The Eternal Beauty Of The Taj Mahal

History of the Taj Mahal – The Story of Eternal Love

To understand the significance of the Taj Mahal, you must understand the love story behind it. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal shared a deep bond. After Mumtaz died in 1631 during childbirth, Shah Jahan was heartbroken. He wanted to create a monument that would reflect her beauty, purity, and everlasting memory.

Key Historical Highlights:

• The Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1632.
• It took around 22 years to build, and was completed in 1653.
• Over 22,000 craftsmen, artisans, stonecutters, and calligraphers worked on it.
• Experts were brought from places like Persia, Turkey, and Central Asia.
• White marble came from Makrana, Rajasthan.
• Precious stones like lapis lazuli, jade, crystal, turquoise, and sapphire were used.

The Taj Mahal is often called a poem in marble. This phrase perfectly captures its charm. Shah Jahan wanted everyone to see his eternal love for Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal is a lasting symbol of that love.

Architectural Brilliance of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal showcases some of the best Mughal architecture. It blends Persian, Indian, Islamic, and Ottoman styles. The entire complex is perfectly symmetrical. The monument, gardens, mosque, guest house, and water channels are aligned flawlessly.

Main Architectural Features:

1. The White Marble Structure

The central tomb is made with pure, translucent white marble. It changes colours—gold in the morning, milky white in the evening, and silver at night.

2. The Grand Dome

The dome, rising about 73 meters, is the most recognisable feature of the Taj Mahal. It perfectly balances the four smaller domes around it.

3. The Minarets

Four minarets surround the main structure. They tilt outward a bit, so if an earthquake hits, they will fall away from the tomb, not onto it.

4. Inlay and Pietra Dura Work

Flowers, vines, and Quranic verses are carved delicately using gemstone inlay work. This intricate design is among the finest in the world.

5. Calligraphy

Verses from the Holy Quran are carved throughout the site. The trick? The script increases in size as it goes up, so from below, everything appears perfectly even.

6. Charbagh Garden

The massive Mughal garden is divided into four parts symbolising paradise.

Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal

The experience of seeing the Taj Mahal changes throughout the day.

Best Time to Visit:

• Sunrise (Highly Recommended) – Soft golden light, fewer crowds.
• Sunset – Beautiful orange glow on the marble.
• Full Moon Night – Romantic and surreal moonlit view.

Best Season:

October–March (pleasant weather).

Taj Mahal Timings

• Open: Sunrise to Sunset (Friday closed for prayers)
• Night Viewing: 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM (Only full moon nights & 2 days before/after)

Taj Mahal Ticket Prices

Indian Tourist: ₹50 SAARC/ BIMSTEC: ₹540 Foreign Tourist: ₹1100 Optional Mausoleum Entry: +₹200

Children under 15: Free

Entry Gates of the Taj Mahal

1. East Gate (Best for Sunrise)
2. West Gate (Main gate, busiest)
3. South Gate (Used mostly by locals)

Best Photography Spots at Taj Mahal

• The classic front view from the gardens
• Reflection shot from the water channels
• From the Diana seating bench
• From Mehtab Bagh
• From the mosque side

Places to Visit Near the Taj Mahal

• Agra Fort
• Mehtab Bagh
• Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah)
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Akbar’s Tomb

How to Reach the Taj Mahal

By Air:

Nearest airport – Agra Airport or Delhi Airport (230 km)

By Train:

Agra Cantt Agra Fort Raja Ki Mandi

By Road:

Yamuna Expressway (Delhi to Agra – 3 hours)

Complete Same Day Taj Mahal Tour Plan

Morning:

• 6:00 AM: Reach the Taj Mahal for sunrise
• 9:00 AM: Visit local markets

Afternoon:

• 11:30 AM: Visit Agra Fort
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant

Evening:

• 3:00 PM: Visit Baby Taj
• 5:00 PM: Sunset at Mehtab Bagh

Amazing Facts About the Taj Mahal

• The Taj Mahal appears different at different times of the day.
• The architecture is perfectly symmetrical.
• The minarets lean outwards for protection.
• The original Taj Mahal jewels were removed over the years.
• Over 20,000 workers built it in 22 years.
• It is India’s most visited monument.

Shopping Near Taj Mahal

• Marble handicrafts
• Petha (Agra sweet)
• Leather goods
• Mughal clothing

Why the Taj Mahal is Truly One of a Kind

The beauty of the Taj Mahal is not just in its architecture but in the emotion it carries. It represents love, devotion, and timeless artistry. The Taj Mahal will steal your heart, whether you're a historian, a tourist, a photographer, or someone who loves beauty.

Visiting the Taj Mahal feels like stepping into a timeless world. Marble tells stories of love, and the Yamuna River reflects dreams from the past.

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