The Taj Mahal is a royal mausoleum in Agra, western Uttar Pradesh, India. Located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River on the eastern side of Agra city, this monument is considered one of the world’s greatest works of world heritage. A symbol of peace and beauty, the Taj Mahal is well-known as a symbol of love for lovers. Therefore, many tourists come to see the Taj Mahal, which has been the top tourist attraction for ages, and to learn about its history.
A Brief History of the Taj Mahal
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this magnificent mausoleum dedicated to his second wife, Arjumand Banu Begum (popularly known as Mumtaz). Mumtaz died giving birth to her fourteenth daughter. After Mumtaz’s death, Emperor Shah Jahan was emotionally devastated and decided to build the Taj Mahal as a symbol of his love for his wife. The construction of the Taj Mahal started in 1632 AD and was completed after about 22 years in 1653 AD. Although there is much controversy about the builders of the Taj Mahal, it was originally built by about 2,000 designers and craftsmen from Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe, according to Persian and Mughal architecture, under the supervision of Ustad Ahmed Lahuri. In 1983, the Taj Mahal, a monument of Mughal architecture, was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
How to visit the Taj Mahal
Spread over an area of about 42 acres, the entire Taj Mahal complex is mainly divided into five parts – the main entrance, the garden, the mosque, the guest house, and the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz with its four minarets. The main square of the Taj Mahal is surrounded by walls on three sides like a fort. Outside the walls are the tombs of Shah Jahan’s other wives and Mumtaz’s favorite attendants. The walls are patterned within the walls. All the walls have been built into a dome-shaped structure, which is currently used as a museum. The main entrance of the Taj Mahal is made of marble stone with Mughal architecture and design. The main square houses the red mosque and the Mughal guest house in two separate structures. There is a “charbagh” in the forecourt of the Taj Mahal. It is known as the Garden of Paradise. There are 16 separate flower gardens with high walls, tree-lined walkways, and beautiful fountains. Between the mausoleum section and the main gate is a marble stone chowbachcha in which the entire Taj Mahal can be seen reflected in the water. The interior of the mausoleum is lined with octagonal carved semi-circular marble stones. Here is the tomb of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz. Although these are only dummy tombs covered with a kind of screen of fine wire-worked Mandit marble. Dummy tombs 80 feet below the ground contain their actual tombs in sculpted ornate inscriptions. During the full moon, when the moonlight reflects on the tomb, an unearthly atmosphere is created around it. Inside the Taj Mahal complex, verses of the Holy Quran are beautifully carved in geometric and floral designs on precious stones using the petra dura technique. It is said that during the last period, Emperor Shah Jahan wanted to build another Taj Mahal on the bank of the Yamuna River which is now known as the “Kala Taj Mahal”. From here you can see various beautiful forms of the Taj Mahal in the light of the sun and moon. Built of black marble, this fort is connected to the Taj Mahal by a bridge. And 1 mile away from the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is located on the right side of the Yamuna River, which was a military fort during the Mughal period but later became known as the residence of the royal family under the leadership of Shahjahan, as well as a place for various royal activities.
How to go to the Taj Mahal in Agra
You can reach Agra by train or bus by reaching Anandbehar station in Delhi. In the case of a train, it takes one and a half to two hours to reach Agra by train from New Delhi Railway Station or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. And it will take three to three and a half hours to go by bus. Taj Mahal travel expenses: Delhi to Agra will cost around Rs 500-1200 depending on the vehicle. The Taj Mahal entry ticket price is Rs. 510 per person.
Where will you stay
Among the low-cost hotels and rest houses like Sai Palace, Hotel Safari, Max Guest House, Da Agra Grande, Tourist Rest House, Ray of Maya, Thomas Homestay, and Seven Hills Tower, rooms for two people are available between 600 to 1500 rupees.
Travel advice
- It is better not to visit Agra in very hot weather. November to February is a good time to visit Agra.
- If you get a chance to see the miraculous beauty of the Taj Mahal on spring and full moon nights, you will regret it later.
- If you enter Agra Fort by showing the entry ticket of Taj Mahal, it will cost 30 rupees, otherwise, you will have to spend 500 rupees separately and get the ticket.
- If you spend one day in Agra and visit the Taj Mahal at night, you will be able to see everything well.
- At the time of entering the Taj Mahal, a bottle of water is given, except for this water, no other food can be entered inside the Taj Mahal.
- Carry your passport while entering the Taj Mahal.
- Jumma prayers are held at the Taj Mahal on Friday, so entry is prohibited on that day.
