The Taj Mahal and the Ganges river are probably some of the best known sites in India.


Varanasi in the northern  state of Utter Pradesh, India is known as the "Athens of India" because of the rich cultural sites. It is also known as the "holy city of India" because the Ganges river flows through the city and its association with Lord Shiva, a Hundu God.

There are numerous religious temples and shrines to visit but most natives flock to Varanasi to make offerings to the Ganges river. We woke up prior to sunrise to see the sun emerge over the Ganges river. It was a beautiful sight as the sun crept up over the buildings and spread across the glistening river. It was so beautiful that I did mind getting up so early!

Not far from Varanasi is The city of Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, a must see when touring India. While the Taj Mahal is know for its ornate splendor and beautiful dome the story behind it is even more fascinating. It was commissioned under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 it is a Muslim mausoleum. It was built to house the body of the love of his life, his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. She was his constant companion and confidant and in a time of arranged marriages their love story is unique. Shah Jahan is also buried at the Taj Mahal near his favorite wife.

We visited the Taj Mahal at sunset and again in the morning when the crowds were not allowed.