Location: On the banks of river Yamuna in Agra.
Year of Construction: 1631-1653
Built By: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Spread Over: 42 acres
Significance: One of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance leaves one mesmerized.
Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with love and romance. It is believed that the name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan wife Mumtaz Mahal and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make Taj Mahal travel gain a place amongst the most popular ones. However, unless and until, one knows the love story behind the Tajmahal of India, it will come up as just a beautiful building. But, the love behind this outstanding monument is what has given a life to this monument.
The Taj shows exceptional beauty during different times of the day. Taj is most attractive during early morning covered with mist bathed with red glow. During the day time the color of the Taj changes to
The specialty of the Taj Mahotsav is the Food Festival. The exotic cuisine's and delicacies prepared by some of the oldest exponents and the typical preparations from the interiors of Uttar Pradesh are mouthwatering.
Timing
Taj Mahal is one of the eight wonder of the world. Visitors from all over the world throng to view the beauty of this magnificent mausoleum. Due to its popular demand, it remains open all the days except Friday's. The entrance to Taj opens at around 6 am in the morning and closes at 7 pm in the evening. The Archaeological Survey of India decided to close the Taj Mahal on Friday for public viewing. Only Muslims are allowed to visit the magnificent mausoleum on Friday.
Access
» By Rail :
» By Road : Well connected through road. Bus services are available from
Fees
As Taj appears exceptionally beautiful during sunrise and sunset, the entry cost to Taj varies accordingly. The entry costs for foreigners is Rs 970 and for Indians Rs 110 (during sunrise and sunset) and during day time it is Rs 20. Children below 12 have free entrance.
Much of Agra's impressive past lives in evidence even today. The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home. The old part of the city that includes the main marketplace (Kinari Bazar) is northwest to the Agra fort. It has several distinct areas whose names are attached with the Mughal period, although they don't always bear relation to what is being sold here today. To quote a few examples, the Loha Mandi (Iron Market) and Sabzi Mandi (Vegetable Market) are still operational, however the Nai ki Mandi (Barber's Market) has attained the new role of a market famous for textiles. The area to the south of the Taj is known as Taj Ganj - comprising of congested alleyways, today it contains most of Agra's budget hotels.
Besides being a historic city, Agra has shades of modernity as is typical of any Indian city. Today, luxury and modern convenience also exist adjacent to tradition - luxury hotels, shopping malls and plazas, wide avenues and a superb choice of venues for recreation, business, sports, pleasure, education and the arts.
