TAJ MAHAL, AGRA – A TESTAMENT TO LOVE AND DEVOTION

The Taj Mahal, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this architectural marvel is also the final resting place of Shah Jahan himself. The Taj Mahal, which is entirely made of white marble, is a masterpiece of 17th-century Mughal architecture and is widely regarded as one of the most exquisite monuments in the world.

Every year, the gates of this breathtaking monument are graced by millions of visitors who come from all over the world.


 

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of the Crown of Palaces in the Persian language. The tomb, which is rectangular in shape, is accessed through a grand gateway with arches and alcoves on both sides. The entrance features water channels and fountains, adding to the monument's beauty and grandeur. The reflection of the Taj Mahal in the Yamuna River is a sight to behold and has a poetic quality to it.

Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and was completed in 1648, spanning a period of 17 years. The monument covers an area of approximately 42 acres and was built using white marble from Makrana in Rajasthan.

Inside the Taj Mahal

Inside the Taj Mahal, visitors can explore the main mausoleum, which houses the tombs of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The interior of the mausoleum is intricately decorated with floral motifs, calligraphy, and precious stones, making it a truly breathtaking sight to behold. Visitors can also explore the surrounding gardens, which are laid out in the classic Mughal style and feature reflecting pools, fountains, and manicured lawns. Other notable features of the Taj Mahal complex include the mosque and guest house, both of which are built from red sandstone and feature stunning architectural details. Overall, a visit to the Taj Mahal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who witness its beauty and grandeur.

Interesting Facts

The Taj Mahal is made entirely of white marble, which was brought from various parts of India and even from China and Central Asia.

It took around 22,000 laborers and artisans to complete the construction of the Taj Mahal, which took almost 22 years.

The four minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal are tilted slightly outward, so that in case of an earthquake they will not fall on the tomb.

The reflection of the Taj Mahal in the nearby Yamuna River creates an illusion of the monument changing colors throughout the day, from pinkish in the morning to milky white in the evening.

 

The calligraphy on the walls of the Taj Mahal is a mixture of Arabic and Persian styles, and the size of the letters increases as they move upwards to create an illusion of uniformity.

The famous diamond, the Koh-i-Noor, was once a part of the Taj Mahal's decoration but was later removed and became a part of the British Crown Jewels.

The Taj Mahal has inspired the construction of several other monuments around the world, such as the Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, India and the Taj Mahal Bangladesh in Dhaka.

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors every year, making it one of the most visited monuments in the world.

Taj Mahal at Night

Nighttime viewing of the Taj Mahal is allowed on five specific nights of the month - the full moon night and the two nights before and after it. The exception is during the holy month of Ramadan when night viewing is not allowed. Tickets need to be purchased in advance from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) office or online on the ASI website. Visitors are allowed to spend a maximum of 30 minutes inside the complex during night viewing hours. The view of the illuminated monument is said to be a mesmerizing sight and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, photography is not allowed during night viewing hours.

Experiences and Activities for Tourists

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Taj Mahal offers a wide range of experiences and activities for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do:

Explore the Taj Mahal: The main attraction is, of course, the Taj Mahal itself. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture and design of this monument while learning about its history and significance.

Take a guided tour: There are numerous guided tours available, ranging from basic tours that provide an overview of the monument's history to more in-depth tours that explore specific aspects of the Taj Mahal's architecture and design.

 

Visit nearby attractions: Agra is home to a number of other historic and cultural attractions, including Agra Fort, the Mehtab Bagh Gardens, and the Tomb of Akbar the Great.

Experience local culture: Visitors can also immerse themselves in the local culture by exploring the bustling streets of Agra, trying traditional foods, and attending local festivals and events.

Enjoy a sunrise or sunset view: Watching the sunrise or sunset over the Taj Mahal is a breathtaking experience that is not to be missed. There are also some tours that offer sunrise or sunset views from different angles.

Take a photography tour: For photography enthusiasts, there are specialized tours that offer unique perspectives and angles for capturing stunning photographs of the Taj Mahal.

Attend a light and sound show: The Taj Mahal hosts a daily light and sound show that uses special effects, music, and narration to tell the story of the monument's history and significance.

Shop for souvenirs: Visitors can browse local shops and markets for souvenirs and handicrafts, including traditional textiles, jewelry, and leather goods.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is from November to February, which is the winter season in India. During this time, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, making it ideal for exploring the monument and its surroundings. The temperature during this time ranges from 8°C to 25°C. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the summer months of April to June when the temperature can soar up to 50°C, making it extremely uncomfortable for tourists. The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rainfall, which can affect your travel plans.