Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal- History

Built as an ode to Mumtaz Mahal, the dearly loved wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1632. Thereafter it took 22 years and over 20,000 skilled craftsmen to build this monument of love that still stands tall above all earthly splendors, housing the tombs of Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal coupled for eternity.

The Taj Mahal- Architecture

Walk-in from the grand Darwaza-i-Rauza and gaze at the magnificent edifice- the experience is awe-inspiring & humbling. You stare in wonder & amazement and realize that the Taj Mahal is not just an iconic monument, but an eloquent experience. The bulbous dome and slender minarets, clad in white marble, are a picture of magnificence.

The twin sandstone structures on its sides and its elaborate fountain-laid Persian gardens add to the elegance. Its interiors, adorned with jewel-encrusted motifs & exquisite calligraphy, are equally dazzling. The central chamber, seen through an intricately carved screen, is home to the tombstones of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Their actual graves are right below and covered in simple cenotaphs.  

As you stand amid tourists and the cacophony of the world passing by, Taj Mahal’s majestic aura hushes it all and creates the magic of the bygone era.

Best Time to Visit Taj

Taj Mahal’s radiance is equally brilliant in all seasons, but winter months from October to March are the best to enjoy its timeless glory. Visit it on a full moon night to soak in its magical aura. However, the monument is closed on Fridays
Entrance Fee for the Taj Mahal
Indians- Rs. 50
NRI/Foreigners- Rs. 1100 (around 15 USD)
Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries- Rs. 540 (around 8 USD)
An additional optional payment of Rs 200 (3USD) is required for visiting the main mausoleum. There is no entrance fee for children below the age of 15.

How to Reach Taj Mahal

By Air: Agra Airport connects the city to all major cities in the country. Taj Mahal is a quick taxi ride away from the airport. 

By Rail- An extensive network of Indian Railways connects Agra with the rest of the country.  

By Road- A well-connected network of well-maintained highways & expressways connects the city of Taj to most parts of the country.