TAJ MAHAL
AT
AGRA
Taj mahal is considered
one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and elected as one of the New Seven
Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is a living testament to grandeur, romance,
and historical significance. As India’s most recognizable structure, the Taj
Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory to his favorite wife.
Its interior is complete with blossoming and vibrant exotic gardens, reflecting
pools, and an impressive mosque.
Mumtaz Mahal, an
inseparable companion of Shah Jahan, died in 1631, while giving birth to their
14th child. It was in the memory of his beloved wife that Shah Jahan built a
magnificent monument as a tribute to her, which we today know as the "Taj
Mahal".
The construction of
Taj Mahal started in the year 1631. Masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers,
painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and other artisans were requisitioned
from the whole of the empire and also from Central Asia and Iran, and it took
approximately 22 years to build what we see today.
An
epitome of love, it made use of the services of 22,000 laborers and 1,000
elephants. The monument was built entirely out of white marble, which was
brought in from all over India and central Asia. After an expenditure of
approximately 32 million rupees, Taj Mahal was finally completed in the year
1653.
The best time to
arrive would be just before the sunrise or sunset. Night viewing is allowed on
the full moon night, two days before it and two days after it.
Tickets for the
same need to be booked one day in advance.
Visiting Hours: Taj
Mahal Sunrise to Sunset (Friday Closed) other monuments sunrise to sunset.
By Air
The fastest way of reaching Taj Mahal, Agra is by air. The city of Taj, Agra, has its own airport that is around 7 km from the city center. Indian Airlines operates flights to Agra on a daily basis.
The fastest way of reaching Taj Mahal, Agra is by air. The city of Taj, Agra, has its own airport that is around 7 km from the city center. Indian Airlines operates flights to Agra on a daily basis.
By Rail
There is a good network of trains connecting Agra with the rest of the country. Apart from the main railway station of Agra Cantonment, there are other two stations also, that of Raja-ki-Mandi and Agra Fort. The main trains connecting Agra with Delhi are Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express.
By Road
There are regular bus services from Agra to a number of important cities. The main bus stand of Idgah has a number of buses running for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc.
