Taj Mahal - The Romantic Monument

The Taj Mahal is one of the most romantic monuments in the world. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum is considered a monument to eternal love. One of the seven wonders of the world the Taj Mahal (Crown of the Palace) is located on the banks of River Yamuna in Agra. It is also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century the Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. Every year visitors numbering more than the entire population of Agra pass through the magnificent gates to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking monument!

The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being the jewel of Muslim art in India which is one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India's rich history.

The Taj Mahal incorporates and expands on design traditions of Indo-Islamic and earlier Mughal architecture. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17 hectare (42 acre) complex, which includes a mosque, guest house, the main gateway (darwaza) to the Taj Mahal and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.

The tomb is laid out in a rectangular shape and can be approached through a massive gateway which has an arch and alcoves on either side of it. The interior and exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest in Mughal architecture. As the surface area changes, the decorations are refined proportionally. The decorative elements were created by applying paint, stucco, stone inlays or carvings. The calligraphy found on the marble cenotaphs in the tomb is particularly detailed and delicate. Abstract forms are used throughout, especially in the plinth, minarets, gateway, mosque, jawab and, to a lesser extent, on the surfaces of the tomb.

The main gateway (darwaza) is a monumental structure built primarily of marble, and reminiscent of the Mughal architecture of earlier emperors. Its archways mirror the shape of the tomb's archways, and its pishtaq arches incorporate the calligraphy that decorates the tomb. It utilises bas-relief and pietra dura inlaid decorations with floral motifs. The vaulted ceilings and walls have elaborate geometric designs like those found in the other sandstone buildings in the complex.

There are water channels and fountains in the entrance which makes the monument even more spectacular. The reflection of this majestic spectacle in the Yamuna is almost poetic in its perfection!

Night viewing of Taj Mahal is available on five days in a month i.e. on full moon night and two nights before and two nights after the full moon. Visiting the Taj Mahal during full moon nights is a great expression of love and romance in the world. Tickets are available One day before the date of Night Viewing from the office of Archaeological Survey of India

Timing to Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra

Taj Mahal opens 30 Minutes before sunrise and closes 30 Minutes before sunset during normal operating days. Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for general viewing. Other days it is always open.

Ticket Price to Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra

Tickets are available at entry gate ticket counter for visitors from one hour before sunrise upto 45 Minutes before Sunset.

Foreign tourist - Rs: 1100/-

Rs: 200/- Additional for visiting main mausoleum (Optional)

Domestic/Indian - Rs: 50/-

Rs: 200/- Additional for visiting main mausoleum (Optional)

How to Reach Taj Mahal

The fastest way of reaching Taj Mahal, Agra is by air. The city of Taj, Agra, has its own airport that is around 7 km from the city center. Indian Airlines operates flights to Agra on a daily basis. There is a good network of trains connecting Agra with the rest of the country. Apart from the main railway station of Agra Cantonment, there are other two stations also, that of Raja-ki-Mandi and Agra Fort. The main trains connecting Agra with Delhi are Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express. There are regular bus services from Agra to a number of important cities. The main bus stand of Idgah has a number of buses running for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc.

Hotel near Taj Mahal - The Romantic Monument

Hotel near Taj Mahal - The Romantic Monument are :

The Oberoi Amarvilas (1.1 Km, 5min)
Sidhartha Hotel (1.1 Km, 6min)
Howard Plaza The Fern (1.2 Km, 5min)
Atulyaa Taj Hotel (1.2 Km, 6min)
Hotel Pushp Villa (2.5 Km, 9min)

Taj Mahal - The Romantic Monument

Timing to Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra

Ticket Price to Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra

How to Reach Taj Mahal

Hotel near Taj Mahal - The Romantic Monument

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