| Taj Mahal standing
proudly on the bank of the river Yamuna
in Agra, is India's noble tribute to the
grace of Indian womanhood. Built by Shahjehan,
the 5th emperor of Mughal empire in the
memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal,
Taj Mahal is the largest and the most expensive
mausoleum built by any man on earth.
The "symbol of eternal love",
Taj at Agra is undoubtedly one of the most
spectacular marvel of the world. Renowned
for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic
beauty, it considered among man's proudest
creations and is constantly included in
the list of the world's topmost wonders.
As a tomb, it has no equivalent upon earth,
for mortal remains have never been housed
so opulently.
The Architecture
The Taj, huge itself, is not an isolated
building but it is a part of a massive complex
containing a main gateway, an elaborately
laid garden, a mosque and a prayer house,
outer enclosures and enclosing walls.
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in
1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty
thousand people were commissioned to work
on it. The materials were brought in from
all over India and central Asia and it took
a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it
to the site.
The dome is made of pure white marble,
but the tomb is set against the plain across
the river and it is this background that
formulates the magic of colours that, through
their reflection, change the view of the
Taj at different time of the day. The hue
change at different hours of the day and
during different seasons. Taj Mahal is best
viewed in a moonlight night. Like a jewel,
the Taj sparkles in moonlight when the semi-precious
stones studded into the white marble on
the main mausoleum receives the glow of
the moon. The Taj is pinkish in the morning,
milky white in the evening and golden when
the moon shines. Just a awesome spectacle
to view.
Tourist Information
Visiting Hours : Open from sunrise to 19
hours. The monument is closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee : Entry fee for those above 12
years. Entry Fee for Foreign Nationals :
750 Rs., Entry Fee For Indian
Tourists : 20 Rs. Free entry on Fridays.
Best Viewed At : Moonlight Night
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