Speak of some of the most beautiful monuments in the world, and there would be this magnificent monument from the small Indian town of Agra. We are talking about none other than the Taj Mahal, the mesmerizing, beautiful mausoleum whose history and story of existence are as special as its architecture and art forms involved. If you are planning a Taj Mahal, you are at the right place as this article holds everything about the beautiful monument and how you can plan it in the best possible manner without breaking the bank
About The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is the mausoleum of a Mughal Empress, Mumtaz Mahal, on the river bank of Yamuna in Agra. The beautiful monument was erected by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute and in memory of his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The monument is an impeccable piece of art and architecture. It looks symmetrical from all sides and the pristine white marble has translucent properties that keep its colour changing at different times of the day.
The Taj Mahal is the epitome of architectural prowess as no steel or concrete has been used to erect the monument. The Taj Mahal has a height of 73m (239 feet) and its four pillars are slightly bent outwards to prevent it from falling on the mausoleum in case of an Earthquake or any other calamity.
The Taj Mahal plays a special place in the hearts of poets and storytellers. For many it is the symbol of love while for many it is seen as a symbol of separation and sadness. The love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz is a unique one. Though the Emperor had several wives, Mumtaz was the closest to him. He loved her till eternity and even involved her in his decision making. However, in 1631, she died due to extensive long labor during a childbirth and then passed. It was a hard realisation for the Emperor that his love of life is no more. He was in shock and remained in shock for a long period. He disappeared from the court proceedings, stopped wearing floral clothes and was finding ways to console himself.
In 1632, the Emperor decided to build a tomb, a grand mausoleum for his Empress that would be one of the most beautiful monuments on the Planet and would last till eternity. Several architects, engineers and scholars were called upon and directions were given to build something that would be so paradisiacal that the world would admire it for years to come.
It took more than 20 years and over 20000 workers to complete this magnificent piece of art and architecture. Over 10,000 tons of pristine white Marble was carted to Agra from Makrana (around 400 kms), a small town near Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Along with the Makrana white marble, various precious and semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, and mother-of-pearl were sourced from all around the world for decorating the grand mausoleum.
On the walls of the Taj Mahal, there lies a beautiful art work where several floral, calligraphy shapes are inlaid with precious and semi precious coloured stones. This Artform is known as Parchin Kari (also called Pachhe Kari, Pietra Dura) and can be seen in all parts of the Taj Mahal.
The inside wall complex of the Taj Mahal is decorated with beautiful and absolute symmetrical designs of Parchin Kari artwork. This artform evolved during the Mughal Era and can be seen in almost all Mughal era monuments.
Taj Mahal is a Tourist Destination
The Taj Mahal is a popular global landmark whose beauty attracts admirers of beauty from all around the world. The monument gained the title ‘New7Wonders of the world” in 2007. Over a 100 million people voted for its title. In 1983, Taj Mahal was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The popularity of Taj Mahal is so immense that the monument is crowded everyday at all times when it’s opened. Tourists often stand in queue before its opening at 6pm to get its glimpse before the sunrise. Sunrise is the best time when you can experience the actual beauty of the monument. When the first light of the sun falls upon the monument, it gleams and illuminates like a bulb. The translucent properties of the Makrana white marble pass the light through it and make it look of yellow and gold colour. This experience of the Taj Mahal is surreal and everybody is in awe of the beauty of the Taj Mahal.
How to Plan a Taj Mahal Tour
Booking a Taj Mahal tour is easy and convenient. You can book a tour from the Government website or book through a Certified Travel Agency that offers Taj Mahal Tours. Here is a step-by-step process and tips for booking a Taj Mahal Tour.
- Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during the Autumn and winter seasons (September to March). The time between the rising winters, winters, and the fall is the most suitable time to visit the Taj Mahal and India as a whole. The weather is pleasant and moderately cold. It is a great experience to visit this time, but it is often crowded because of the peak season.
May to August is hot and humid, and can be avoided. However, these months are the most suitable for absolute budget travelers as the prices are at their lowest and you get good hotel choices available.
- Taj Mahal Opening Timings
The official Taj Mahal website shows that the monument opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. However, you can consider this timing 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Taj Mahal remains open for 6 days a week (Friday Closed).
Taj Mahal Ticket Price and How to Book
- Foreign Tourist: Rs. 1,100 + Rs. 200 (for entry in the main tomb – optional).
- Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries: Rs. 540 + Rs. 200 (for entry in the main tomb- optional).
- Domestic/Indian/OIC Card Holders: Rs. 50 + Rs. 200(for entry in the main tomb- optional).
Ticket purchase can be done through the Official Taj Mahal website. Else, get in touch with our travel advisor, Mr. Riyaz Khan, to book your Taj Mahal Tickets.
- How to reach the Taj Mahal, Agra by Train?
The Taj Mahal is situated in Agra, with multiple railway stations and connectivity from all major Indian cities. The nearest and most convenient Railway Station to the Taj Mahal is Agra Cantt Railway Station (Code: AGC). Hence, you can book a train ticket to Agra Cantt (AGC).
On your arrival at Agra Cantt, book a cab or an auto Rickshaw to take you to the Taj Mahal. Beware of scams. Seek fixed-rate auto rickshaws.
Delhi to Agra Train Options and Details:
- Gatimaan Express: Departs (NZM) at 8:10 AM | Arrival (AGC): 9:50 AM
- Shatabdi: Departs (NDLS) at 6:00 AM | Arrival (AGC): 7:50 AM
- Vande Bharat: Departs (NZM) at 2:40 PM | Arrival (AGC): 4:16 PM
Rail Codes Explained:
NZM – Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin
NDLS – New Delhi
AGC – Agra Cantt
Check www.makemytrip.com/railways for more details
TIP: Train bookings in India can be a hassle because of overcrowding and limited seat availability. Hence, seek assistance from your travel advisor or book atleast 2 months in advance.
- How to Reach the Taj Mahal, Agra by Car?
Agra city lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is well connected through all major highways and expressways. Most of the tourists who arrive in Delhi opt for a Taxi Service to the Taj Mahal or for complete Agra Sightseeing. Yamuna Expressway, a six-lane high-speed expressway, is the top preferred route to visit Agra. If you are on a Taj Mahal Tour Package, a private car with a driver will be provided to you for an easy commute.
Car travel in India is safe, convenient, and hassle-free as there is easy movement across cities and destinations.
Distance between Agra and major Indian cities (By Road)
- Agra and Delhi: 240 km
- Agra and Jaipur: 239 km
- Agra and Ranthambore: 304 km
- Agra and Mumbai: 1,228 km
Is there a particular dress code for visiting the Taj Mahal?
India is an influx of modernity and cultural values. Though there is no strict dress code for visiting the Taj Mahal mausoleum. However, it is advisable to be modestly dressed when visiting.
Sunrise Taj Mahal sightseeing? Is it worth it?
Experiencing the beauty of the Taj Mahal during the sunrise is a mesmerising experience. The white monument turns its color into yellow gold as the first rays fall upon it. The translucent marble properties absorb the light and pass through it, creating a surreal experience to watch and experience.
A lot of tourists desire for the Sunrise Taj Mahal; however, you will have to wake up early and visit the Taj Mahal before sunrise (before 6 am) to experience it. Sunrise Taj Mahal sightseeing tour is 100% worth it and is the best tour package to experience the beauty of this Wonder of the World.