Five years ago, I traveled to India and visited the magnificent Taj Mahal. It was an experience that left me in awe of the beauty and history of this iconic monument. Little did I know at the time that I had ADHD, a condition that would later enable me to see the Taj Mahal from a unique perspective.

As someone with ADHD, my mind constantly races, looking for new ways to explore and understand the world around me. When I looked at the Taj Mahal, I didn’t just see a beautiful building; I saw a story waiting to be told. In a way, my ADHD helped me to appreciate the Taj Mahal on a deeper level.

As I wandered around the Taj Mahal, I took pictures from every angle, capturing its majesty and the intricate details of its design. I couldn’t help but be amazed by the sheer scale of the monument and the incredible effort that went into its construction. But my ADHD also allowed me to see things that others might overlook. I noticed the small imperfections in the marble, the tiny cracks and lines that added character and depth to the structure. I saw the patterns and shapes created by the intricate carvings, and the way the light played off the surface of the stone.

Now, looking back at the photos I took, I see a Taj Mahal that is more than just a stunning piece of architecture. I see a monument that is alive with history, stories, and hidden details waiting to be discovered. And I hope that by sharing my photos and my perspective, I can inspire others to see the Taj Mahal, and the world around them, in a new and exciting way.

As the sun began to set on the Taj Mahal, my friend Siva and I decided to cross the nearby river for a different perspective. We crept down to the water’s edge, watching the Taj Mahal as it changed colors in the fading light. It was a magical moment, and we felt like we had the world to ourselves. But as we approached the riverbank, we saw a group of local university students sitting together, drinking and laughing. They were enjoying life with one of the seven wonders of the world simply sitting in the background.

We decided to join them, and we spent the evening chatting and laughing with these friendly and welcoming people. As someone with ADHD, it can be easy to get lost in your own world, but that evening with the local students was a reminder that there is always more to see and experience if you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone. It was a lesson in living in the moment and enjoying the beauty of the world around you.

Looking back at my photos of the Taj Mahal, I’m reminded not just of the monument’s grandeur and history but also of that unforgettable evening spent with new friends. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to appreciate the world is to experience it with others and to see it from different perspectives. And I hope that by sharing my story, others will be inspired to seek out their own unique perspectives and experiences, whether they have ADHD or not.

FUN FACTS | Once upon a time in India, there was a guy named Shah Jahan who fell head over heels for a girl named Mumtaz. They were so in love that they got married and had a bunch of kids. But then, one day, Mumtaz tragically died while giving birth to their 14th child. Talk about a tough pregnancy.

Shah Jahan was devastated and wanted to do something special for his beloved wife. So, he decided to build her a grand mausoleum that would be the envy of all the other dead people. And thus, the Taj Mahal was born.

Now, as a traveler, let me tell you that the Taj Mahal is seriously impressive. It’s made entirely out of white marble and has intricate carvings and designs that will blow your mind. Plus, the symmetry is on point – I’m talking perfect reflections and everything.

Glenn Alderson

Photographer | Adelaide, South Australia

See the Taj Mahal from a Different Perspective

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• It took over 20 years to build the Taj Mahal, with construction starting in 1632 and finishing in 1653.
• The white marble used to construct the Taj Mahal was sourced from various parts of India and even from as far away as China.
• The four minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal were built slightly tilted outward to prevent them from falling on the main tomb in the event of an earthquake.
• The Taj Mahal’s dome changes color depending on the time of day and weather conditions. It appears pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden at night under the moonlight.
• The Taj Mahal is not perfectly symmetrical. The four minarets are slightly tilted outward and the main tomb is placed slightly off-center.
• The Taj Mahal was once scheduled to be demolished by the British during their rule in India, but it was saved by the efforts of Indian officials.
• The Taj Mahal has inspired the construction of many other similar structures around the world, such as the Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad and the Taj Mahal Bangladesh in Dhaka.
• The Taj Mahal is said to have cost around 32 million Indian rupees to build, which would be equivalent to over 1 billion US dollars today.
• The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year, and it is considered one of the most iconic and beautiful structures in the world.