If you are intrigued by the wonders of the world, believe in epic love stories, enjoy tales of deception, appreciate architecture, are fascinated with history, marvel at how things were built long ago, and appreciate the art of illusion, then you must see the Taj Mahal, in India. It fulfils all of these yearnings and will captivate and beguile you, as it has me, and millions of others who have visited. Of course, the Taj is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. So, here is my ultimate guide to the Taj Mahal and everything you should know.
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Getting to the Taj Mahal
During the hottest time of the year, and monsoon season here in the North of India, I arrived in Agra, after a long flight from Australia to Delhi, via Hong Kong, followed by a 3½ hour drive from Delhi where I was staying. My driver and a separate guide were organised by my hotel. I was taken through the ticket booth and security entrance quickly, bypassing much of the queues (thanks to my guide) even though there were a lot of people there already when I arrived late morning.
Then, I saw it. I was speechless.
Immediately, I realised it was far more beautiful than the pictures. Often places seem more perfect in photos than in real life, don’t you agree? But not in this case. It is far more captivating in person.
The sheer enormity of it and the whitish coloured marble is absolutely stunning. As you approach the monument, which is set far back on the property, with lush green manicured gardens all around and the bluish backdrop of the sky, you begin to see the detail come to life.
My tour guide was talking away, and I’m sure he was saying great things, but I was engrossed in the majestic vision before me, and his heavily Hindi-accented English monologue was just white noise to me.
Location of the Taj Mahal
Located in the Agra district, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Northern India, around 200km west of Delhi.
Address is Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
You can reach the Taj Mahal by train. Alternatively, by bus or car via the Yamuna Expressway, which takes about 3 hours.
The complex
The whole Taj Mahal complex includes:
- a grand entry gate,
- courtyards,
- immaculate gardens,
- shallow pools,
- fountains, and
- two identical red sand-stoned palace-like buildings on either side, one being a Mosque and the other being a guest house for royalty.
The grounds span 55 acres.
The Yamuna River is at the rear of the property.
History of the Taj Mahal
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had the monument built for his 3rd and favourite wife Mumtaz, who died in childbirth at the age of 39 whilst having their 14th baby. He was besotted by her and had promised her a memorial like no other to house her tomb as a lasting legacy of their love and a beacon to the world. Well he certainly out-did himself and everyone else. This is a love story like no other.
But, there is more to this story, of course. As with all good plots, there has to be some twists, right? Apparently, one of his sons, Aurangzeb wasn’t happy that he built this massive mausoleum when the Mughal empire was in strife. The son had grand plans of his own to take over the reigns. He managed to kill off his 3 brothers and then imprisoned his father, the Shah, in the Agra Fort for the rest of his life, where he was only able to view the Taj Mahal from his window. He died there, 8 years later, then was entombed with his spouse in the Taj. Quite a tale of deception and lust for power.
Building the Taj Mahal
Building began in 1632 and took 22 years to complete. 22,000 craftsmen from around the world were commissioned – builders, stonemasons, painters, carvers and more. Marble from India was used, brought in by elephants and oxen. Precious stones and gems, such as pearl, jade and opal, malachite, turquoise, and lapis lazuli from around the world were used for the delicate inlays.
Carvings were all done by hand by skilled artisans. Complex patterns, tessellations, herringbone and mosaics embellish the walls, ceiling and floors. Writings from the Quran and calligraphy of poems are included in the design also. It’s truly a work of art. The artwork being definitively feminine.
The Taj Mahal is a symmetrical building, built with harmony, balance and perfection. Every detail was meticulously planned and designed. It is believed the Shah was very much in control of the design, overseeing a team of experienced architects.
Taj Mahal Architecture
The mix of architectural styles is fascinating. Mughal, Islamic, Persian and Hindu features were incorporated in the design and blend together seamlessly. A poignant statement, I think. It is an artistic monument also, in that the use of light and shade creates a changing colour effect of the marble at various times of the day. For example, at sunrise it has a different hue to sunset.
Inside the mausoleum chamber it is surprisingly small. It is built in an octagonal shape with an intricate octagonal screen all around the tombs. The beautiful tombs of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan on display are actually empty. Yes! Their real tombs are located below in a sealed area, not open to the public.
Interesting facts about the Taj Mahal
As part of my ultimate guide to the Taj Mahal, here are some interesting facts:
- The main architect was Ustad-Ahmad Lahori, a Persian.
- Muslim law dictates that tombs are not allowed to be decorated at all. So the emperor and his wife are buried beneath the chamber in plain tombs.
