Taj Mahal

Located in Agra, the Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic monuments in the world and one of the most famous in India. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, it was a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who tragically passed away during childbirth.

History of the Taj Mahal

The history of the Taj Mahal dates back to 1631 when the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was heartbroken by the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. She his muse, and the mother of his 14 children. Tragically, in 1631, Mumtaz died during childbirth. To honor her memory, Shah Jahan decides to build the most beautiful monument the world had ever seen. He brought in architects, artisans, and craftsmen from all over the empire and beyond, including Persia and Europe.

Construction began in 1632 and took 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 workers laboring day and night. Completed in 1653, the tomb is the center of a 17-hectare complex that includes a mosque, a guest house, and formal gardens.

Shah Jahan’s wish was to build a “Black Taj Mahal,” an equally magnificent structure for himself directly opposite the Yamuna River, connected to the Taj Mahal by a bridge, symbolizing the eternal bond between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, even in death. However, before Shah Jahan achieves his plans, his son Aurangzeb overthrew him in 1658, imprisoning him in the Agra Fort. With Shah Jahan under house arrest, the plans for the Black Taj never materialized, as his son didn’t believe this was necessary given the economic challenges of the country at the time.

While there is no concrete archaeological evidence to support this, some believe in its existence due to the ruins of a potential structure found across the Yamuna River, fueling the romantic aura surrounding the Taj Mahal and some . Shah Jahan spent his final years gazing at the Taj Mahal, longing to be reunited with Mumtaz. In this sense, this monument is evidence of eternal love and is considered one of the wonders of the modern world.

Architecture of the Taj Mahal

Constructed of white marble, the tomb is adorned with intricate inlays of precious and semi-precious stones that form floral and calligraphic patterns. In addition, the central dome is flanked by four minarets, which are one of the most recognizable elements of the Taj Mahal. The formal gardens surrounding the tomb are designed in a Persian style known as Charbagh. Every detail of the Taj Mahal, from the arches to the mosaics, reflects the perfection and devotion with which it was built.

Location and Information

Opening Hours: The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset every day except Fridays. On Fridays, the Taj Mahal is closed to the general public for prayer services at the mosque inside.

Entrance Fees:

Tourists: ₹1,100 (approx. $14 USD) per person, which includes a bottle of water and shoe covers.
Indian Citizens: ₹50.
Children under 15: Free entry for both domestic and international visitors.

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!