Name: Taj Mahal
Address: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India
Telephone: 0562 222 6431
Rating: 4.6

17th-century, Mughal-style, marble mausoleum with minarets, a mosque & famously symmetrical gardens.

Agra Fort

kamal Goswami

Manjusha 91

Totan Maity

Narmada Ranasinghe

RAJESH KUMAR S.P.

Fatehpur Sikri Fort

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Itmad-ud-Daula

Jodha Bai's Palace

The intricate calligraphy adorning the Taj Mahal was believed to have been created in 1609 by Abdul Haq, who was bestowed the title of "Amanat Khan" by Shah Jahan.

Calligraphy Creation

The gateway arches of the Taj Mahal are adorned with Arabic calligraphy featuring passages from the Qur'an, showcasing the Islamic influence on the monument's design.

Islamic Verses

The inscription on Shah Jahan's cenotaph reads "This is the sacred grave of His Most Exalted Majesty, Dweller in Paradise (Firdaus Ashiyani), Second Lord of the Auspicious. Conjunction (Sahib-i Qiran-i Sani), Shah Jahan, Padshah; may it ever be fragrant! The year 1076 [AD 1666]"

Shah Jahan's Epitaph

The domes and vaults of the sandstone buildings feature intricate geometric patterns created through incised painting and herringbone inlays, showcasing the architectural mastery of the Taj Mahal.

Intricate Patterns

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the southern bank of the Yamuna river in Agra, India, is a testament to the love of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Commissioned in 1632, the tomb was completed in 1648, with the surrounding buildings and gardens finished five years later. The complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is considered the jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the world's most admired masterpieces.

The mausoleum, the centerpiece of the complex, stands on a raised marble platform and features a symmetrical design with four minarets at its corners. Its exterior is adorned with intricate carvings, calligraphy, and semi-precious stone inlays, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. Inside, the main chamber houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, surrounded by exquisite marble screens and pietra dura inlay work.

Beyond the mausoleum, the Taj Mahal complex includes a mosque, a guest house, and formal gardens. The mosque, built of red sandstone, mirrors the mausoleum's design, while the guest house provides accommodation for visitors. The gardens, laid out in the traditional Charbagh style, feature fountains, walkways, and a variety of trees and flowers, complementing the architectural beauty of the complex.

The Taj Mahal's construction employed over 20,000 artisans and took 22 years to complete. Its grandeur and intricate details have made it a symbol of India's rich history and architectural prowess, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Introduction

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Mughal era. Its ivory-white marble mausoleum, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture. The complex, spanning over 17 hectares, includes a mosque, a guest house, and lush gardens, all enclosed within a crenellated wall.

The Taj Mahal's architectural grandeur is evident in its symmetrical design, intricate carvings, and the use of precious stones and semi-precious stones. The central dome, rising to a height of 35 meters, is surrounded by four smaller domes, creating a harmonious silhouette. The interior of the mausoleum is adorned with exquisite pietra dura inlay work, depicting intricate floral patterns and calligraphy.

Beyond its architectural significance, the Taj Mahal holds immense cultural and historical value. It represents the zenith of Mughal artistic achievement and is considered a symbol of love, loss, and remembrance. Its timeless beauty continues to captivate visitors from around the world, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in human history.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, stands as a testament to the Mughal Empire's architectural prowess. Its construction, spanning over two decades, involved the labor of 20,000 artisans and craftsmen. The mausoleum's design seamlessly blends Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural elements, creating a harmonious masterpiece.

The Taj Mahal's most striking feature is its pristine white marble exterior, which changes hue throughout the day, reflecting the varying intensity of sunlight. Its symmetrical layout, with four minarets flanking the central dome, exudes an ethereal beauty. The intricate pietra dura inlay work, featuring semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise, adorns the walls and interiors, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Taj Mahal showcases innovative architectural techniques. Its double-layered dome, an engineering marvel, reduces noise within the tomb chamber and creates an illusion of greater height. The use of a vast underground vault beneath the main structure provides structural stability and prevents the mausoleum from sinking into the soft soil.

The Taj Mahal's gardens, designed in the Charbagh style, complement the architectural grandeur. Divided into four quadrants by water channels, the gardens feature cypress trees, fountains, and a reflecting pool that mirrors the mausoleum's image, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.

As an architectural marvel, the Taj Mahal represents the pinnacle of Mughal craftsmanship and design. Its timeless beauty, intricate details, and innovative techniques continue to inspire architects and visitors alike, solidifying its status as one of the world's most iconic and enduring architectural wonders.

