Taj Mahal


Agra

Overview

The Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It stands on the banks of the Yamuna River and is known as a symbol of true love.

It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. She passed away in 1631, and the emperor decided to build a beautiful white marble tomb in her honor.

Construction started in 1632 and took around 22 years to complete. Thousands of skilled workers and artisans worked on it. The monument is admired for its perfect symmetry, fine carvings, and peaceful setting.

In 1983, the Taj Mahal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and attracts millions of visitors every year.

Open Hours

Open Days: Saturday to Thursday
Closed On: Friday (closed for prayers)
Day Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Night Viewing: Available on full moon night and two days before and after the full moon (subject to weather conditions and government rules)
Night Viewing Time Slots: 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM (in batches)

It is best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather.

Entry Fee - Indians vs Foreigners

Category	Ticket Price (INR)
Adult	₹50
Child (Below 15 yrs)	Free
Senior Citizen	₹50
Camera Fee	No Extra Charge
Mausoleum Additional Charge	₹200

What To Expect?

When you enter the Taj Mahal complex, you first walk through a grand red sandstone gate. As you pass through it, the white marble monument appears in front of you. It is a breathtaking sight.

Tips

Visit early morning for fewer crowds and better photos.
Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk a lot.
Carry water, especially in summer.
Avoid bringing large bags. Security checks are strict.
Respect the monument and do not touch or damage the marble.

About the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It stands in Agra, on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. This grand white marble monument was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 while giving birth to their child. Shah Jahan was deeply saddened by her death. He decided to build a tomb that would reflect his love and respect for her. Construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. Around 20,000 workers and skilled artisans worked on the monument.

The Taj Mahal is built in Mughal architectural style. It combines elements of Persian, Islamic, and Indian design. The main building is made of white marble brought from Makrana in Rajasthan. Precious and semi precious stones were used to decorate the walls with floral patterns and calligraphy.

The structure stands about 73 meters tall. It has a large central dome and four minarets at each corner. The entire complex is perfectly symmetrical. In front of the monument, you will see beautiful gardens divided into four parts. Water channels and fountains reflect the monument and add to its beauty.

Inside the main chamber are the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The marble screens and carvings inside are detailed and delicate. The real graves are located in a lower chamber, as per Islamic tradition.

In 1983, the Taj Mahal was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, millions of visitors come here every year to see its beauty and learn about its history.

The Taj Mahal is not just a monument. It represents love, art, and the rich history of India.

Detailed Information

Detail	Information
Built by	Shah Jahan
Built for	Mumtaz Mahal
Year Started	1632
Year Completed	1653
Architectural Style	Mughal Architecture
Material Used	White Marble
Height	About 73 meters
UNESCO Status	World Heritage Site (1983)
Nearby River	Yamuna River