Taj Mahal: An Eternal Monument to Love

Experience the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love and architectural grandeur in Agra, India.

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Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, is a world-renowned symbol of love and architectural brilliance. Commissioned in 1631 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a testament to their enduring romance and the rich cultural heritage of India.

A brief summary to Taj Mahal

Agra, Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Uttar Pradesh, 282001, IN
+915622226431
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Local tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and witness the Taj Mahal bathed in the soft glow of sunrise.
Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and avoid long queues at the ticket counters.
Hire a government-approved guide to learn about the history, architecture, and legends surrounding the Taj Mahal.
Dress modestly, as the Taj Mahal is a religious site. Remove your shoes before entering the main mausoleum.
Be aware that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for general viewing, but open to Muslims for afternoon prayers.

Getting There

Walking

From the Eastern or Western gate, follow the designated pathways towards the Taj Mahal complex. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes from either gate. Remember that polluting vehicles are not allowed within 500 meters of the Taj Mahal. Battery-operated buses, golf carts, and cycle-rickshaws are available from the parking areas to the gate. Cycle-rickshaws typically charge around ₹50-₹100 for the short ride. There is no fee for walking.
Public Transport

If arriving by bus, the main bus stand (Idgah) is a few kilometers from the Taj Mahal. From the bus stand, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the Shilpgram parking near the East Gate or Amrood ka Teela parking near the West Gate. Auto-rickshaws may cost ₹50-₹150 depending on your negotiation skills. From the parking, use the battery-operated bus or walk to the gate. The battery bus costs approximately ₹10 per person.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are readily available in Agra. Request a ride to the Taj Mahal East Gate (Shilpgram parking) or West Gate (Amrood ka Teela parking). A short taxi ride from Agra Cantt railway station to the Taj Mahal will cost approximately ₹200-₹300. From the parking area, you can take a battery-operated bus (approx. ₹10 per person) or a cycle rickshaw (₹50-₹100) to the gate.

Discover more about Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural marvel and a poignant symbol of eternal love. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned its construction in 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. Completed in 1648, with outlying structures finished by 1653, it showcases a harmonious blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles. Ustad Ahmad Lahori is considered the chief architect. The mausoleum, built primarily of white marble, is set within a sprawling 17-hectare Mughal garden on the bank of the Yamuna River. The complex includes a mosque, a guest house, and a main gateway, all enclosed by crenellated red sandstone walls. The Taj Mahal's design exhibits remarkable symmetry, with intricate carvings, pietra dura inlay work, and কলigraphic inscriptions adorning its surfaces. The white marble reflects the colors of the sky, appearing pink at sunrise, white during the day, and golden in the moonlight. Inside, the mausoleum houses the graves of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The surrounding gardens are divided into quarters by walkways, following the Timurid-Persian style. The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn to its beauty, history, and the love story it represents. It stands as a monument of national importance, administered by the Archaeological Survey of India.