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The Taj Mahal of India

The Taj Mahal is a man-made wonder and one of the seven wonders of the world, located in Agra, India. This stunning monument has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It is often referred to as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of world heritage.”

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Visited by over five million people each year, the Taj Mahal is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty. It is an ivory-white marble mausoleum, built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The tomb also houses Shah Jahan’s remains.

Five Fascinating Facts About the Taj Mahal

  1. Architectural Wonder: The Taj Mahal is a blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architecture. It took over 20 years and more than 20,000 artisans and workers from around the world to complete.

Folk Tale: According to local legend, Shah Jahan ordered the hands of the artisans to be chopped off after completing the Taj Mahal to ensure that such a masterpiece could never be replicated.

  1. Color Changes: The Taj Mahal changes color throughout the day, reflecting the varying light of the sun and moon.
  2. Cost of Construction: Approximately 32 million Indian Rupees were spent to build the Taj Mahal in 1653. Today, that would be worth over 70 billion Indian Rupees.
  3. Precious Stones: The Taj Mahal is adorned with over 40 types of precious and semi-precious stones, including pearls, diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires, showcasing the wealth of India at the time.
  4. Symbol of Love: The Taj Mahal is a monument to love. Shah Jahan built this magnificent structure for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, demonstrating his profound affection in an era when marriages were often political.
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Location and Reach

The Taj Mahal is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra. Although the Yamuna flows through Delhi, a cruise from Delhi to Agra is not possible.

Agra, a city that thrived under Mughal rule in the early 16th century, was the capital of the Indian subcontinent until Shah Jahan moved it to Delhi in 1638. Today, Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal and offers rich history, delicious food, and vibrant culture.

Best Time to Visit Agra

Spending one and a half to two days in Agra is ideal to see the Taj Mahal at its best, visit other historical sites like the Red Fort, and enjoy local cuisine. However, a day trip from Delhi is also possible.

Perfect Time to See the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal opens 30 Minutes before sunrise and closes 30 Minutes before sunset during normal operating days (i.e. Everyday except Fridays). Therefore, Avoid visiting on Fridays, as the Taj Mahal is closed for prayers.

Early mornings are the best time to visit the Taj Mahal. The first light of day casts a soft golden glow on the monument, making it a breathtaking sight. Fewer crowds in the morning also make the experience more enjoyable.

Pro Tip: For a unique experience, visit during the full moon night. The Taj Mahal appears beautifully blue under the moonlight. Night viewing is available five days a month: on the full moon night and two nights before and after.

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How to Visit the Taj Mahal

To visit the Taj Mahal, it’s best to land at IGI Airport in New Delhi. Spend a few days exploring Delhi before heading to Agra. There are three main options to travel from Delhi to Agra:

Delhi to Agra By Car: Agra is around 250 km from Delhi, and the drive takes about 4-5 hours. This is the easiest option and allows for flexibility in your itinerary. However, it can be a bit monotonous.

Delhi to Agra By Train: Taking a train is a moderate level of adventure. Over 50 trains run daily from Delhi to Agra, with an average travel time of 3 hours. The fastest trains take about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Good Options(make a table or something):

○ Vande Bharat Express (Train no.: 12050; Dep: 06:00; Arr: 07:40; Cost: CC: INR 600 ($7), EC: INR 1200 ($14))

○ Gatimaan Express (Train no.: 22470; Dep: 08:10; Arr: 09:50; Cost: CC: INR 750 ($9), EC: INR 1200 ($18))

○ CSMT Rajdhani (Train no.: 22222; Dep: 16:55; Arr: 18:45; Cost: 3AC: INR 930

($11), 2AC: INR 1250 ($18), 1AC: INR 1250 ($19))

Evening trains are ideal if you want to rest and visit the Taj Mahal the next morning at sunrise.

Delhi to Agra By Bicycle: If you are even a little intrigued about India and its rich cultural heritage, then you must try going to see the Taj on a bicycle. DBC, a.k.a. Delhi By Cycle offers a two-day biking holiday, which shows India’s real culture away from the city’s hustle-bustle, yet not missing it.

It takes you through a journey of spirituality, mythology, culture, and heritage, and it has to be the best way to see the Taj Mahal.

Tickets and Pricing

Online Tickets can be easily booked for the Taj Mahal from the link here. The charges for people coming from abroad are:

  1. SAARC/BIMSTEC citizens: INR 550 ($ 6.5)
  2. Other Foreign Nationals: INR 1100 ($ 13)

The main mausoleum can also be visited there, but you’ll have to take a separate ticket of INR 200 ($ 2.5) to visit it.

You can book your ticket from IRCTC website.

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