The Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Today,I will spotlight perhaps the India's best known and most visited tourist attraction,The Taj Mahal(Symbol of Love).This is the place that typically comes at the top of everyone's list when they book tours to India.I was very excited to see this wonder.
History
Some might think of Taj Mahal as a palace but The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.That's why people call it 'A Symbol of Love'.The Gates are constructed of red sandstone.Masons,stonecutters, inlayes, carvers , painters , calligraphers, and other artists were requested by the whole empire and also by Central Asia and Iran, and it took approximately 22 years to build what we see today. It made use of service of 22000 laborers and 1000 elephants.After an expenditure of 32 million rupees, Taj Mahal was finally constructed in the year 1653.Height of Taj Mahal is 73 m. Ustad Ahmad Lahouri and Ustad Isa were the main architect of this wonder.
When people think of the Taj Mahal, they think of the white marble monument that you can see in the photo at top of this blog, but there is lot more into it.Actually it consists of several different structures like The Great Gate , The ornamental gardens , a mosque. All of this was built in the 17th centuary without benifits of any modern equipments.Here is the entrence gate of Taj Mahal.
The Great Gate
After buying my ticket I proceeded straight through security.A quick body search , and I was in! .After entering into the gate what i felt was inexpressible.We all have seen this wonder on Pictures but to see it in real is a great.I was like "Ahhhhhh!! What a scene it was"..This was the best part of this visit.I just sat on the side enjoying the view of the river.
Let’s go inside to see the tomb of Mumtaz.The inside part is very small than i had imagined.It’s a circular room , with the tomb of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan. They are both surrounded by intricately carved marble shields.
Tomb of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan
Here is the close up view of Minar.It’s huge.Wait, Beauty doesn’t end in monument.Further the yamuna that passes behind the minar is an addition to the beauty of monument.Here are a few pictures that will give you a closure look to the ancient art work of Taj Mahal.
Minar Of Taj
Other Monument near Taj
Side View Of Taj Mahal
Close up view of the Taj
Other Things To Consider
Entrance from the West gate was straightforward I highly recommend doing at this way, as at the East gate, the ticket booth is 700m from the security check point , and if they find you carrying any of the banned items, you will be sent back.
Food, Larger Bags ,Smoking Items are not allowed to take into the Taj.
When to Go
The best time for visiting is During Winter.In summer,the climate is hot and humid.because of the marbles, heat effect is much more that one can't easily walk without wearing socks.So i recommend to visit it in winter only.
Getting There
The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra(State:Uttar Pradesh), 230 kilometers from Delhi.Easiest way to reach here is to fly in Delhi and then take a cab for Agra.You can also travel by train from Delhi.There are lots of trains runnig between Agra and Delhi with travel time 4-5 hours.It takes 400-500 rupees/person.
Cost
Entry Fees Of Taj Mahal
Foreign tourist 750/-
Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries 510/-
Domestic/Indian 20/-
Visiting Hours -
Taj Mahal Sunrise to Sunset (Friday Closed)
Places To Be Visited Near Taj Mahal
- Agra Fort
- Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra
- Fatehpur
- Ram Bagh(Oldest Mughal Garden)
After 2 hours of wonderment of this beautiful structure, it was time for me to leave.At Last, I couldn’t stop myself to take this picture.It was a memorable trip ever. :)
Me With ‘The Taj’
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