Taj Mahal Tourism Agra

Fact File

Renowned as one of the seven wonders of the world, this magnificient monument was built by emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

This wonderful monument, made of white marble, is a World Heitage site. Visitors are spellbound by the saracenian architecture, which looks superb. Completed in 1653 A.D, it took nearly 22 years and 20,000 workers to built this architectural marvel. Built by the Persian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, it looks like floating in the air from a distance. The Taj erects on a 313 square feet marble platform, and includes gateway, garden, mosque, rest houses and mausoleum. Extending over an area of 580 m X 300 m, mostly it is covered by the green lush garden. These Mughal gardens are like charbagh and are ornamented by fountains, flowerbeds, trees, water pools and extensive pathways. Main gateway of red sandstone with intricate flower motifs and 35m tall, dome of the monument is outstanding. Both the interiors and the exteriors of the Taj are excellently carved.

Festivals

Taj Mahotsav is organised by Uttar Pradesh Tourism in Shilpgram near Taj Mahal in the month of February. The ten-day fare attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Visitors can experience rich culture of Uttar Pradesh along with the arts, crafts, dance and music in this festival. It starts with the processions highlighting the culture and life styles of the Mughals. In this festival craft mela is organised offering craftmen the best platform to display their creativity. Visitors can see the handicrafts of different regions. Tourists can also relish mouth watering dishes in the food festivals and also dance to the folk music.

Getting There

By Air : Airport is 7 km away from Agra city.

By Road : Agra is connected with a good network of roads and visitors can get buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri from Agra.

By Rail : Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station.

Did You Know?

• Taj Mahal got completed in a span of 22 years with the help of 40,000 elephants and 20,000 workers.
• The Taj is a finalist for the New Seven Wonders of the World, along with 20 other would-be wonders.
• Shah Jahan wanted to build a similar mausoleum on the other side of the river, in black marble.
• Shah Jahan picked the site for Taj for its great view from Raja Jai Singh of Amber, in exchange for four mansions.
• Passages from the Quran have been used as decorative elements throughout the complex.
• Taj is a finest example of Mughal architecture, combining elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles.
• There is a line of symmetry through the centre of the tomb from top to bottom.

Attractions

Agra Fort

Built in the 16th century, this Mughal monument is called the 'Red Fort of Agra.' This red sandstone fort houses some of the distinguished palaces, namely the Jahangir Palace, the Sheesh Mahal and the Khas Mahal. Inside the fort, is the Octagonal Tower where Shah Jahan was imprisoned.

Jama Masjid

This architectural masterpiece was built in the year 1571 A.D. Visitors can enter this sacred monument through a colossal gate known as the Buland Darwaza, standing 40m high from the ground level. The pillared Dalan and the Chattri on the roof enhance the beauty of this monument.

Fatehpur Sikri

It was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1564 A.D. This red sandstone city is known for the Indo-Islamic architecture. The marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, the Buland Darwaza, the Panch Mahal, the Diwan-i-Am, the Diwan-i-Khas, the Jodha Bai's Palace and the Birbal Bhavan are the attractions of this city and must not be missed.

Location

Situated on the banks of river Yamuna in Agra, Taj Mahal is an excellent masterpeice built in the name of love.

Best Time to Visit

Taj Mahal must be visited from November to February. It looks marvellous on full moon night. A whole day must be spent to view this architectural heritage.