Indian History is the most fascinating in the world, especially the Mughal Era which is the biggest empire of the Indian History Founded by Babur. The cultural influences and reminisces of the Mughals is still visible in many parts of India. The constructions that has happened in this era are architectural wonders, especially Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child. You may ask the reason to visit the Taj Mahal. Trust me! The charm of Taj Mahal is the reason why it became the most visited monument of India around the world and is also the reason to win a place in your list of destinations to visit once before you die.
Where exactly is the Taj Mahal?
This epitome of love is situated in the southern part of Agra, at the banks of Yamuna River, a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The location of Taj Mahal is strategically made by Shah Jahan, as it could be seen from his residence, The Agra Fort. Taj Mahal is approximately 204 Kms away from Delhi.
How to go to Taj Mahal or How do we go to Taj Mahal
One can reach Agra either by roadways or railways or airways. But considered the time and comfort, it is always better to choose airways. The city has its own airport which is just 7 kms away from the city center.
We can also choose road transport as there are many busses running from Agra to many important cities of India. We can travel through railways as there are trains like Shatabdi, Rajdhani express, Taj Express etc., that are running between Delhi and Agra every day.
From the airports, railway stations and bus stations, number of taxis, including prepaid taxis, are also available to get around in the city. Save the environment of Agra by hiring bicycles on hourly basis and give a hand in protecting the beauty of this spectacular monument.
Best Time to Visit Taj Mahal
We can visit Taj Mahal during the day from the sunrise to the sunset excluding Fridays. On Fridays, Taj would be closed.
For gorgeous night view of Taj Mahal, visit on the full moon or 2 days before the full moon or 2 days after the full moon (a total of 5 days) from 8:30 pm to 12:30 am.
What Makes Taj Mahal special
The History of Taj Mahal
The Taj stands as a standing example of a man’s undying love. The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, who was deeply in love with Mumtaz Mahal decided to build a mausoleum in her memory.
Mumtaz was a Persian princess and her real name was Arjumand Banu Begum. Mumtaz Died in 1631, while giving birth to their 14th child. Shah Jahan, unable to forget his beloved wife, decided to build a giant mausoleum in her memory.
The construction was started in 1631 and it took nearly 22 years to complete this massive beautiful architecture. Later, Aurangzeb, the son of Shah Jahan, imprisoned Shah Jahan near the Agra fort.
The love of Shah Jahan to Mumtaz is the main soul that filled this mausoleum, which made it win a special place in the hearts of all people in this world.
Awe-inspiring Architecture of Taj Mahal
It is said that over 20,000 workers, masons, stonecutters, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome builders and 1000 elephants were involved to bring this beautiful piece of wonder into life.
Taj Mahal has been divided into 5 parts, The main Gate, Gardens, Mosque, Rest house and the main mausoleum. The entire Taj Mahal was constructed within 22 years.
Pre – Islamic Indian architecture and Persian style of architecture can be found in this giant Mausoleum. The doorway, called Iwan, is arch shaped and with calligraphic carvings, topped by a giant dome. The main Doorway is made with strong silver.
The Persian style architecture, furniture and decorations compliment Taj very well. Scripts of the Holy Quran is etched on the inner walls. The artisans and architecture are very talented. From the Gate we can feel that the monument is near and large but as we start moving closer, the monument will appear smaller.
Interiors of Taj Mahal
It is not just about the dazzling view of the main mausoleum with 4 minarets from the main gate. The interiors are also so beautiful and jaw-dropping. There will be lot of vases filled with natural and beautiful flowers like Tulips and daffodils.
The mausoleum in the north part of Taj has a large dome shaped structure. There is a condemned hall, known as Chamber, below the actual grave of the Queen with costly vases and flowers. But this is not accessible to visitors and is known to contain a mirror place filled with glass panes. The lower chamber is the place where the actual graves are present in an eight sided chamber with semi-precious stones and a marble lattice screen on the cenotaphs.
Day View of Taj Mahal
The beauty of Taj is a sight to behold and an experience worth remembering and sharing with others. Get yourself lost in time appreciating the beauty of Taj from break of dawn to the dusk. Tickets are available near the east and west gates. Enjoy the day view of Taj from various places within the proximity of this giant beauty.
Night View of Taj Mahal
When we look at Taj, we will understand that the experience is going to be remember-worthy forever. Especially during the night time, Taj will gleam like a diamond in the pleasant moon light.
On every full moon day, two days before and after full moon which is for a total of 5 nights in a month (except on Fridays and the month of Ramzan) the tourism department of India will allow visitors to see that splendid view of Taj after the sun is down.
The night view is open only for 400 people per day, only from 8:30 pm to 12:30 am only for a duration of 30 minutes for every batch of 50 people.
Unknown Facts of Taj Mahal
The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan met Mumtaz at the age of 14 and it was love at first sight for him. He married her at the age of 19.
Shah Jahan wanted to build a black marbled Mausoleum for himself, just on the opposite side of the Yamuna River as a reflection of the Taj Mahal. But it was never put into action as Aurangzeb, the son of Shah Jahan, arrested Shah Jahan immediately after the completion of construction of Taj Mahal.
The cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, present in the Taj Mahal are both empty. The real coffins are preserved in a room below these cenotaphs.
There are special spa days for this monument as the white shine of the Taj has turned brownish-yellow due to the pollution. Multani mitti facial will be done to the monument surface on that spa day.
The precious stones adorned in the walls, including Lapis Lazuli were ripped off by Britishers during the Indian rebellion.
Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World with an open mouth and amazed heart. Get yourself lost in the magical view of the Yamuna River and the Taj in the night.
