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Taj Mahal


Taj Mahal, the mausoleum designed with white marbles is situated in Agra, India. This was constructed by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, his wife. This is well known as Jewel of the Muslim art and one among the internationally recognized masterpiece of world heritage.

Taj Mahal stand proudly as refined example of amazing Mughal architecture combining elements from Indian, Ottoman Turkish, Persian and Islamic architectures.

Taj Mahal was declared to be a World Heritage Site by UNESCO by 1983. The white color domed mausoleum is well known feature of Taj Mahal, there are many integrated structures residing in it. The construction of this was initiated during 1632 and completed by 1653 deploying several thousands of craftsman and artisans. Taj Mahal was built by under the supervision of group of architects including Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, Makramat Khan and Abdul Karim Ma’mur Khan. Among them, Lahauri was leading designer.

History

Badshahnama, written by Abdul Hamid Lahauri refers Taj Mahal as rauza-I munawwara, which literally means illustrious or illumined tomb.

After the completion of Taj Mahal, Aurangzeb, son of Shah Jahan kept his father in house arrest in a place close to Agra Fort. When Shah Jahan was dead, he was buried in mausoleum close to wife.

During 18th century, Bharatpur Jat rulers attacked Agra including Taj Mahal and took away two chandeliers which were made of silver and agate together with silver and gold screen. As per Kanbo, a Mughal historian, the 15 foot finial at top of main dome of Taj Mahal that was covered with gold shield was removed at the time of Jat destruction.

During later part of 19 century, few parts of this building were damaged significantly. In 1857, at the time of Indian rebellion, Government officials and British soldiers destructed Taj Mahal by removing all lapis lazuli and precious stones from the walls. By the end of 19th century, Lord Curzon, British viceroy ordered for strict restoration project that was completed by 1908. He also installed a huge lamp in interior chamber, which was designed after the one in Cairo mosque. At this time, the garden was then redesigned to portray British style lawns.

Best time to Visit

Agra records scorching heat during summer season. So it is wise to avoid this place during dry and hot summer season. The temperature of this place will be around 45° C between the months of April and August. The marbles of Taj Mahal gets extremely heated up, so it is best to avoid visiting this place during summer season.

The ideal time to visit Taj Mahal is between the months of October and March. At this time, a cold temperature prevails around Agra. Between December and January, the temperature may further drop entering into zero and negative. This time is quite comfortable for international travelers to visit Taj Mahal.

With Sunrise

Golden red color light scattering from the rising sun falls on the white Taj thereby giving a mesmerizing view to this place. Tourists visiting Agra will try to have their accommodation in any of the nearby hotels in order to enjoy this view in the presence of rising sun.

With Sunset

The Taj Mahal appears to be outstanding beauty at the time of sunset. By the time, the sun travels towards west and slowly disappears; the red light covers the dome whereas on the other side, the soothing moon delivers its light. Viewing Taj Mahal during sunset is an unforgettable experience in one’s life.

Full Moon Day

Taj Mahal is very popularly known for its view during full moon. Most of the travelers schedule their visit in such a way; they can get this astonishing view during full moon time. There are no words to describe the scene when Taj Mahal gets immersed in white color pearl light coming from moon.

Architecture

Tomb

The major attraction of this place is the emperor and queens tomb. It lies in the inner part of Taj Mahal. It is designed with marble and contains layer of precious stones, gems and gold in it. The dome over this tomb is in the shape of octagonal and design of lotus inside. Due to solid reason, this area is restricted to visitors. The exact dummy of these two tombs lies in upper hall with glittering bronze embellishment. This place is open to visitors. The walls of the tomb contain calligraphy in Mughal and Persian dedicated to Mumtaz and King.

The external environment of Taj Mahal contains 4 minarets in which, the dome has been placed. This dome together with minarets delivers the look of mosque to Taj Mahal. On exterior portion of walls, they have encrypted the quotes from Mughal holy books depicting beauty and peace.

Garden

The garden in front of the Taj Mahal carries a Persian touch. During full moon, the beauty of this garden adds up to Taj Mahal. This garden possesses trees in row together with fountain tanks that get their water from Yamuna. This Garden gets the touch of Mughal garden with Persian style and possesses strong connection with Agra Fort, a path between Agra Fort and Taj Mahal.

Outlying Buildings

The interior and exterior surroundings in Taj carry various tombs of his wives and other people. There are also small mosques and all are decorated with minarets and small pillars to deliver holy look like mosque.

