Taj Mahal, Agra

Who’s Design?   |   Taj Mahotsav   |   Not To Forget  |   Look Beyond Taj  |   Travellers Factoid    |  Tours

Taj Mahal India, the marble glory of India is synonymous with India. The priceless monument of love was built by Shahjahan, the 5th Mughal Emperor in the memory of his beloved mistress, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of this most familiar monument of India was completed in the year 1648, after twenty-two laborious years, and the combined effort of over 20 thousand workmen and master craftsmen. Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Taj Mahal is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular buildings of the world. Built of white Makarana marble, Taj Mahal India is renowned for its architectural splendour and picturesque beauty. Taj Mahal is counted among man's most superb creations and is everlastingly included in the list of the world's champion wonders. Taj Mahal India is unrivalled on earth as a tomb, for mortal remains have never been housed in greater grandeur.

Ronald Jefferson, a amateur traveller says “I was very casual on my first visit to Taj Mahal. First I never expected that Taj Mahal is going to be a such beauty. It was indeed above my imagination. Draped in white, personally I feel can leave any body awestruck. ”


This has always been in question, with many answers to it. Craftsman from different countries have come forward to put a claim for it. One such clain was done by Ustad Ahmed Lahori as the Mimar-i-kul or the chief executuve. His grave carries an inscription that he constructed Taj Mahal and Jami Masjid in Delhi.



This is one fest that you should not miss if you are visiting Taj Mahal in the month of Feburary. The reason for this could be better understood when you would actually see the grandeur of the fest. At the backdrop of Taj Mahal, many artists from across the country come to impersonate their culture and art forms. A fair is held for ten days which showcases the craftmanship of different states.

Ronald speaks “ In the evening, we came to have a look on the famous Taj Mahotsav in Agra. Never we knew that Mahotsav was held at such an extent. This is a festival of art, craft, cultural and cuisine and this fair is the main attraction for those who have interest in Art & Craft. Thousands of tourist from all over the world participate in the fair. It is held every year between 18-27 February.”


Taj Mahal India gives a lot for your one gesture and this gesture is nothing but a simple visit. When you are there don’t forget to purchase a soft marble miniature Taj Mahal which can either adorn your drawing room or can be a good sovenier to your loved ones.

Pay a visit to Taj Museum. It details you on construction plans of Taj Mahal. You would get to see the original drawings of Taj Mahal, the stones which were used in the construction. In all, a complete collection on Taj Mahal and its various facets. Timings : 10 Am to 5 pm ; Closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Taj Mahal is surely a gift to a woman or is a woman in itself. As the woman has her mood swings, Taj Mahal has its own. It changes with every season and different times of the day.

Visit Taj Mahal during dawn and you would see it in pink shade, by noon the Taj Mahal acquire an ethereal white beauty, and at dusk, the Taj Mahal shows its grey shade.



Agra Fort :Standing at a distance of 2 km from the Taj Mahal, on the river bank of Yamuna, is the Agra Fort with all its architectural splendour. Agra Fort is one massive monument built in the Mughal era by three of the great Mughal Emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shahajahan. It was the Emperor Akbar, who commenced the construction of the majestic Agra Fort. Construction began in 1565 and was finished in 1571. Shah Jahan, the fifth emperor of the Mughal era, erected most of the buildings inside the citadel.

Sikandara : This mausoleum is a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs, is named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi. Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. by Akbar himself within his lifetime, but the construction was accomplished by his son Jahangir in 1613.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah : Noor Jehan built this mausoleum between 1622-1625 A.D. in the memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Itimad-ud-Daulah's tomb situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, has many impressive and inspiring designs that were later copied in the Taj Mahal.

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra : This ghost city was built by Emperor Akbar during the late 16th century. Fatehpur Sikri or the City of Victory was the capital of the Mughal Empire for period of 10 years, after which it was abandoned. The complex envelopes brilliant monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style - a fine blend of Hindu and Central Asian Architecture. The complex also encloses one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.


What do you expect to get from Taj Mahal... Splendid memories would be a good answer.

“ Some times, I do wonder, if I won't have gone to Agra, I would have missed the regal splendor of the Mughal era. I must have lost some special moments that I cherish today.............Travel to Taj Mahal and experience what I experienced on my tour to Taj Mahal.” Ronald sums up his entire trip in these beautiful words which ends our article.


Getting There
By Air : Kheria Airport is 6 km from Agra. From the International Airport at Delhi, Agra is 220km.
By Rail : Connection to important cities from Agra Cantt, Agra fort station, Raja-Ki Mandi and Tundla. Agra is connected to all the major cities of India through the rail tracks.
By Road : Buses are linked to all major cities. Some important road distances from Agra are Delhi-204km Bharatpur-57 km lucknow-369km Mathura-54km Nainital-353km, varanasi-605km, Khajuraho-400km.

Best time to visit : Through out the year.
Entry Fees : For Foreigners- US$5+ RS500.00; For Indians- RS25.00.
For Your Stay in Agra : Hotels in Agra
Excursion From Agra : Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Mathura and Vrindavan.

Many thanks to Ronald Jefferson, a new member in the world of tourism to contribute his experience with us.

Related Traveller's Storie(s)
Taj Mahal -Sheer Poetry In Marble- By Samir Kumar
New Delhi – Capital of India:- By Punit Chandra Mawli
Teen Murti House – New Delhi: By Ranbir Lavania
Agra-Ancient Mughal Heritage City-By Namita Kulshreshtha
Agra’s Musical Connection- By Kornika