A Journey of Ten Thousand Steps

 

February 3, 2026

What to say about this day other than it was a journey to magical place, Agra famously known for the Taj Mahal and Agra fort. We visited both places and added more than 10k steps to finish our wonderfully exhausting day. Our day began with a chilly fog-smog at Agra Fort and evolved into a stunning, warm sunny afternoon for the Taj where we stayed until sunset. Pictures are not in sequence.  The Taj Mahal is featured first. 

Built in the 16th century, the Taj Mahal is a renowned white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, built between 1631 and 1653 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 15th child. The devastated husband poured his heart, grief and money into this twenty year project.  Now this UNESCO World Heritage site brings visitors from all over the world.

It is just as awe inspiring as all the pictures anyone has ever seen. One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, it features exquisite Indo-Islamic architecture, symmetrical design, and semi-precious stone inlays. While it appears to be a square building it is actually octagonal structure that has perfect cemetery no matter what side you view this building.

The Agra fort is massive and certainly consumed much of our morning. Like the Forbidden City in Beijing, this 16th century structure, Agra Fort, is known to have been a a fortress against invasion, a palace for emperors, concubines,  wives and seat of power. At one time Shah Jahan was imprisoned here by his only son when he took over the thrown. Jahans wish was to live out his remaining life overlooking the Taj Mahal that could be viewed in the distance.  

 • Mughal Grandeur: 
It was the center of Mughal power and opulence, housing emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
• Architectural Fusion: 
Features a mix of robust red sandstone military structures with delicate marble palaces and audience halls.
• Key Buildings: 
Includes the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Jahangir's Palace, Khas Mahal, and the beautiful Pearl Mosque. 


                  Sunset at the Taj Mahal
                         First spectacular view



                               
                      Agra Fort:







Somewhere through the fog and smog is the Taj




Shah Jahan lived out his life imprisoned here. It is a beautiful place where marble is carved into spectacular fountain, doorways and as decoration. 

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