Taj Mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the World

 

 

Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This monument is a symbol of love as it was constructed on the orders of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 for tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took around 32 million rupees to build the complex. Visitors pass through magnificent gates to take a sight of this flattering monument. The beauty of this place holds you for a while. 

 

Information to Know:

  • Entry fee :

For Indians - INR 45 (Additional INR 200 to see the main mausoleum)

For Foreigners - INR 1050 (Additional NR 200 to see the main mausoleum)

  • Opens all days of the week except Fridays
  • One can’t take tripods
  • Camera is allowed for photography but for video camera one has to pay

 

History:

The construction of this monument started in 1632 and finished in 1653. It was built by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1632 while giving birth to their 14th child. She was known for her beauty and she was the favourite of the emperor.

 

Architecture:

The gardens are square gardens and covered with water bodies with marble on the centre. Main mausoleum standsto the northern end of the complex. The main entrance to Taj is an ornate Mughal structure predominantly made of white marble with tomb-like archways. The arches are rich in calligraphy and have vaulted ceilings and walls with geometric designs. The cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal lies below the main dome with gorgeous jaali and inlay work in marble. The construction is such that sunlight streams in directly through the jaali and falls on the cenotaphs.

 

What to do in Taj Mahal:

  • Photography
  • Look at carvings of the wall
  • Watch light and sound show at Kalakriti Cultural And Convention Center
  • Shop at Shilpigram market

 

How to reach:

Idgah bus stand is the biggest bus terminal of Agra and Taj Mahal is almost 6kms away from this stand. Agra Cantt is the railway station nearby Taj Mahal, which is also at a distance of 6kms. Agra airport is the nearest airport and it takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Taj Mahal as it is 13kms away from there.

 

Places to visit near Taj Mahal:

 

Mehtab Bagh – It is a garden built along the Yamuna River and is situated at the north of the Taj Mahal complex. It is in square shape and is a classical style of Mughal Garden.

 

 

Mariam's Tomb - It is the mausoleum of Mariam-uz-Zamani. Built by Sikander Lodi, there are more than 40 chambers. Mariam’s cenotaph is right in the centre of the ground floor. The exterior of the structure is made of red sandstone with a rectangular structure that has an arch.

 

 

Ram Bagh - It was constructed by Babur. The garden is divided into quarters by stone-paved pathways. There are three levels in the garden that have been maintained. One level has flowers and vegetables, second has flower beds, with fine stone paved terraces and kiosk, and thone has structures, terraces and tanks.