Taj Mahal

By Aman Saxena

What is the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic and famous monuments in the world. It is located in Agra, India, and is known for its breathtaking architecture, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich history.

Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is considered a symbol of eternal love and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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It is not just a UNESCO World Heritage site but is also one of the 7 new wonders of the world. This magnificent white marble structure is a popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year to marvel at its beauty and learn about its cultural significance.

Why is the Taj Mahal a UNESCO World Heritage site?

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO Heritage site because it “represents the finest architectural and artistic achievement through perfect harmony and excellent craftsmanship in a whole range of Indo-Islamic sepulchral architecture.” The Taj Mahal is renowned for its remarkable beauty, with its marble domes, intricate carvings, and perfectly symmetrical layout. It represents the blending of various cultural influences, combining Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles. This fusion of different artistic elements makes it a unique and exceptional landmark.

What can you expect on a visit to the Taj Mahal?

I was born in Agra but it still took me 12 years to visit the Taj Mahal for the first time. When I visited the monument for the first time I fell in love with it. The craftsmanship this monument displays is really remarkable and the architectural illusions are even more astounding.

And it isn’t just the famous mausoleum itself. The other structures on the site, if they were placed anywhere else than next to that magnificent marble building, would be much-admired sights as well. The entrance gateway, where the most famous view of the Taj Mahal is taken from, is a perfectly-symmetrical red-sandstone structure with white marble inlays. The two – again perfectly symmetrical – buildings facing either side of the mausoleum are also primarily red sandstone, but with inlays in other colors. The building on the left is a mosque, while the one on the right is an assembly hall. They are identical except for small differences inside.

The grounds and the buildings within the grounds of the Taj Mahal are perfectly and elegantly symmetrical, with waterways, walkways and even plantings strictly lined up according to plan. The tomb of Shah Jahan’s wife, in the exact center of the mausoleum, lines up exactly with the long waterway extending from the mausoleum to the entry gateway. The only thing that throws off the symmetry is the tomb of Shah Jahan himself, which was added later beside his wife’s tomb.

Is the Taj Mahal worth visiting?

The Taj Mahal is one of the most popular monuments in the world and is very much worth visiting. The Taj Mahal’s stunning marble exterior, exquisite carvings, and symmetrical design make it a truly awe-inspiring sight. 

Additionally, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of love, as it was built as a tribute to Emperor Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, thus also making it a great spot for couples to visit.

In my opinion, if you’re visiting Agra or India in general, your trip cannot be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal.

Tips for visiting the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal can be very crowded. It is best to visit in the early morning at sunrise to avoid the crowds and have that amazing pic with no other tourists in the background. In the high season, however, that may not be possible, even at sunrise.

The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; thus it’s very important to plan your trip accordingly. It is busiest on the weekends and during holidays, so plan for a weekday visit.

Just carry a water bottle and camera to avoid the additional time at the security check, which is much like security at airports. You are not allowed to eat anything within the grounds.

Head to the prayer hall on the west side to get those iconic shots of the Taj Mahal.

To get a fuller understanding of the Taj Mahal’s history, take a tour, most of which include skip-the-line tickets and transportation:

After your visit to the Taj Mahal, exit from the East gate to enjoy the most iconic chaats of Agra. These are local snacks using fried dough with a range of savory ingredients.

The Taj Mahal is not the only iconic monument in Agra. Make time to visit other monuments like Agra Fort, Itmad ud Daula(Baby Taj), and a day trip to Fatehpur Sikri, which is also a UNESCO site and an excellent example of more traditional Mughal architecture.

Agra has a brand-new metro system, with only one line operational so far, but it is fast, clean and frequent. It’s a great way to visit both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in a single day. Take the metro from the Taj East Gate station to Ambedkar Chowk station (a.k.a. Agra Fort Station).

Use the map below to book your stay in Agra:

Where is the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, India.

By flight: Agra has its own airport. Currently a limited number of flights fly to Agra from different destinations across India.

By car: Travelling from Delhi to Agra by car takes around four hours on average via the Yamuna Expressway.

Use this link to compare rental car prices in India.

By train: One of the cheapest ways to reach Agra is by taking a train from Delhi, which takes around three hours. Agra has three railway stations and getting there by train from any other part of India is easy. The easiest way to book flights, trains or buses within India is through this website.

For more information about the Taj Mahal, its opening hours, and admission fees, see its official website.

Have you been to the Taj Mahal? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!