The Taj Mahal is a stunningly beautiful symbol not only of India - the country where it is located or the civilization that created it. Conceived as a mausoleum, the Taj Mahal is the value of all mankind and embodies the story of love and sorrow that unfolded in the city of Agra almost half a millennium ago.
The Indian Taj Mahal is one of the main attractions not only of the country, but it is also a monument of human civilization. A monumental and majestic building is imagined by many, but the history that this architectural complex conceals makes one feel even more emotional.
The Taj Mahal is not without reason, often included in the lists of new Wonders of the World or called the world's eighth wonder. The great poet Rabindranath Tagore called the Taj Mahal "A tear on the cheek of Eternity" or, depending on the translation, "A tear on the cheek of Immortality." so, don't think so much; book your taj mahal tour from Delhi online and get amazing offers!
History and Construction
The construction of the complex began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. In 1983, this mausoleum of endless love was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And in 2002, the complex underwent a major renovation because, due to the unfavourable environmental situation, the marble was losing colour.
It was truly the "construction of the century." More than 20 thousand people were involved in the work, not only from India but also from Central Asia. Architects and specialists from Europe came and created carved marble panels and inlaid them with semi-precious stones in the Pietra dura style. The cost of all works is estimated at about a billion dollars.
According to a popular myth, after the construction of the Taj Mahal, the workers had their eyes gouged out, and their hands cut off so that they could not recreate something similar.
Interesting Facts about the Taj Mahal
- The Taj Mahal Garden covers an area of almost 7 hectares; it symbolizes heaven on earth. Initially, the garden was planned according to the principle of Persian gardens with a large number of roses, daffodils, lilies, and irises. Fruit trees and shrubs are planted along the paths, denoting immortality and rebirth.
- In the center of the entire complex is the Al-Kawthar marble pool, which personifies the source of paradise. Four canals, symbolizing the rivers of paradise, diverge from it in different directions of the world.
- Inside the mausoleum, there are some elements that complement each other. For example, in the cenotaph of the Emperor, there is an inkwell, but you can write in the cenotaph of his wife, which symbolizes that a man can write his desires on a woman's heart.
- Alas, the Taj Mahal was looted several times. Thus, one of the flowers on the Mumtaz cenotaph, inlaid with Ural malachite, was stolen.
Taj Mahal Tour: Information for tourists
Before visiting the complex, you must familiarize yourself with the information on the official website of the Taj Mahal. There you can buy a ticket with a discount of 50 rupees.
There is a metal detector at the entrance to the Taj Mahal; suspicious items will be offered to be left in the storage room.
Many tourists are interested in whether there is Internet there. So, there is free access to Wi-Fi within a radius of about 50 meters from the inspection point.
How to get there?
You can get to the complex by train (Agra Cantonment Station has located about 5 km from the Taj Mahal), and you can fly to Agra itself by plane; the airport is located 7 km from the city center. It is possible to come by bus. If you are looking for a more comfortable and convenient tour, you can book the taj mahal tour by car. It is a private tour and you will visit popular attractions of Agra City.
