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PRIDE OF INDIA - THE TAJ MAHAL
The Taj Mahal is the epitome of Mughal art and one of the most famous buildings in the world. It is one of the Unesco world heritage site. Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, it is synonymous to love and romance. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658), grandson of Akbar the great, in the memory of his queen Arjumand Bano Begum, entitled ‘Mumtaz Mahal’. The name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and means "Crown Palace". The Taj Mahal is the mausoleum of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.
The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make a visit to the Taj Mahal gain a place amongst the most sought-after tours in the world. It is the love behind this outstanding monument that has given a life to this monument. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal leaves visitors mesmerized and perpetually enthralled.
The Taj Mahal is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in a vast Mughal garden that encompasses nearly 17 hectares, in the Agra District in Uttar Pradesh. For construction, a network of wells was laid along the river line to support the huge mausoleum buildings. Masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and also from Central Asia and Iran. 20.000 workers laboured and 32 crore rupees were spent during the construction of the monument. While bricks for internal constructions were locally prepared, white marble for external use in veneering work was obtained from Makrana in Rajasthan. Semi-precious stones for inlay ornamentation were brought from distant regions of India, Ceylon and Afghanistan. Red sandstone of different tints was requisitioned from the neighbouring quarries of Sikri, Dholpur, etc. It took 17 years for the monument complex to be completed in 1648. It was built according to Islamic architecture.
At the brink of dawn when the first rays of the sun hits the dome of this epic monument, it radiates like a heavenly abode, cloaked in bright golden. And then at dusk, basking in the glory of moon, it shines like a perfectly carved diamond, leaving the viewers awestruck by its sense of grandeur. Nothing short of an architectural marvel, no wonder it stands proud at being one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Visitor Information:
OPENING HOURS - Sunrise to Sunset
Friday Closed
Night viewing on Full Moon date and two days before and after it, excluding Fridays and in the month of Ramzan.
ENTRY FEE:
Free entry: Children below 15 years
Indian Visitors: Rs.20/-
Citizen of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries: Rs.510/-
Other Foreign Visitor: Rs.750/-
AUDIO GUIDE FACILITY:
Audio Guides Facility in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Bangla is available at TajMahal.
MUSEUM:
There is a Site Museum at Western NaubatKhana. It is opened from 9.00 AM to 5.00 P.M.
Friday Closed Entrance fee: Free entry for all visitors.
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