Architectural Marvel

The Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel and a testament to love, stands as a poignant reminder of the Mughal Empire's grandeur. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this mausoleum is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture. Its white marble facade, adorned with intricate carvings and inlaid with precious stones, reflects the opulence and artistry of the era. The symmetrical design, with its central dome and four minarets, creates a harmonious and awe-inspiring sight. The interior is equally breathtaking, with its intricate pietra dura work and delicate calligraphy. The Taj Mahal's historical significance lies not only in its architectural beauty but also in its poignant story of love and loss. It remains one of the most iconic and recognizable monuments in the world, a testament to the enduring power of human emotion and the enduring legacy of the Mughal Empire.

Historical Monument

The Taj Mahal, a breathtaking mausoleum in Agra, India, stands as an eternal testament to the profound love between Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Commissioned by the emperor after Mumtaz's untimely demise, the Taj Mahal's grandeur and intricate beauty symbolize the emperor's immeasurable grief and unwavering devotion.

The mausoleum's design incorporates elements of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architecture, creating a harmonious blend of styles. Its pristine white marble exterior, adorned with intricate carvings and inlaid with precious stones, reflects the purity and radiance of Mumtaz's soul. The central chamber houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, surrounded by intricate pietra dura floral designs and calligraphy that extol their love.

Beyond its architectural splendor, the Taj Mahal's gardens are a testament to the couple's shared passion for nature. Lush lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and cascading fountains create a serene and romantic ambiance, mirroring the love that blossomed between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. The reflecting pool in front of the mausoleum captures its ethereal beauty, creating an illusion of the Taj Mahal floating on water, a poignant symbol of the couple's eternal bond.

The Taj Mahal's enduring legacy as a symbol of love has made it a popular destination for couples from around the world. Its timeless beauty and the story behind its creation continue to inspire awe and admiration, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of love and the enduring bonds that transcend the boundaries of life and death.

Symbol of Love

The Taj Mahal, an architectural masterpiece, showcases intricate design elements that blend Persian, Indian, and Islamic influences. Its white marble facade is adorned with exquisite carvings, each stroke narrating a tale of love and devotion. The pietra dura inlay work, a hallmark of Mughal artistry, embellishes the monument with vibrant semi-precious stones, forming intricate floral and geometric patterns.

The central dome, an architectural marvel, is adorned with intricate calligraphy from the Quran, adding a spiritual dimension to the design. The four minarets flanking the mausoleum exhibit a slight outward lean, an ingenious engineering feat to prevent collapse in the event of an earthquake.

Inside, the octagonal chamber houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, enclosed by an exquisitely carved marble screen. The screen features semi-precious stones inlaid in intricate patterns, depicting fruits, flowers, and vines. The cenotaphs themselves are adorned with precious gemstones and calligraphic inscriptions, each stroke a testament to the artisans' meticulous craftsmanship.

The Taj Mahal's garden, a masterpiece of landscape architecture, complements the intricate design of the mausoleum. Divided into four quadrants by water channels, the garden features avenues of trees and fountains, creating a harmonious balance between nature and architecture.

The Taj Mahal's intricate design is a testament to the skill and dedication of its creators. Every element, from the carvings to the calligraphy, contributes to the monument's timeless beauty and enduring legacy as a symbol of love and architectural brilliance.

Intricate Design

The Taj Mahal, an architectural masterpiece, stands as a testament to the grandeur and artistry of Mughal architecture. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal embodies the essence of Mughal design, blending elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic traditions.

The mausoleum's white marble exterior, inlaid with intricate pietra dura, shimmers in the sunlight, reflecting the changing hues of the sky. Its symmetrical layout, with four minarets at each corner, creates a sense of harmony and balance. The central dome, rising majestically above the structure, is a symbol of Mughal architectural prowess.

Inside, the Taj Mahal's interior is equally breathtaking. The main chamber houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, surrounded by exquisite marble screens and calligraphy. The walls are adorned with intricate floral motifs and geometric patterns, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Mughal artisans.

The Taj Mahal's gardens, laid out in the Charbagh style, complement the architectural beauty of the mausoleum. Divided into four quadrants by water channels, the gardens feature cypress trees, fountains, and flowerbeds, creating a serene and tranquil setting.

The Taj Mahal's construction involved a vast workforce of skilled artisans and craftsmen from across the Mughal Empire. Its design and execution exemplify the zenith of Mughal architectural achievement, showcasing the empire's wealth, power, and artistic patronage. Today, the Taj Mahal remains one of the most iconic and recognizable monuments in the world, a testament to the enduring legacy of Mughal architecture.

Mughal Architecture

The Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, stands as an eternal symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and enduring love. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal embodies the essence of Mughal architecture, blending elements of Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles. Its pristine white marble exterior, adorned with intricate pietra dura inlay, reflects the changing hues of the sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The symmetrical design, with its central mausoleum flanked by two identical mosques and a reflecting pool, exudes a sense of harmony and balance. As a symbol of India, the Taj Mahal represents the country's architectural prowess, artistic sensibilities, and the enduring power of love. Its grandeur and beauty have captivated visitors for centuries, making it one of the most recognizable and iconic landmarks in the world.

