Built to tell a tale of eternal love between an emperor and his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is a majestic tribute to romance. Carved in pure white marble and exquisite ornamentation, it adorns the banks of the river Yamuna in a picturesque setting. As the first rays of sunlight touch the monument at dawn, it glows like a golden orb, much like the love emperor Shah Jahan held for his Mumtaz Mahal. The soft marble shines like a flawlessly carved diamond as the moon rises to depict a castle taken straight out of a fairy tale. The Taj Mahal is an architectural spectacle of immeasurable beauty; the Taj Mahal leaves every set of eyes enthralled by its grandeur. The captivating splendor of the mausoleum further comes to life with the fable behind its construction. An epitome of undying fondness, the Taj Mahal mesmerizes every visitor, at first sight, even centuries after its formation.
A visit to India would be incomplete without visiting one of the most famous wonders among the Seven Wonders of the World-the Taj Mahal. Located in Agra, just 242 kilometers away from the capital city of Delhi, this majestic monument lies as a testament to one of the greatest love stories of the ancient world-that of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beautiful wife, Mumtaj. This stunning marble mausoleum is replete with intricate architectural and artistic details that make it an epitome of architectural prowess. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, watching the sunrise and setting with the Taj Mahal in the backdrop is an experience of a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit Taj Mahal
The most suitable time to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, is in autumn and winter. The months between October and March are perfect for sightseeing. The weather is pleasant and perfectly suitable to enjoy outdoor visits. Revel in the luxury of gazing at the heavenly beautiful Taj Mahal at peaceful sunrise. As the sun sets and the moon rises on the horizon, the white marble of the building is bathed in gentle moonlight. It looks especially spectacular on full moon nights. Taj Mahal can be viewed at night only five days a month, two days prior and after full moon day and full moon day. For the rest of the days, the place is open for visitors from sunrise to sunset.
History of Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a massive mausoleum made of white marble standing at the bank of the river Yamuna in a vast Mughal garden encompassing almost 17 hectares of land. Its construction began in 1632 AD under the orders of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who wanted it to serve as the resting place of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction reached its closure in 1648 AD, with the guest house, the mosque, the main gateway, and the outer courtyard along with its cloisters subsequently getting added by 1653 AD. The chronology of the Taj Mahal has been set with the help of various Quranic and historical inscriptions written in Arabic script throughout the complex. The chief architect responsible for the Taj Mahal was Ustad-Ahmad Lahori. Masons, inlayers, stone-cutters, painters, carvers, dome builders, calligraphers, and other skilled workers were hired from the entire empire, even Iran and Central Asia.
Top Attractions in and around the Taj Mahal
The Mughal Empire left its mark on the very fabric of Indian culture, architecture, and history. There is no place where this is more apparent than in the city of Agra, which is home to two of the greatest monuments ever built by the Mughals, both of which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, which lie just 2.5 km from each other. The Taj Mahal is also famous for being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Have a look at some of the major attractions in and around the Taj Mahal.
Architectural Features
Taj Mahal is simply beautiful. Its remarkable architectural features make it unique and stand out from other equally magnificent structures constructed in those times. Amazing details in design make it look truly magnificent. The use of white marble creates a perfect impression on the mind of an explorer. The flawlessly carved marble is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. Lovely stones like Jasper, Agate, Tiger’s Eye, Malachite Turquoise, Coral Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, etc., were used to enhance the look of the building.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is spread out over a sprawling 94 acres (34 hectares). It was built in 1080 AD and is the survivor of many battles, which had led to numerous renovations over the centuries. The more you explore, the more you will admire the blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture. Hire a guide who will explain in detail the major points of interest in the fort, which are the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Moti Masjid (Pearl Fort), and Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience).
Baby Taj
Explore the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, also called the Baby Taj, which is right opposite the Taj Mahal on the banks of the Yamuna river. This mausoleum was built as a testament to the love that Empress Nur Jahan had for her father in the year 1622. This is the first-ever tomb in India to be made fully of marble. Your guide will help you understand all you need to know about the Persian influences and culture of the time of the monument.
