The Taj Mahal & India's Famous Fog

On the morning of January 17^th, we woke to more of this area’s “famous fog.”  We had been warned that fog occurs during this time of year, but I was still impatient with it.   We waited in Delhi until 10 a.m. to give it a chance to break up, and then started toward Agra. 

I enjoyed the road trip a lot.  For one thing – the passing trucks were colorfully and uniquely painted with scenery, animals, or other bright themes.  And, their cabs were also decked out in fringes, bells or window decals.  Other vehicles sharing the road included this ladder-carrying motorcycle and this wagon -- with chandeliers for sale!   Dodging the cows on the road was also a tad tricky. 

Anyone want to buy a chandelier?

Ramesh told us that you need three things to drive in India – “a big horn, working brakes, and good luck.”   To help with the ‘good luck’ part, many Hindus – including our driver Ramesh – attach a decoration to the front bumper to ward off the “’evil eye” (i.e. accidents).  Ours must have worked.  We avoided all accidents, and arrived at the Taj midday.

Tagore described the Taj Mahal as “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity.”  I always thought he was referring to it as an everlasting testament of a husband’s love for his wife.  But, I learned there may be an alternate reason for that teardrop.  The son of the emperor who built it overthrew his dad and kept him imprisoned for many years at the Agra Red Fort.  From there he could only gaze upon the Taj Mahal (and never visit).

Nonetheless, I have always envisioned the Taj Mahal as a very romantic place.  I was excited to see it, and we did --- if only for a moment.   By mid afternoon when we arrived, a misty haze enveloped it.  But, we could see it, if faintly. Within thirty minutes, a thicker fog rolled back in, obscuring it completely.   The following two pictures were taken exactly two minutes apart!

Now you see it...

... now you don't.

People said we were fortunate to arrive when we did, as our first half hour there was the only time all day where the Taj was visible at all!

We all got to see it!

We walked around the grounds – and through the Taj, marveling at its intricate detailing and beauty.  

Detail inside the Taj

Inlaid stonework

They were enjoying the Taj, too!

In a way, the mist made it seem all that much more surreal and dreamlike than a harsh sunny day may have.  While not at all like I imagined, I got my “romantic” Taj Mahal after all.

Jim and Connie at the Taj Mahal
In 2015 ...our 35th year of marriage