The Taj Mahal from Persian and Arabic, "crown of palaces", pronounced; also "the Taj"is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Taj Mahal's mausoleum complex of white domed marble is actually an integrated complex of many structures. Construction began sometime around 1632 and was completed in 1653, while employing around 20,000 artisans throughout the empire.[6] The construction was entrusted to a board of architects with Ustad Ahmad Lahauri believed to have assumed the role of chief architect.
The Taj Mahal stands on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India". Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal attracts some 3 million visitors a year. It is one of the world’s most celebrated structures, a symbol of India’s rich history and is regarded by many as the best example of the Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles.
Taj Mahal's entrance ticket is the most expensive, Rs 750 per person. If you would like to watch the sunrise in Taj, advisable that you arrive around 5.30am to purchase ticket and line up. The security check will occupied most of your time and do not bring in any food (except mineral water), toys and monopod (I do not know why). Wear the food cover (provided together with your ticket) or remove your shoes at the shoe counter.
As our homestay is situated around 16km from Taj Mahal, the cost for tuk-tuk was around Rs 150.
The view of the Taj Mahal is so marvelous that I never thought I would be able to step foot my presence there. When you're there, enjoy the view and just spend some time lazing around the taj like how we did and take as much photos as you can as memory keepsake.
