Taj Mahal Agra India

About Taj Mahal
To people the world over, Taj Mahal, is synonymous with India. Its curving, gently swelling dome and the square base upon which its rests so lightly is a familiar image from hundreds of brochures and travel books. The Taj is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular buildings of the world. Renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it is counted among man's proudest creations and is invariably included in the list of the world's foremost wonders.

The Love Story Begins
The fairytale love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal is the inspiration that led to the construction of Taj Mahal. Wandering in the market with his courtiers, the young prince Shah Jahan saw the beautiful Anjumad Bano for the first time. She was sitting at her shop selling silk and mirrors, this was the first time he saw his future Queen and fell in love with at the first sight. From there onwards the most beautiful love story of all time started.

Happily ever after
The After facing so many problems and making so much efforts, Shah Jahan and Anjumad Bano finally got married. Their marriage was a lavish royal affair. Everything was picture perfect, just like they dreamed of. After marriage Anjumad Bano was given the name Mumtaz Mahal and from there onwards the happy married life of this royal couple began.

Death Of Mumtaz Mahal
Everything in the world of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal was going fine until the untimely death of Mumtaz Mahal. In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal as usual went on an expedition with Shah Jahan. But this time she was pregnant and gave birth to their 14th child and due to extreme weakness, died soon after the birth.

"Build Me A Taj"
As Mumtaz Mahal lay dying, she asked four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises.

The Construction Begins
After begin grief stricken for almost a year, Shah Jahan decided to erect the most wondrous monument as he promised to his wife. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. A board of finest architects, inlay craftsmen, stone-carvers, calligraphers and masons were appointed to build this ultimate memorial.

"Epitome Of Love"
Today travelers, film-makers, celebrities from world over come to Agra India, to see this amazing and brilliant epitome of love. It is true that no one can ever build anything like Taj again. Taj Mahal is really a perfect example of the brilliant Mughal architecture and the sheer dedication of Shah Jahan, to immortalize his love.

Taj Mahal Excursions
While planning a trip to Taj Mahal, do make plans to visit the nearby excursions located around this mausoleum. Here is a list of few of the travel places that you can visit during your Agra travel.

. Agra Red Fort

. Fatehpur Sikri

. Sikandra

. Taj Nature Park

. Ram Bagh

. Mariyam Tomb and lot more

Taj Mahal Timings And Fees
Every Day, (except Friday), Sunrise to Sunset
Night, 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM

Day Fee: Rs 750 (Foreigners) Rs 510 (Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries) Rs 20 (Indian) Entry Free for children below 15 years of age

Night Fee: Rs 750 (Adult, Foreign) Rs 510 (Adult, Indian) Rs 500 (Child 3-15 Years, Indian & Foreign) Entry free for child below 3 years of age

Getting To Taj Mahal
By Air: Air route to Taj Mahal is one of the safest and the most easiest way to reach Agra. Take flight from the Delhi's IGI airport, and land at the Kheria airport in Agra. Once there you can hire a private taxi/local bus/or even rickshaws to reach Taj Mahal.

By Train: There are frequent trains from all the major cities of India to Agra Cantt Station. This is the most comfortable means to reach Taj without traffic chaos and in very less time.

By Road: With the construction of Delhi to Agra Mathura Road, reaching Taj Mahal via road has become much more convenient. You can take the luxury Volvo buses from Delhi, Mathura, Fatehpur Sikri for Agra.