Taj Mahal Agra India

Taj Mahal is a royal mausoleum in Agra, western Uttar Pradesh, India. Located on the south bank of the Yamuna River in the eastern side of Agra city, this monument is considered as one of the world's greatest works of world heritage. A symbol of peace and beauty, the Taj Mahal is well-known as a symbol of love for lovers. Therefore, many tourists come to see the Taj Mahal, which has been the top tourist attraction for ages, and to know its history.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this magnificent mausoleum dedicated to his second wife Arjumand Banu Begum (better known as Mumtaz). Mumtaz died giving birth to her fourteenth daughter. After Mumtaz's death, Emperor Shahjahan was emotionally devastated and decided to build the Taj Mahal as a symbol of his love for his wife. The construction of the Taj Mahal started in 1632 AD and was completed after about 22 years in 1653 AD. Although there is much controversy about the builders of the Taj Mahal, it was originally built by around 2,000 designers and craftsmen from Persia, the Ottoman Empire and Europe under the supervision of Ustad Ahmed Lahuri, according to Persian and Mughal architecture. In 1983, the Taj Mahal, a monument of Mughal architecture, was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Spread over an area of ​​about 42 acres, the entire Taj Mahal complex is mainly divided into five parts - the main entrance, gardens, mosques, guest houses and the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz with its four minarets.

The main square of the Taj Mahal is surrounded by walls on three sides like a fort. Outside the wall are the tombs of Shah Jahan's other wives and Mumtaz's favorite attendants. The walls are patterned within the walls. All the walls have been built into a dome-shaped structure, which is currently used as a museum. The main entrance of the Taj Mahal is made of marble stone with Mughal architecture and design. The main square houses the red mosque and the Mughal guest house in two separate structures.

There is a “charbagh” in the forecourt of the Taj Mahal. It is known as the Garden of Paradise. There are 16 separate flower gardens with high walls, tree-lined walkways and beautiful fountains. Between the Samadhi section and the main gate is a marble stone chowbachcha in which the entire Taj Mahal can be seen reflected in the water.

The interior of the mausoleum is decorated with octagonal carved semi-circular marble stones. Here is the tomb of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz. Although these are only dummy tombs covered with a kind of screen of fine wire-worked Mandit marble. Dummy tombs 80 feet below the ground contain their actual tombs in sculpted ornate inscriptions. When the moonlight reflects on the tomb during the full moon, an otherworldly atmosphere is created around it.

Inside the Taj Mahal complex, verses of the Holy Quran are beautifully carved in geometric and floral designs on precious stones using the pitra dura technique.

It is said that during the last period Emperor Shah Jahan wanted to build another Taj Mahal on the bank of Yamuna River which is now known as “Kala Taj Mahal”. From here one can see various beautiful forms of Taj Mahal in the light of sun and moon. Built of black marble, this fort is connected to the Taj Mahal by a bridge.

And 1 mile away from the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is located on the right side of the Yamuna River, which was a military fort during the Mughal period, but later became known as the residence of the royal family under the leadership of Shah Jahan, as well as a place for various royal activities.

You can read the Delhi travel section of the travel guide for Dhaka to Delhi. You can reach Agra by train or bus by reaching Anandbehar station in Delhi. In case of train, it takes one and a half to two hours to reach Agra by train from New Delhi Railway Station or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. And it will take three to three and a half hours to go by bus. And in case of going by plane, you can go to Delhi by a two-hour journey from Bagdogra. Then you can reach Agra by train or bus.

Read: Delhi Travel Guide

It will cost Rs 1,500-3,200 to travel to Delhi by train and Rs 2,800-4,000 by air. Delhi to Agra will cost around Rs 500-1200 depending on the vehicle. Taj Mahal entry ticket price is Rs.510 per person.

Among the low cost hotels and rest houses like Sai Palace, Hotel Safari, Max Guest House, Da Agra Grande, Tourist Rest House, Ray of Maya, Thomas Home Stay, Seven Hills Tower, rooms for two people are available between 600 to 1500 rupees.

Feature Image by Ralf Pflüger