The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is often described as the crown jewel of Mughal architecture. Built between 1632 and 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a symbol of eternal love and one of the most recognisable monuments in the world. Constructed from white Makrana marble and inlaid with precious stones, it blends elements of Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year.

My hand drawing of the Taj Mahal was created from photographs and quick sketches I made on the day I visited, celebrating my 30th birthday with close friends. We woke at 5am to beat the crowds, taking an auto-rickshaw through the still and hazy streets of Agra towards the gates. After paying our entrance fee, we joined the slow-moving stream of visitors walking down the long path. The anticipation was tangible.

As we passed through the red sandstone arches of the main gateway, the view opened up to reveal the Taj Mahal perfectly framed ahead of us. Its pristine white marble glowed in the soft morning light, mirrored in the long reflecting pool that runs through the gardens. It was one of those rare moments where the scene looked exactly like the postcards, yet somehow felt even more unreal in person.

We spent hours wandering the gardens, tracing the intricate calligraphy carved into the marble, and stepping inside to see the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The craftsmanship was breathtaking - from the delicate floral motifs to the symmetry of every arch and dome.

Eventually, we found a shaded spot to sit and take it all in. Surrounded by the buzz of other visitors and the scent of flowers, I remember looking around at my friends and feeling such gratitude. We had travelled far, shared so much life already, and were now here together in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

When I look back at my sketches from that day, I am reminded not just of the Taj Mahal’s elegance, but of the vivid colours of India - the bright orange saris, the mint green tuk-tuks, the powdery blues of painted walls, and every shade of pink in between. For me, this drawing isn’t just about an architectural masterpiece; it’s a snapshot of friendship, adventure, and a moment in time I’ll always treasure.