- The Shah seems to have been obsessed with the number 22.
- He was also obsessed with everything being symmetrical.
- He intentionally made the 4 corner minarets lean slightly away from the central part of the building in case they were to fall as a result of natural disasters.
- Designs and patterns on the outside of the building create illusions of angles.
- 8 Million people visit each year.Â
- Unfortunately, pollution is damaging the Taj Mahal.
Did you know there are quite a few replicas of the Taj Mahal around the world? Some of them are very similar, such as:
- Bibi ka Maqbara in Maharashtra, India
- Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England
- Taj Mahal in Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Tripoli Shrine Temple in Wisconsin, USA
- Taj Mahal of Window of the World Theme Park in Shenzhen, China
- Siddiqa Fatima Zahra Mosque, Kuwait
Important information and tips for visiting the Taj Mahal
Open hours: Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset. It it closed on Fridays, open only for Muslim prayer in the afternoon.
Cost: Indian Rupees (INR) 50 for local Indians and INR1300 for foreigners, including visit inside. Prices as of 7/2019. Discount given if paying with credit card. The cost doesn’t include golf cart or rickshaw ride to and from gate, as cars are not allowed close to the site. Allow INR50 for each way.
Rules: No food, alcohol, cigarettes, music, large bags, headphones, tripods, etc. There is a long list of items not allowed, so check with your local guide at the time of going. I brought in only a small bag, plastic water bottle, camera phone, and essentials. Everything else I left with my driver in his car.
Clothing: Wear modest clothing. You will be provided with shoe covers, like a shower cap, to put over your shoes.
Bathrooms: There are well maintained bathroom facilities here.
Photos: You are able to bring in phones and cameras. Normally no photos are allowed inside, however, this is India, and with a small fee payable in the hands of the guard, all is permitted. There are also ‘professional’ photographers outside if you wish to avail yourself of their services.
Be aware at the Taj Mahal
Finally, be aware of people wanting selfie photos with ‘white-skinned’ tourists. I had several people taking photos with me, one lady even kissed me on the cheek! It is usually harmless enough but can sometimes be disconcerting. Not sure why they treat us like celebrities, but apparently it’s a bit of a craze.
Further, beggars are common on the main road, even young children beg for money. People also approach you to try to sell you things. Watch out for pickpockets, scams, overpriced taxi/rickshaw rides. Most importantly keep your bag close to your body at all times.
Tours of the Taj Mahal
I hope you have found my ultimate guide to the Taj Mahal enjoyable and, most of all, useful in preparing for your visit.
Have you any comments about the Taj Mahal?Â
Please leave me your thoughts below.
Namaste
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47 Comments
The Taj Mahal’s color changes throughout the day, from soft grey and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white.Â
The design of the buildings and pools are really fantastic! I would love to visit the Taj Mahal someday.
I can’t wait to share this with my family when we plan our trip—it sounds like an unforgettable adventure!
I imagine this kind of a trip would stick with you for life. It’s not every day you get to see the Taj Mahal.
Fabulous guide! I LOVED visiting the Taj Mahal too. I went yeeears ago, back when we only have film cameras and my photos are pretty rubbish, but you have brought back so many happy memories. It is such a shame that it is being spoiled by pollution.
When I visited I was a bit sad to see so much rubbish in the river than runs along beside it. I really hope that is a little better by now!
Wonderful post and pictures!
This is such a useful guide to Taj Mahal! Would love to see if for myself once 🙂
What a gret post! I visited Taj Mahal last year and it was one of my favorite travel experiences ever. But I was so in awe that I totally forgot to take some close up shots of all the details. Love that you did 😉
Haven’t visited Taj Mahal as yet but will do anytime soon. 🙂 Love the photos.
I’ve not been to India yet and honestly wasn’t sure I wanted to go. But seeing the Taj Mahal is one of the main reasons not to skip it. Thanks for your post. It’s chock full of great information!
Loved your photos!!! This is pity that I did not get a chance to visit Taj Mahal though I am Indian. Hopefully I will visit soon.
Tajmahal is one of my favorites. It is in my neighbourhoods and I just love exploring it. Hope you liked your India trip.
Very informative especially for first time visitors. Thanks for sharing all this information. We appreciate it!
Wonderful. How much time do you think I should allocate to visit the Taj Mahal?
I wonder, do you need to book a tour or can you do it yourself and can you estimate how long the wait was at the ticket booths?
