The Taj Mahal: A Place For All Your Pics and More!
When people think of the Taj Mahal, they usually think of it as a place to take amazing pictures. After all, it is one of the most iconic and beautiful monuments in the world. But there’s so much more to this amazing structure than just being a great photo opportunity! Let’s take a deeper look into the Taj Mahal, and all that makes it such an incredible destination.
History Of The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It took 22 years and over 20 thousand workers from India, Persia, Turkey and Europe to complete the construction. The entire complex was surrounded by lush gardens with pools and fountains that have been faithfully restored in recent years.
Apart from its magnificent architecture, there are several other attractions near the Taj Mahal that make it even more special. You can explore the nearby Agra Fort or wander through Mehtab Bagh—a stunning garden complex located across the Yamuna River from where you can get some incredible views of the monument itself. If you’re looking for something a little more modern, you should definitely check out Sadar Bazaar—Agra’s bustling market district full of delicious food stalls and hundreds of shops selling everything from souvenirs to clothes.
From its breathtaking architecture to its surrounding attractions, there’s no doubt that the Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic monuments in all of India—if not all of Asia! Whether you want to get some amazing photos or learn more about its history, one thing is for sure—you won’t be disappointed when you visit this majestic destination. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head off to experience all that this amazing attraction has to offer! Happy travels!
Better to book online tickets and avoid long queue.
Early morning is best time to visit less crowded and peaceful.
Drinking water is available inside gate no need to carry bottles avoid plastic.
There are two gates – Eastern and Western gates for entry.
The east gate has the shortest queues. There are separate lines for men and women at all three gates. There are separate lines for foreign citizens and there are clear markers as well.
The southern gate is only for exit.
One can store their luggage for free beside the ticket offices.
If you still need, guide after all reading the stuff here, you can pick up an audio guide for INR 118.
You will get free wifi for thirty minutes inside the complex. After that, you pay INR 30/hour.
Hire a local digital photographer, who knows the best angles and get it transferred to your online storage device instantly. One can also opt for glossy printout to cherish your memories in hand.
Do you know the Taj Mahal contained precious stones that were imported from Persia, China, Sri Lanka and also from different places of the world to give such grandeur.
Do you know, that there were over 1000 elephant were used in its construction ?
There were over 99 names of Allah has been inscribed in the tomb of Mumtaz.
Besides, the famous Mumtaz and Shajahan tombs inside Taj Mahal, there are also other burials of Shahjahan’s other wives and their faithful servants inside the complex.
The Taj Mahal attracts visitors over 2 to 4 million visitors every year. It is almost equal to the population of the Agra town.
Do you know, an amputee Ustad Ahmed Lahauri is the chief Architect of Taj Mahal?
The Taj Foundation is made of timber. We know timber, does not last long, however, the closeness of Yamuna river makes the foundation and surrounding area moist and keeps it going.
If you look at the interiors, they were beautifully decorated with holy caligraphy?
Do you know, the current gardens and landscape around the Taj Mahal has been replaced by the British forcing their taste and style?
The Taj was initially set to be constructed in Burhanpur, where Mumtaz died, but later moved to Agra due to logistics considerations.
Despite, the grandeur, the rooms of interiors of tomb are plain marble without any decor, as per Islamic faith.
Do you know that Mumtaz orginal name was Arjumand Banu Begum and it was Shahjahan renamed here as Mumtaz – meaning the jewel of the palace. She remained apple of the eye of Shahjahan and never separated until death. Yes, even during battles, Mumtaz accompanied Shahjahan.
Mumtaz Mahal, the ultimate multitasker, traveled with Shah Jahan’s entourage despite her frequent pregnancies, serving as his confidant and constant companion during his military campaigns. But alas, tragedy struck in Burhanpur during the birth of their thirteenth child, Gauhara Begum. Mumtaz’s temporary burial spot was not what Shah Jahan had in mind for his beloved wife’s final resting place, so he made sure she was transported back to Agra in a golden casket, accompanied by their son Shah Shuja and the head lady in waiting, because, let’s face it, Mumtaz deserved only the best.
