thank.YOU.culinaryteam. 

In order to beat the crowds,

our morning began before sunrise,

 with coffee and croissants served in the bar

 where we met our guide who then escorted us by golf cart

 (another benefit of The Oberoi) 

to the gates of The Taj.

Monkey business kept us entertained... 

while waiting for the gates to open...

to get our first peek...

of this white marble mausoleum.

Tip #3
Arrange a guide for your visit to The Taj.

Their knowledge is helpful of course...

but their ability to clear the area for THE photo is worth every rupee.

As we were leaving...

the crowd was growing...

and the clouds began to threaten.

Back at the Oberoi...

we were entranced by sounds of the bansuri...

and the whiffs of breakfast...

before heading back to our room...

for coffee and a private view of The Taj.