Taj Mahal – The Crown Jewel of Agra 🕌✨
The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is the most famous monument in India and a symbol of love and architectural brilliance. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History of the Taj Mahal 🏰
- Construction started in 1632 and was completed in 1648 (though some parts took longer).
- Built as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Shah Jahan.
- More than 20,000 artisans and craftsmen worked on the monument.
- Designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the chief architect of the Mughal Empire.
Architectural Marvel of the Taj Mahal 🏛
- White Marble Beauty: Made of pure white marble sourced from Rajasthan.
- Intricate Inlay Work: Features semi-precious stones like jasper, jade, crystal, turquoise, and lapis lazuli.
- Symmetrical Design: The entire complex is perfectly symmetrical, reflecting Mughal precision.
- Calligraphy & Quranic Inscriptions: The entrance and walls feature beautiful calligraphy from the Holy Quran.
- Charbagh Garden: A Persian-style four-part garden with flowing water channels, representing paradise.
- Changing Colors: The Taj Mahal appears pink at sunrise, white in the afternoon, and golden at sunset.
Best Time to Visit Taj Mahal ⏳
- Sunrise (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM): Best for stunning photographs with fewer crowds.
- Sunset (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Offers breathtaking golden hues on the marble.
- Full Moon Night: The Taj Mahal is open for night viewing on full moon nights and two days before and after.
Taj Mahal Entry Fees & Timings 🎟
📍 Location: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Fridays)
🎟 Entry Fees:
- Indian Tourists: ₹50 (₹250 extra for main mausoleum)
- SAARC/BIMSTEC Countries: ₹540
- Foreign Tourists: ₹1100 (₹200 extra for main mausoleum)
- Children (below 15 years): Free
🔹 Night Viewing (8:30 PM – 12:30 AM) on full moon nights:
- Indians: ₹510
- Foreigners: ₹750
- Children (3-15 years): ₹500
How to Reach Taj Mahal? 🚖
🚆 By Train:
- Nearest station: Agra Cantt (AGC) – 6 km from the Taj Mahal
- Gatimaan Express (Delhi to Agra in 100 minutes)
🚗 By Road:
- From Delhi: 230 km via Yamuna Expressway (3-4 hours drive)
- From Jaipur: 240 km (4-5 hours drive)
🛫 By Air:
- Nearest airport: Agra Airport (AGR) (13 km)
- Delhi IGI Airport (Best option, 3-4 hours by road)
Rules & Tips for Tourists 📜
✅ No Large Bags: Avoid bringing big bags for security reasons.
✅ No Food or Tobacco: These items are not allowed inside.
✅ Foot Covers: Shoes are not allowed inside the main mausoleum (disposable shoe covers are provided).
✅ Photography: Allowed outside but prohibited inside the main tomb.
✅ Guided Tours: Hire a licensed tour guide for a better experience.
✅ Best Days to Visit: Weekdays (avoid weekends & public holidays due to crowds).
Nearby Attractions to Explore 🏞
- Agra Fort (2 km) – The royal Mughal residence
- Mehtab Bagh (4 km) – Perfect spot for Taj Mahal sunset views
- Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) (6 km) – A Mughal-era mausoleum
- Fatehpur Sikri (40 km) – Akbar’s abandoned city
Book Your Agra Tour with Aroshi Cab 🚖
Make your Agra trip hassle-free with Aroshi Cab’s comfortable taxi services. Enjoy a smooth ride from Delhi, Jaipur, or nearby cities to the Taj Mahal.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91 9732802709