I had the idea that the Taj Mahal was just a single structure sitting alone in the middle of an Indian city. I should not have been  surprised then, to see that it is a whole complex! It is large and vast, just like the country itself.

The complex is geometrically laid out with many gardens, water features and pathways. The well know structure, the Main Mausoleum itself is elevated from the complex and one has to climb steep stairs to get to experience its beauty up close. The stairs, eroded over time, are now protected with wooden frames to preserve them from further damage the thousands of daily visitors would inflict on them. Click on any photo to enlarge.

Taj Mahal Protected Steps ©2015 Regina Martins

Taj Mahal Protected Steps ©2015 Regina Martins

Each person needs to relinquish their shoes at the entrance to the stairs and is given a pair of paper booties so as not to damage the marble floors. The shoe racks are well signposted.

I was also surprised to see that Indian citizens (Indian tourists) and non-citizens (high value ticket holders because these pay more than the Indian tourists) have different pathways up as can be seen from the arrows in the maps below. Click on any photo to enlarge.

Taj Mahal Complex Map ©2015 Regina Martins

Taj Mahal Complex Map ©2015 Regina Martins

Entered in Cee’s Which Way Photo Challenge. This challenge is all about capturing the roads, walks, trails, rails, we move from one place to another on.  You can walk on them, climb them, drive them, ride them, as long as the way is visible.  Any angle of a bridge is acceptable as are any signs.