Top Tourist Location:
An immense mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife MumtazMahal, the TajMahal is the jewel of Muslim architecture in India and one of the universally admired pieces of art. With striking symmetry and elaborate designs, it is undeniably one of the most fascinating and breathtaking monuments one can ever have the good fortune of witnessing.
It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, and rightly so. With gemstones adorning its walls, intricate inlay work ornamenting its gables, and a strikingly symmetrical structure, the Taj is undoubtedly one of the finest edifices of Mughal architecture. Made entirely out of white marble, the majestic monument is a symbol of eternal love, and the mere sight of it is bound to leave one in poetic awe.
Its architectonic beauty is a mesmerizing combination of arches and domes, of inscriptions and carvings, and of marbles and gems, all which contribute greatly to its aesthetic beauty. The color combination of the lush greenery surrounding the monument and the electric blue sky encompassing it makes it a sight which is sure to leave one spellbound. What adds to the Taj’s striking beauty is how perfectly symmetrical it is. The grace and perfection of proportions and grandeur of geometrical patterns and well-appointed gardens enhance the poise of the whole complex and add magnificence to the delicacy of this epitome of love, dedication and purity.
The majestic white structure is framed by four identical minarets, each designed with a slight outward lean. This was presumably done so as to protect the mausoleum in case one of them were to collapse, which further reveals the architectural efficiency of the brilliant minds at that point of time. Flanking the mausoleum near the northwestern and northeastern edges of the garden, respectively, are two symmetrically identical buildings—the mosque, which faces east, and its jawāb, which faces west and provides aesthetic balance. Built of red Sikri sandstone with marble-necked domes, they contrast in both color and texture with the mausoleum’s white marble.The southern end of the complex is graced by a wide red sandstone gateway with a recessed central arch two stories high.
White marble paneling around the arch is inlaid with floral designs. In its harmonious proportions and its fluid incorporation of decorative elements, the TajMahal is distinguished as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. One of the most beautiful structural compositions in the world, the TajMahal is also one of the world’s most iconic monuments, visited by millions of tourists each year, and is indeed a spectacle which satisfies both the eyes and the soul.
Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Year of Completion: 1653
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Special Dishes Available: Pethas, parathas, Jalebis
Nearby Markets: Saadar Bazaar, Shilpgram
Video Tour:
Courtesy: YouTube
Location on Map:
Interested to visit this location? Fill the form to get the best quote of our packages
Get me a Quote