Inside the Taj Mahal

There are tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan in the inner place of Taj Mahal. The architecture of inner portion carries a dome and octagonal appearance. The pillars contain balcony with small marble windows. The astonishing truth about Taj Mahal is that, its interior is embellished with precious stones and gems with value of several millions. The innermost region of Taj is strictly restricted for its visitors.

Immediately following the entrance, there is a dome at good height. The marble windows give light to the entire place. The walls are encrypted with poems and quotes saying immortal love between emperor and Mumtaz. The wall designs portray the culture of Mughal and Persia. Numerous architects and designers were employed to design Taj Mahal. Near Mumtaz tomb, there is a calligraphy over wall also the entire hall is encrypted with names of God in various verdicts together with a prayer to rest Mumtaz soul in peace. The 2 tombs are in marble base.

There is a belief that Taj Mahal has been designed in such a way that during moonlight, the rays of moon fall on these two tombs and thereby deliver an amazing beauty to the dome and hall.

How to Reach

Agra, well known for Taj Mahal is visited by millions of people every year. This place is well connected with all places in Uttar Pradesh through every single means of transport. Any person can comfortably reach this destination through his own choice of transportation.

By Air

There is a domestic airport in Agra. International travelers can change their flight from Delhi International airport. From Airport, one can reach Taj Mahal through various means.

By Rail

Indian railways are major means of transportation in Agra. There are two major stations in Agra including one at Agra Fort. From Agra Fort, one can easily come to Taj Mahal by renting a taxi or an auto rickshaw.

By Road

Agra has good connectivity of roads with 2 main links, Delhi and Jaipur. Road transportation can be made easy with the help of taxis, rental cab and buses.

By Self Transport

There are luxury and rental cars to travel in Agra city. This option is available in the form of self transport for tourist. However local residents can travel to this place by their own vehicle.

Tourism

Thousands of tourists are attracted towards Taj Mahal. In 2001, UNESCO recorded 200,000 visitors from abroad and 2 million visitors from India. There are two tier systems of entry fees with lower fee for national citizens and expensive tickets for international citizens. Heavy traffic will be seen during the months of October to February. No polluting traffic option is permitted near this monument and one has to walk from parking space or can try electric bus. A visitor center is designed by restoring northern courtyards (Khawasspuras).

The southern direction of Taj carries a town in the name of Mumtazabad or Taj Ganji. There are markets, bazaars and caravanserais to cater the necessities of workmen and visitors. Taj Mahal proudly holds a place in any list of travel destinations and even in 7 wonders list announced recently. It has won its spot with 100 million votes.

This place is open for public between 6 am and 7 pm during weekdays except Friday when it is open for mosque prayers from 12 pm to 2 pm. The place is open during the full moon together with first two and after two days excluding Ramadan month and Fridays. Because of security concern, people are allowed to take only small ladies purse, mobile phones, still cameras, small size video camera and transparent water bottles are only permitted inside Taj.

Visitor Information

  • Opening Hours – between sunrise and sunset
  • Friday Closed (available only for traditional Mosque prayer from 12 pm to 2 pm)
  • Night viewing is available during full moon day and 2 days after and before excluding Ramzan month and Fridays. For additional information, click here (link of night viewing of Taj Mahal)

Entry Fee

  • Entry Fee: Free for children below 15 years
  • Indian visitors: Rs 20 (Rs. 10 by ADA towards Toll tax and Rs. 10 as entry fee by ASI)
  • Citizen of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries: Rs. 510 (Rs. 500 by ADA towards Toll tax and Rs. 10 as entry fee by ASI)
  • Other foreign visitor: Rs. 750 (Rs. 500 by ADA towards Toll tax and Rs. 250 as entry fee by ASI)
  • (Note: If foreign visitors purchase ADA (Agra Development Authority)’s Toll tax (Pathkar) ticket at Taj Mahal for Rs. 500, they need not purchase Toll Tax (Pathkar) ticket on any of the following monuments like Itimad – ud – Daulah’s tomb, Akbar’s tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and Taj Mahal if they visit on same day)
  • On Fridays, there will not be any Toll Tax for monuments.

Audio Guide Facility

Audio Guide amenity is available in Bangla, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Italian, German, Spanish, French and English close to Ticket Booking Counter and also at Forecourt in Taj Mahal

Museum

At west Naubat Khana, is a Site Museum opened for public between 9 am and 5 pm. Friday closed. Entry free for all visitors.

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