“The Taj Mahal rises above the banks of the river like a solitary tear suspended on the cheek of time.”

– Rabindra Nath Tagore

Taj Mahal is considered to be the epitome of love and one of the most beautiful mausoleums of India and perhaps the most famous one too. So before actually visiting the Taj Mahal, you have seen the white marble structure a number of times in photographs and videos.  But that does not in any way lessen the awe of visiting the Taj for the first time and seeing it with your own eyes!

Tha Taj Mahal is situated at the banks of river Yamuna at Agra and was built by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is the best example of Mughal architechture in India. You can get the history of Taj Mahal here. 

It was an exhilarating experience to visit the Taj Mahal. Well, standing in front of the Taj Mahal, both of us did not feel any extra bout of love for each other, but we were definitely overwhelmed seeing the architectural intricacies and the sheer beauty of the mausoleum. The intricate designs, the white marble structure simply exudes purity.

The mosques standing at the three sides of the Taj built of red sandstone provides a perfect contrast to enhance the gorgeousness of the Taj. I will definitely not say much but let the pictures do the talking here.

How to reach:

Agra is well connected by air and train. Agra can be also reached by road from Delhi.

Taj Mahal has three entry gates. Entry fees are Rs. 20/- for Indians, Rs.750/- for foreign tourists and Rs.510/- for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries.

Taj Mahal is opened from sunrise to sunset.

Some useful tips:

Try to visit the Taj as early as possible. Viewing the sunrise at Taj Mahal is an absolute experience.  Also Taj on a full moon night is mesmerizing. We had missed both during our last visit, but the moonlight visit is definitely on our bucket list!

For photographic enthusiast too, visit the Taj early before the crowd gathers. Try taking pictures of the Taj from various angles. The symmetry of the Taj is perfect to take pictures from various perspectives. Don’t forget to make use of the water bodies.

Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.