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The Lotus Temple, Baha’i House of Worship, New Delhi – December 30, 2011
We’re working our way towards the Taj Mahal in Agra, but need to stop in New Delhi first since it’s the closest city with an airport. Our free day in Delhi is spent with a touch of sight-seeing, followed by a whole lot of shopping. The Baha’i House of Worship, often called, The Lotus Temple, is a true architectural masterpiece with nine marble petals. Photography is forbidden inside. The interior is full of natural light, and the structure creates a magical echo that seems to linger forever. As birds swirl around the interior wall, the temple is filled with the continuous echo of their fluttering wings. Close your eyes, and it feels like the whispers of angels encouraging us to disappear into mediation. A truly heavenly place welcoming people of all religions to worship here.
Pillows at Good Earth, New Delhi – December 30, 2011
For two years I’ve been searching for the perfect pillows for my couch. I thought I would find a terrific set during my trip to Thailand last year. Instead, I found many beautiful trinkets, but no pillows to add the splash of color I wanted for my grey tufted couch. Last spring while strolling through the streets of my West Village neighborhood, bright beautiful silk pillows on an outside bench drew me into a new restaurant – The Tea Set on West 12th. I ran in having to know where they found these gorgeous pillows. The French owner, Jacques, said, “In your country!” During his last trip to Mumbai, he found them at the Indian home decor store, Good Earth. Needless to say, Good Earth was high on the must-see store list. We went absolutely crazy in this store! It’s filled with the perfect combination of lifestyle products steeped in casual luxury and relaxed glamour. Just what I was looking for! I over indulged, and bought pillows for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, for both the living room and the bedroom. The damage for the day – an entire suitcase filled with textiles from a handful of stores in Delhi. Oy! I still have 2-1/2 weeks of traveling ahead of me!
New Year’s Eve, and we’re off to see the Taj Mahal! The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayers. So the only day we could take our day trip with our jam-packed schedule, was on New Year’s Eve.
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Taj Mahal, Agra – December 31, 2011
Second time at the Taj Mahal, and it still is breath-taking. I’m overwhelmed by the magnitude of Shah Jahan’s expression of love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Grief stricken after her death, he built the Taj Mahal in her memory. It’s filled with beautiful design traditions of Persian and early Mughal architecture.
Taj Majal through my eyes – “Love at First Sight” watercolor by Pallavi Wagle
Inspired by countless visitors coming from all corners of the country, dressed in their region’s traditional clothing. Many of whom were on their honeymoons.
- Inlays on the Taj Mahal – December 31, 2011
Close ups of the beautiful artistry on the Taj Mahal. Inlays within the marble.
- Inlays and Arabic scripture, Taj Mahal, Agra – December 31, 2011
I love the colors and how the Arabic scripture becomes an element of design. Wouldn’t these designs be beautiful in textiles? I so have home decor on the brain throughout this trip.
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Man in Agra outside of the Taj Mahal – December 31, 2011
Who says you need money for style? We saw this man sitting outside of the Taj Mahal. I loved the natural, casual elegance he possessed. He’s so dapper in this electic combination. Love, love the brightly striped shirt against the multi-textured and patterned greys. He created a beautiful composition.
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Red Fort, Agra – December 31, 2011
Red Fort in Agra. India’s version of a castle.
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Scalloped arches at Red Fort, Agra – December 31, 2011
Another beautiful example of Moghul architecture.
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Poverty outside of the Red Fort in Agra – December 31, 2011
This little girl had the saddest face when she approached us as we stepped out of the Red Fort. We motioned for her to follow us to our car. My dad had given us a ziplock bag full of school supplies he had bought from Staples for us to hand out throughout the trip. The moment we gave her a chance to pick a few supplies, the biggest smile came across her face. It made us so happy. I think it is safe to say that our fondest moments throughout the trip were seeing the smiles on children’s faces as we handed out school supplies and Hershey Kisses to them. Later after we got into the car, our tour guide told us that children come out in the early evenings, hungry and in search for food. We were heart-broken. I still feel terrible for not thinking to buy her a meal at that moment. Despite the enormous growth in India in recent years, poverty still remains a big problem.
travel with pallavi 