Just leave the daily chaos of your life for a minute and imagine a monument that lights up in the morning sunshine, shifts its colour with the sky, and is a symbol of undying love and romance. That is the Taj Mahal, a magical monument that does not require an introduction. This ivory-white structure, located on the banks of the Yamuna River at Agra, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also named among the Seven Wonders of the World.
Built in remembrance of the beloved wife of the Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj is not merely a construction of stone and marble, but it is a poem, telling a story of love. Every person in all parts of the world wishes to stand before it at least once in their life. Here we will guide you on all you need to know about the Agra Taj Mahal entry fee, its history, timings, tickets, where it is situated and the nearby attractions that will make your journey even better.
The History of the Taj Mahal
The beauty of the Taj Mahal is as touching as its history. It was completed in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. More than 22 years were dedicated by over 20,000 artisans and craftsmen to make this magical tomb.
The architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri designed the Taj, which is a mixture of Mughal, Persian and Indian architectural designs. It is constructed using pure white marble, semi-precious stones, decorations and Quranic texts. The memorials of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are located inside the central mausoleum, but the real graves are in the lower chamber.
The Taj Mahal history covers some interesting details, such as:
The precious stones, such as diamonds and rubies, that were originally used to adorn it were also later looted.
The building seems to shift in its colour according to the period of the day, as it is pink in the morning, golden in the evening, and silver by the moonlight.
Shah Jahan is reported to have had a vision of a black marble Taj on the other side of the Yamuna, which could not be fulfilled.
Today, the Taj Mahal remains one of the New Seven Wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site with millions of visitors every day.
How to Reach the Taj Mahal?
Taj Mahal is located in Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Agra has good road, rail and air connectivity with Delhi and other cities, and therefore travellers can plan a trip there with ease.
Via Air: The nearest airport to the Taj Mahal is the Agra Airport (Kheria), which is approximately 13- 14 km in distance. However, the majority of travellers choose flights to Delhi (230 km away), followed by a road trip using the Yamuna Expressway.
Via Train: The principal railway station is Agra Cantt, only 6km away from the Taj Mahal. It is served by trains of Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Mumbai.
Via road: Agra is a 3- 4 hour drive or bus ride away from Delhi. The Yamuna Expressway is an easy and picturesque route to drive.
Local Transport: An auto-rickshaw, taxi, or battery-powered bus is a possible means to reach the monument. Remember that you cannot use a private car around the gates to avoid contaminating the monument.
Taj Mahal Location- Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh- 282001
Best Time to Visit Taj Mahal
The colour of the Taj Mahal varies with the seasons, but there is a best time to visit, which is nice and favourable for sightseeing.
Summer (April- June): Hot and dry with the heat approaching 45 degrees Celsius. You should visit only early in the morning.
Monsoon (July- September): The rainy season drives down the number of visitors, but it also becomes humid.
Winter (October- March): In winter, it becomes comfortable and relaxing to witness and enjoy the beauty of the Taj Mahal. It is the tourist season.
Tip: It is better to go to the Taj Mahal of Agra in the morning, as only a few people go there at that time and at the dawn of the morning, the Taj is enchanted. However, a night viewing ticket on a full moon is an experience that cannot be forgotten as well.
Interesting Facts about the Taj Mahal.
The following are some of the interesting facts that make the Taj Mahal even more interesting:
At its main gate are 22 tiny domes representing the 22 years it had taken to construct the monument. (1632-1653)
The dome rises 73 metres to nearly 25 storeys high.
The calligraphy on the walls increases gradually in size as one climbs their height, producing an optical illusion of oneness.
No car is supposed to travel within 500 metres to avoid polluting it.
The Agra Taj Mahal is visited each year by over 8 million people.
In the year 1983, the monument became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1983, the Taj Mahal has been included as one of the best cultural heritages of the globe.
To ensure that the wooden foundation of the Taj did not deteriorate, the Taj was constructed strategically close to the Yamuna.