Shopping
Enjoy shopping in the city of Agra, especially for the local handicraft products that are a legacy of the ancient Mughal patronage of the arts and crafts of the region. You will find a beautiful array of embroidery work, jewelry, brassware, leatherware, carpets, etc.
Akbar’s Tomb
Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra is another magnificent attraction worth visiting. The resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, this tomb is located approximately 13 km away from the Agra Fort. This magnificent structure is distinct from the tombs of other Mughal Emperors in beauty and elegance.
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How To Reach Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is one of the most-visited cities in the country. Home to Taj Mahal, the UNESCO World Heritage Site made entirely of marble reflects an ethereal aura in the glow of the rising sun. It is the perfect place to capture memories for a lifetime. The city is well-connected to the different parts of the country through diverse modes of transportation. Here is how you can reach this attraction.
- Nearest Major City. Delhi
- Nearest Airport. Kheria Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Agra Cantt Railway Station
- Distance from Panjim. 242.4 km
By Air. The nearest airport to reach the Taj Mahal is Kheria Airport. It is a military airbase and enjoys amazing connectivity with different cities in the country. International tourists arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and use train, bus, or taxi services to arrive at the destination.
- Distance from Kheria Airport. 9.4 km
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By Train. There is good connectivity of train routes from Agra Cantt Railway Station to all parts of the country. From the Railway Station, tourists can take a cab or an auto to the destination. Rickshaws are also available to help passengers reach the Taj Mahal from Agra Cantt Railway Station.
- Distance from Agra Cantt Railway Station. 6.3 km
By Road. Depending on your geographical location, you can consider traveling to the Taj Mahal by road as well. The new 6 lane Expressway makes it possible to cover the distance from Delhi to Agra in just two hours. The overall road network which includes national highways is well-maintained and easily accessible. As per your convenience, you can choose to travel by state-run buses, cabs, or by your personal vehicles as well.
- Distance From Firozabad. 41 km
- Distance From Mathura. 48 km
- Distance From Bharatpur. 50 km
- Distance From Aligarh. 79 km
- Distance From Gwalior. 107 km
- Distance From Etawah. 111 km
- Distance From Alawar. 146 km
- Distance From Fatehpur Sikri. 36.2 km
- Distance From Delhi. 242.4 km
- Distance From Mumbai. 1207.4 km
- Distance From Kolkata. 1339.7 km
- Distance From Bengaluru. 1933.1 km
Frequently Asked Questions About The Taj Mahal
Ques 1. What is special about the Taj Mahal?
Ans 1. Located in Agra, just 165 kilometers away from the capital city of Delhi, this majestic monument lies as a testament to one of the greatest love stories of the ancient world-that of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beautiful wife Mumtaj. This stunning marble mausoleum is replete with intricate architectural and artistic details that make it an epitome of architectural prowess.
Ques 2. What is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?
Ans 2. The months between October and March are perfect for visiting the Taj Mahal. The weather is pleasant and perfectly suitable to enjoy outdoor visits. Revel in the luxury of gazing at the heavenly beautiful Taj Mahal at peaceful sunrise time.
Ques 3. Which is the closest airport to Taj Mahal Temple?
Ans 3. The nearest airport to reach the Taj Mahal is Kheria Airport. It is a military airbase and enjoys amazing connectivity with different cities in the country. International tourists arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and use train, bus, or taxi services to arrive at the destination.
Ques 4. What is the story of the Taj Mahal?
Ans 4. Taj Mahal, the spectacular monument, constructed by Shah Jahan in dedication to his wife Mumtaz Mahal is an epitome of immortal love and a perfect site for all tourists, especially couples. Its construction began in 1632 AD under the orders of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who wanted it to serve as the resting place of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
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