Symbol of India

The Taj Mahal, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece, stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and human creativity. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this ivory-white marble mausoleum is a symphony of architectural brilliance.

The Taj Mahal's design seamlessly blends Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. Its symmetrical layout, intricate carvings, and exquisite pietra dura inlay work showcase the unparalleled craftsmanship of its builders. The central dome, towering over 115 feet, is flanked by four smaller domes, creating a harmonious silhouette. The minarets, positioned at the corners of the platform, provide a sense of balance and grandeur.

The interior of the Taj Mahal is equally captivating. The main chamber houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, adorned with intricate floral designs and semi-precious stones. The walls are adorned with verses from the Quran, adding a spiritual dimension to the space.

Beyond its aesthetic beauty, the Taj Mahal is also a marvel of engineering. Its foundations, made of solid brick, ensure stability even in earthquake-prone areas. The white marble cladding, sourced from Rajasthan, reflects sunlight differently throughout the day, creating a mesmerizing play of colors.

The Taj Mahal's architectural brilliance lies in its ability to evoke emotions and inspire awe. Its perfect proportions, intricate details, and serene ambiance create a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Architectural Masterpiece

The Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel and a testament to love, stands as a renowned landmark in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this ivory-white marble mausoleum is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture. Its symmetrical design, intricate carvings, and precious stone inlays have captivated visitors for centuries.

Beyond its stunning aesthetics, the Taj Mahal holds historical significance as a symbol of Shah Jahan's devotion and the Mughal Empire's architectural prowess. The complex encompasses a mosque, a guest house, and lush gardens, creating a harmonious ensemble that reflects the Mughal passion for symmetry and grandeur.

The Taj Mahal's fame extends beyond its architectural beauty. It has been featured in countless works of art, literature, and music, becoming an iconic symbol of India and a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. Its enduring allure lies in its ability to evoke emotions and inspire awe in all who behold it, solidifying its place as one of the most famous and beloved landmarks in the world.

Famous Landmark

The Taj Mahal stands as a testament to the enduring love between Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Its historical significance extends beyond its architectural beauty, as it encapsulates the grandeur and opulence of the Mughal Empire. Built in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal's construction employed over 20,000 artisans and took nearly two decades to complete. Its intricate designs and lavish embellishments reflect the zenith of Mughal craftsmanship and artistic patronage. The monument's historical importance is further enhanced by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its exceptional cultural and architectural value. As a symbol of love, loss, and architectural brilliance, the Taj Mahal continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and profound historical significance, making it an enduring testament to the human spirit and the power of love.

Historical Significance

The Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, stands as a testament to the enduring power of love. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this ivory-white marble mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Beyond its breathtaking beauty, the Taj Mahal offers a wealth of unique experiences for tourists. Visitors can explore the intricate details of its pietra dura inlay work, admire the symmetry and grandeur of its four minarets, and marvel at the changing hues of the marble as the day progresses.

The complex also houses several other structures, including the Red Fort, a massive sandstone fortress that once served as the seat of Mughal power. Within the fort, tourists can explore palaces, mosques, and gardens, providing a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Mughal emperors.

For a truly immersive experience, consider visiting the Taj Mahal during the full moon nights, when the monument is illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow. Night viewing offers a serene and romantic ambiance, allowing visitors to appreciate the Taj Mahal's beauty in a different light.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a breathtaking sight, the Taj Mahal is an unmissable destination that will leave an everlasting impression.

Tourist Attraction

The Taj Mahal, an architectural masterpiece in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, stands as a testament to love and loss, embodying the essence of a cultural icon. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal's grandeur and beauty have captivated hearts for centuries.

As a cultural icon, the Taj Mahal represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, seamlessly blending elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles. Its iconic white marble dome, towering minarets, and intricate pietra dura inlay work have become synonymous with India's rich cultural heritage. The complex's symmetry and harmony reflect the Mughal belief in balance and order, while its lush gardens and water features evoke a sense of paradise.

Beyond its architectural splendor, the Taj Mahal holds immense cultural significance. It is a symbol of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of human emotion. Its construction employed thousands of skilled artisans and craftsmen, showcasing the zenith of Mughal craftsmanship and artistic patronage. The Taj Mahal's enduring legacy has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, cementing its status as a global cultural icon.

Today, the Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn by its timeless beauty and profound cultural resonance. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love, the ingenuity of human creativity, and the rich tapestry of India's cultural heritage.

Taj Mahal

Did You Know?

Calligraphy Creation

Islamic Verses

Shah Jahan's Epitaph

Intricate Patterns

Highlights from Reviews

Location