The whole complex is symmetrical in all aspects; the only detail it lacks is the addition of a tomb to Shah Jahan, which appeared only in the later period beside the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal.
Essential Information regarding Taj Mahal.
Here are all the things you should know before you plan your visit:
Taj Mahal timings: 6.00 AM - 6.30 PM (on Fridays closed to prayers)
Taj Mahal Night-view time: 8.30 PM -12.30 AM (on a night of full moon only and 2 nights before and after)
Taj Mahal ticket prices:
Indians: Rs. 50
Foreigners: Rs 1100
SAARC/BIMSTEC: Rs 540
Children below 15 years: Free
Extra ticket for the main mausoleum: Rs 200.
Nightviewing ticket: Rs 510 (Indians), Rs 750 (Foreigners)
Entry gates:
East Gate (preferred, generally not very busy)
West Gate (the most popular main gate)
South Gate (opened later in the day, and mostly used by locals)
Things to bring: ID, water, camera (except main mausoleum) good shoes.
Things not allowed: Food items, drones, and tripods.
Tourist Destinations around the Taj Mahal.
One of the most special things to do in Agra is to visit the Taj Mahal, but Agra is full of Mughal treats and cultural wonders that enrich your visit. Some of the places to visit in Agra that are near the Taj Mahal that you must visit include in your itinerary:
1. Agra Fort (2 km away)
Agra Fort is a world heritage and architectural marvel that consists of red sandstone walls, magnificent palaces, and a room where Shah Jahan passed away, looking at the Taj Mahal.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 2 km
2. Mehtab Bagh
This is the so-called Moonlight Garden located across the Yamuna River and allows the best panoramic view of the Taj Mahal, particularly during sunset.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 5 km
3. Fatehpur Sikri
This is the former Mughal capital, constructed by Akbar. It is full of palaces, mosques, and courtyards. This is one of the highest Buland Darwaza in the world.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 40 km
4. Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
Known as the Baby Taj, this tomb is a small, splendid edifice which is believed to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 7 km
5. Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra
This mausoleum, a mixture of Hindu, Christian, Islamic and Buddhist architecture, is the tomb of Emperor Akbar.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 13 km
6. Jama Masjid, Agra
It is one of the biggest mosques in India, and it was constructed by the daughter Jahanara Begum of Shah Jahan. People can admire it due to the looming design built in red sandstone and the peaceful feeling.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 3 km
7. Kinari Bazaar
To experience some local life, go to this colourful market around Jama Masjid. It is the best place to visit in Agra, for shopping and seeing the sights, malls, and handicrafts. Try the famous sweet of Agra- petha.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 4 km
8. Chini Ka Rauza
A Persian-style tomb to honour poet-scholar Afzal Khan with a decoration of tiles made of glaze.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 9 km
9. Mariam's Tomb
This lovely red sandstone tomb bears the name of Mariam-uz-Zamani, the wife of Akbar and mother of Jahangir. It has a touch of calm gardens and Mughal simplicity and elegance.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 15 km
10. Elephant and bear sanctuary
This sanctuary kindly rehabilitates sloth bears and elephants and rescues them as well, a kind gesture near Agra. Ideal for people who love nature and animals and would like to explore Agra outside of its monuments.
Distance from Taj Mahal: 25 km
The Taj Mahal has never been like any other building, nor will it be like any other building; it is a living legend of love, passion and a masterpiece. Its radiant white splendour, the mystery wherein it was made, and the beauty with which no one has ever beheld it, bring it to its own monument. Whether you are an adventurer, love to visit historical places, or simply a lover of romance itself, the Agra Taj Mahal will get to your heart in more ways than one.
So, whenever you feel that you need to take a break from the hectic schedule in your life, then you must plan a visit to this marvellous structure of love and beauty. Taj Mahal will be waiting for you to give you countless memories that you can keep in your heart forever.