Shah Jahan’s grief was palpable, as he mourned in seclusion for a year, emerging with white hair, a bent back, and a worn face. He even gave up all the fun stuff like music, jewelry, colorful clothes, and perfumes for two years. But hey, at least he had his devoted daughter Jahanara Begum to help him through the tough times and take Mumtaz’s place at court.
But Shah Jahan’s love for Mumtaz didn’t stop. He embarked on an ambitious project to immortalize their love – the Taj Mahal.
Construction started in 1631 AD and took a whopping 22 years to complete.
The main attraction is the white-domed marble mausoleum, but that’s just the tip of the architectural iceberg. The outlying buildings and gardens were finished five years later, because, well, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was this masterpiece.
The Taj Mahal isn’t just about looks, though. It’s got brains too! The intricate inlay work with herringbone patterns, contrasting colors, and tessellation patterns on the floors and walkways will make your inner geometry nerd squeal with joy. And guess what? It’s got Hindu roots too! The Mughal Empire was all about incorporating Hindu architecture into their Islamic designs, which explains the lotus dome and finial among other elements.
But wait, there’s more! The team behind this marvel was a dream team of skilled craftsmen from all over the place. We’re talking about sculptors from Bukhara, calligraphers from Syria and Persia, stone cutters from Baluchistan, and even a guy who only carved marble flowers (talk about a niche skill!). Plus, they had Italian craftsmen teaching them techniques and inspiration from European herbals. It’s like an epic cross-cultural collaboration!
Now, the credit for the design isn’t clear-cut, because in those days, it was all about giving props to the patron rather than the architects. But we do know that a team of creative geniuses, including Ustad Isa, Isa Muhammad Effendi, and ‘Puru’ from Persia, had their hands in making this wonder come to life. Not to mention the finance and management wizards like Muhammad Hanif and Mir Abdul Karim who kept things running smoothly.
So, next time you visit the Taj Mahal, take a moment to appreciate the blood, sweat, and geometry that went into creating this masterpiece. It’s not just a monument of love, but also a testament to the fine art and science of architecture, and the power of collaboration among talented artisans from different cultures.
Today, it stands as the ultimate monument to love, a stunning tribute to Mumtaz’s beauty and life, and fondly known as “The Taj” by those in the know. Who says romance is dead? Shah Jahan certainly proved otherwise!
Experience the Magic of Taj Mahal at Night! Limited Availability: Only 5 Nights a Month!
Imagine witnessing the world-famous Taj Mahal in all its illuminated glory under the moonlight! This enchanting experience is available on five special nights each month, including the full moon night and two nights before and after the full moon. The dates and timings for the night viewing are determined by the Archaeological Survey of India, adding an element of exclusivity to this remarkable opportunity.
Only 400 lucky visitors are allowed on a single night, divided into 8 batches of around 50 people each, ensuring an intimate and awe-inspiring experience. To make the most of this extraordinary opportunity, visitors are required to reach the Shilpagram complex half an hour before their scheduled time. Please note that entry inside the monument is not allowed during night viewing, but you can view the Taj Mahal from a distance, creating a breathtaking sight.
Tickets for this unique experience must be purchased 24 hours in advance from the booking counter of the Archaeological Survey of India. The prices are Rs 510 for Indian adults, Rs 750 for foreign adults, Rs 500 for children between 3-15 years of age, and free entry for children below 3 years of age.
Please keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is closed for night viewing on Fridays and during the month of Ramzan. Additionally, the dates for full moon nights may vary due to astronomical calculations, so it’s advisable to call and confirm before planning your trip.
Tips for an unforgettable night viewing experience:
- Opt for later batches for better moon visibility.
- Be prepared for strict security checks.
- Bags and mobile phones are not allowed inside the monument, but cameras are permitted for still photography only.
- The lighting conditions can be challenging for photography, but the experience is worth it.
- Don’t be disappointed if the moon is not clearly visible, as it’s mostly a matter of luck.
- Don’t miss the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises at Taj Mahal, which offer a different kind of beauty and make for great photo opportunities.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Taj Mahal in a whole new light!
