I'll always remember the first time I ever read about the Taj Mahal. It was in the "people and places" Children's encyclopedia World Book collection. The idea of such an amazing palace for a tomb seemed like something from a fairy tail. To go to see the Taj had been my primary reason for adding India to the travel itinerary and one I don't regret.

I was so excited to see the taj, which is in the city of Agra. Agra itself was disappointingly littered and overrun with street sellers and tuk tuk drivers; I suppose it's all part of the charm of going to a world famous tourist destination.

On entering the Walkway to the taj I was really excited, despite this nothing could have prepared me for the delight of seeing such a beautiful building. The building materials, the carvings, the engineering are amazing.

We spent about two hours walking around to take in the atmosphere.