The Taj Mahal: A Visitor's Guide
Experience the breathtaking beauty and romance of the Taj Mahal with our visitor’s guide, providing all the essential details and tips to plan your perfect trip. Get ready to discover the fascinating history, architecture, and culture of this iconic landmark of India!
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The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is one of the most iconic structures in the world. It is a magnificent mausoleum that was commissioned by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The architecture of the Taj Mahal is a beautiful blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the fascinating architecture of the Taj Mahal and share some interesting facts about this world-renowned landmark.
The Design and Construction
The Taj Mahal was designed by a Persian architect named Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. He drew inspiration from several architectural styles, including Indian, Persian, and Islamic. The mausoleum was built using white marble that was transported from Rajasthan and other parts of India. The construction of the Taj Mahal took 22 years to complete, and it required the work of over 20,000 artisans.
The mausoleum has four minarets, each standing at a height of 40 meters. The minarets are slightly tilted outward to prevent them from falling on the main structure in case of an earthquake. The dome of the Taj Mahal is also an architectural marvel. It is made of white marble and stands at a height of 73 meters. The dome is adorned with intricate carvings and is surrounded by four smaller domes.
The Interiors
The interiors of the Taj Mahal are equally stunning. The mausoleum has two main chambers, one for the burial of Mumtaz Mahal and the other for the burial of Shah Jahan. The walls of the chambers are adorned with beautiful calligraphy and intricate designs made of semi-precious stones. The marble screens around the tombs are exquisitely carved, allowing sunlight to filter through, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow.
Interesting Facts
Now that we’ve looked at the architecture of the Taj Mahal let’s dive into some interesting facts about this iconic structure.
- The Taj Mahal changes color depending on the time of day. During sunrise and sunset, the marble appears to be pinkish in color, while during the day, it appears to be white.
- The Taj Mahal is not just a mausoleum but a complex that includes a mosque, a guest house, and several other buildings.
- The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts over 7 million visitors every year.
- The white marble used in the construction of the Taj Mahal was transported from over 300 kilometers away, using a fleet of over 1,000 elephants.
- The calligraphy on the walls of the Taj Mahal was done by a calligrapher named Amanat Khan, who was brought from Iran to work on the project.
Entry Tickets and Fees
If you are planning to visit the Taj Mahal, it is important to know about the entry tickets and fees. The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset, except on Fridays when it remains closed for prayers. Here are the details of entry tickets at Taj Mahal:
| Entry Fee (Indian) | INR 50 |
| Entry Fee (SAARC and BIMSTEC) | INR 740 |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner ) | INR 1300 |
| Entry Below (Children Below Age 15) | Free |
- Indian Citizens: The entry fee for Indian citizens is INR 50 per person. Children under the age of 15 can enter for free.
- Foreign Nationals: The entry fee for foreign nationals is INR 1300 per person. Children under the age of 15 can enter for free.
- SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries: The entry fee for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Thailand) is INR 740 per person.
- Additional Fees: In addition to the entry fee, there are some additional fees that visitors may have to pay. For example, if you want to take your camera inside, you will have to pay a fee of INR 200. If you want to take your phone inside, you will have to pay a fee of INR 20.
- Online Ticket Booking: Visitors can also book their tickets online through the official website of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or the website of the Taj Mahal. This is a convenient option that saves time and ensures that you do not have to wait in long queues at the entrance.
- Tourist Guide: If you want to hire a tourist guide, you can do so at the entrance gate. The fee for a guide varies, but it is usually around INR 500 to INR 1000 for a 2-hour tour.
It is important to note that there are separate queues for Indian citizens and foreign nationals. Foreign nationals also have to go through an additional security check. It is advisable to carry a valid ID proof with you, especially if you are an Indian citizen.
How to Reach the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, and is easily accessible by various modes of transport. Here are the different ways to reach the Taj Mahal:
- By Air: The nearest airport to the Taj Mahal is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is about 220 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or a train to Agra.
- By Train: Agra has a well-connected railway network, and there are several trains that connect it to major cities in India. The Agra Cantt railway station is the main railway station, and it is located about 6 km from the Taj Mahal.
- By Road: Agra is well-connected by road, and there are several bus services that operate from Delhi and other nearby cities. You can also hire a taxi or a private car to reach the Taj Mahal.
- By Bicycle: If you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle in Agra and cycle to the Taj Mahal. This is a great way to explore the city and the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Timings and Entry Gates
If you are planning to visit the Taj Mahal, it is important to know about the timings and entry gates. Here are the details:
- Timings: The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset, except on Fridays when it remains closed for prayers. The timings may vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to check the official website or call the information center before planning your visit.
- Entry Gates: There are three entry gates to the Taj Mahal – the East Gate, the West Gate, and the South Gate. The East Gate is the most popular entrance, as it is located near the parking area and the ticket counter. The West Gate and the South Gate are less crowded, but they may require a longer walk to reach the main entrance.
- Entry Restrictions: Visitors are not allowed to carry any kind of food, tobacco products, or inflammable items inside the Taj Mahal. Bags and other belongings are also not allowed, except for small purses and wallets.
- Security Check: Visitors are required to pass through a security check before entering the Taj Mahal. This includes a metal detector scan and a bag check. It is advisable to carry a valid ID proof with you, especially if you are an Indian citizen.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The Taj Mahal is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and special pathways for disabled visitors. Wheelchairs are available on rent at the entrance.
The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset, except on Fridays. Visitors can enter through three different gates, but the East Gate is the most popular one. Entry restrictions and security checks are in place for the safety of visitors, and wheelchair accessibility is available for disabled visitors. Make sure to plan your visit in advance and follow the guidelines to have a hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Taj Mahal:
- What is the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is a magnificent mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
- What is the architecture style of the Taj Mahal?
The architecture style of the Taj Mahal is a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. It is known for its intricate carvings, beautiful calligraphy, and the use of white marble.
- How long did it take to build the Taj Mahal?
The construction of the Taj Mahal took 22 years to complete, and it required the work of over 20,000 artisans.
- What is the significance of the four minarets of the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal has four minarets, each standing at a height of 40 meters. The minarets are slightly tilted outward to prevent them from falling on the main structure in case of an earthquake.
- Can you enter the Taj Mahal?
Yes, visitors can enter the Taj Mahal from sunrise to sunset, except on Fridays when it remains closed for prayers.
- What is the entry fee for the Taj Mahal?
The entry fee for Indian citizens is INR 50 per person, while the entry fee for foreign nationals is INR 1300 per person. Children under the age of 15 can enter for free.
- What are the additional fees for visiting the Taj Mahal?
Visitors will have to pay additional fees for taking cameras and phones inside the Taj Mahal. The fee for cameras is INR 200, while the fee for phones is INR 20.
- Is it necessary to hire a tourist guide to visit the Taj Mahal?
It is not necessary to hire a tourist guide, but it can be helpful in understanding the history and architecture of the Taj Mahal.
- How many people visit the Taj Mahal every year?
The Taj Mahal attracts over 7 million visitors every year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
- Why is the Taj Mahal considered a symbol of love?
The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered a symbol of love and devotion, and is known for its romantic history and beautiful architecture.