I of course want to see the Taj Mahal but haven’t been. I had no idea that 8 million people visit every year!
indeed a stunning place! Taj mahal is on my bucketlist. Thank you for sharing this! <3
I loved the Taj Mahal. We arrived at sunrise and were one of the first inside. It is breathtaking.
How much time do you think I should allocate for the Taj Mahal visit?
I was there about 2 hours. That is plenty of time.
The Taj Mahal is an iconic structure and one of the main reasons I want to visit India. Thanks for sharing such a detailed guide and highlighting the things to be wary of.
I have visited Taj Mahal only once and that too in the scorching June month heat. I was all sweaty and couldn’t enjoy the Taj Mahal. I am planning to visit Taj Mahal again but this time in December.
I agree with you that the Taj Mahal leaves you speechless… It’s an incredible structure and such a romantic monument too… I remember the glare of the sun on the white marble, it was really hard being without sunglasses… The other thing were the semi-precious stones encrusted in the marble walls… I can’t imagine the number of man hours this would have cost to achieve!
It really is an amazing sight. It was one of those iconic destinations that didn’t disappoint at all, even though I’d seen countless photos of it.
Thanks for all this information! I’m dying to go back to India and see the Taj this time!
I’ve never really understood the selfie thing! I know they do this a lot in China, didn’t realize India too. Thanks for the heads up, such a great comprehensive guide!
I think like you, that I will be totally speechless when I see the Taj Mahal. What a love story. I did not know about it, nor the fact she had 14 children! Thanks for all the facts and practical info. Will keep for when I get to visit this amazing wonder!
I have always wanted to see this in person! Such amazing photos of a gorgeous landmark!
Thank you for all of the information! I would love to visit one day. When you say photos are not allowed inside, do you mean inside the actual buildings or anywhere within the complex? Just want to make sure I can get all the pictures possible when we go 🙂
Photos are not normally allowed inside the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is definitely on my bucket list and I have yet to visit this Wonder of the World. Really love the architecture and your pictures have captured the intricate architecture so well.This guide is really helpful for first time visitors. I had no idea it’s closed on Fridays so good to know that. Thanks for sharing!
Love that you provided the history, which I did not know much about. I was surprised to hear that you can’t take photos inside, but if you pay someone a small fee you will be able to. How does that work? Do they signal to the guard (or whomever is in charge) not to stop you from shooting inside since you paid? Funny you mention that people want to take photos with you. I feel this happens quite often in other countries. I’ve had it happen to me in Singapore, Hong Kong, and even Japan.
I have yet to visit the Taj Mahal, but it is definitely on my bucket list ! The love story does have a sad twist ending. I also heard stories telling of The Shah who cut off the hands of the craftsmen to prevent them from building another one more superior than the Taj, I’m glad it is NOT true.
Thank you for all these great tips! This is high on my bucketlist!
Great post and great tips for first-time visitors. Never been there, but the Taj Mahal has been on my travel list for so long. I’m hoping to go soon and be one of those 8 million (!) people visiting the Taj Mahal yearly.
This is amazing! I would love to visit the Taj Mahal one day.
I’m studying to be a historian and I’ve always loved the history of the Taj Mahal! I really want to visit soon, and you’re making me want to go right now!
I hope you get to see it soon.
Wow that is a lot to process. I knew it was built for one of his wives (didn’t know it was the third) and I had no idea about the twists to the plot. Just wow. He definitely outdid himself and I’m glad he is entombed there with her. The intricacies to the hand carvings and the symmetry as well as the changing of colors from sunrise to sunset is amazing. I can definitely understand why your guide was white noise to you when you first saw it!
I always love your comments Trimmtravels. It is a pretty amazing story behind the Taj Mahal.
I love this! Heading to India and seeing the Taj Mahal is actually on my bucket list. You photos of it are amazing, and this post is so informative!
The blending of architectural styles at the Taj Mahal is so interesting. I love it that Mughal, Islamic, Persian and Hindu aspects are all represented. I many ways, it’s representative of Indian culture as a whole.
Havent been here yet but lots of good information on how to make the day more enjoyable. Me, I would like to try and get there at sunrise and capture one amazing moment.
Younshould probably stay in Agra to be there early.
Love this post! I had such an awesome day visiting the Taj Mahal. You took me right back there 🙂
I didn’t know about the tale of deception, the killings because of power. It furthers the majesty of the monument, I think. I do have to see it in person.
In addition, let me just say your close-up photos are amazing. Every detail is captured.
Thank you Carol.