Visit The Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is undoubtedly one of the most appealing structures ever created. Its beauty stands testimony to a great love story. Read below to know info on the Taj Mahal,  its history, architecture & more.

Taj Mahal Info
Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World has an inevitable architectural exquisiteness. It stands testimony to one of the world’s greatest love story. Mankind has learnt the art of eternal love hearing the tale of TajMahal. Built during the supremacy of Mughal in India, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful monuments by western historians. Some have fascination towards its beauty; some are taken aback by its history while archaeologists come here to study its magnificent architecture. But ardent travelers don’t need a reason to visit Taj Mahal. All they need is a desire to unveil the mysteries of this world.

Visit The Taj Mahal

Location
It is located in Agra city of the North Indian state Uttar Pradesh. One can reach this magnum opus by road, rail or air transport. The transportation facility is superb and therefore Agra can be reached from any part of the country comfortably.

Taj Mahal History
What we see today is an endeavor of past. History not only fascinates travelers but make them aware of realities of a by-gone era. Grandson of Akbar -The Great Shah Jahan (1628-1658) built this monument in loving memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal. Their love story is as intriguing as the stars shining in the dark blue sky.

Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) fell in love with Arjumand Banu Begum (Mumtaz Mahal) at the very first sight. After five years of romanticism, in 1612, he married this Muslim Persian princess and was deeply in love with her. They both shared every moment of their life together and were regarded as inseparable companions until 1631 when she died giving birth to their fourteenth child.

Heartbroken Shan Jahan decided to build world’s most beautiful monument to pay tribute to his wife. In 1632 the construction of Taj Mahal began and till 1648 only the principal mausoleum was created. It took another five years to complete the adjoining gardens and structures. However, the date of its completion has always been a topic for debate. Built entirely out of white marble, construction of this architectural wonder involved 22,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants. It is abstracted from its construction documents that Ustad ‘Isa was its master designer.

Taj Mahal Architecture
It is the finest archetype of Mughal architecture. It showcases a perfect amalgamation of elements from Indian, Islamic and Persian architectural styles. Enclosed by a magnificently laid out walled garden, it comprises of five major constituents namely: The main gateway (Darwaza), Gardens (Bageecha), mosque (Masjid), rest house (Naqqar Khana) and main mausoleum (Rauza). To reach the main complex one has to either walk down or board an electric bus as the polluting traffic is not permitted around it.

The central entrance, with its arched middle chamber, is positioned at the last part of the long waterway. Mosque is on its one side and Naqqar Khana on the other, built primarily to retain its symmetry. Main building stands on a square raised platform with its four reduced corners, forming an asymmetrical octagon.

Most mesmerizing part about its architecture is that each element maintains its own identity even though merging perfectly with the main structure. As a typical feature of Mughal mausoleums, false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are placed in the main chamber while the real graves are at a lower level. Light enters the main chamber through the perforated marble screens and creates a scenic view.

Nearby Attractions

• Agra Fort
• Akbar’s Tomb
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb

Check details on Places to visit near Agra

Timings
Popularity of this fascinating tombstone can be gazed from the fact that it receives a footfall of approx 2 million to 4 million every year. Its cultural as well as historical importance enrolled it in the list of world heritage sites in the year 1983. It is revered not only as one of the eight wonders of the world but also as a great tourist destination.

Therefore, the best time to visit Taj Mahal, Agra and admire its beauty is during the pleasant months of October, November and February.

Entry Norms

• To visit Taj Mahal, travelers are required to purchase entry tickets available easily at the site.
• Two tickets are available out of which one is issued by the Agra Development Association (ADA) which is valid for one day while the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) issues separate tickets for each site.
• Entry is free for children below 15 years of age.
• The ASI has decided the timings of accessibility of Taj Mahal as – 6:00 am to 7:30 pm except on Fridays when it remains closed. However the ticket counter gets closed by 5:30 pm. On Fridays, persons who have to offer afternoon prayers in the mosque can enter the premises.
• Night viewing is allowed on the days of full moon along with two days prior and later to it (except for Fridays and during the month of Ramadan).

Taj Mahal Tour Package
Same Day Taj Mahal Tour
Taj Mahal Over Night Tour
For list of tours itineraries visit HERE

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