About Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal standing proudly on the bank of the river Yamuna in
Agra, is India's noble tribute to the grace of Indian womanhood.
Built by Shahjehan, the 5th emperor of Mughal empire in the
memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal is the
largest and the most expensive mausoleum built by any man on
earth.
The "symbol of eternal love", Taj at Agra is undoubtedly one of
the most spectacular marvel of the world. Renowned for its
architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it considered
among man's proudest creations and is constantly included in the
list of the world's topmost wonders. As a tomb, it has no
equivalent upon earth, for mortal remains have never been housed
so opulently.
The Architecture
The Taj, huge itself, is not an isolated building but it is a
part of a massive complex containing a main gateway, an
elaborately laid garden, a mosque and a prayer house, outer
enclosures and enclosing walls.
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and was completed in
22 years. Twenty thousand people were commissioned to work on
it. The materials were brought in from all over India and
central Asia and it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport
it to the site.
The
dome is made of pure white marble, but the tomb is set against
the plain across the river and it is this background that
formulates the magic of colours that, through their reflection,
change the view of the Taj at different time of the day. The hue
change at different hours of the day and during different
seasons. Taj Mahal is best viewed in a moonlight night. Like a
jewel, the Taj sparkles in moonlight when the semi-precious
stones studded into the white marble on the main mausoleum
receives the glow of the moon. The Taj is pinkish in the
morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon
shines. Just a awesome spectacle to view.
Tourist Information
Visiting Hours : Open from sunrise to 19 hours. The
monument is closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee : Entry fee for those above 12 years. Entry Fee
for Foreign Nationals : 750 Rs., Entry Fee For Indian
Tourists : 20 Rs. Free entry on Fridays.
Best Viewed At : Moonlight Night
Other Attractions Near the Taj
Agra Fort
Built by three great Mughal emperors, Agra Fort is a massive
structure housing several must see attractions.
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
This was built by Noorjehan in the memory of her father Mirza
Ghiyas Beg. This a beautiful structure with amazing carvings and
inlay work.
Sikandara
Situated at a distance of 10 km from Agra, This tomb of Akbar is
a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain
motifs.
Getting There
Air : Taj Mahal is located at Agra, which is easily
accessible from all the parts of India by air.
Rail : One can easily reach Agra by rail routes.
Road : Agra has well connected road networks, which are
linked to all the major destinations of Uttar Pradesh and nearby
state.
Accommodation
Accommodation is certainly not a problem here. We provide the
best of the accommodation facilities just suited for you. The
accommodation here ranges from luxury, deluxe to budget type.
You can pick the one which best suites your interest and budget.
