Taj Mahal Tour

As you get your first glimpse of the Taj through its arched doorway, the feeling is simply surreal! When the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore described Taj Mahal as “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity”, he reiterated the timeless splendor of this magnum opus that shone radiant on full moon nights, and threw up an allusive reflection in the still waters of Yamuna when the sun was high. A UNESCO-listed monument and one of the Seven Wonders of the World; Taj Mahal is often hailed as the most beautiful structure on the planet.

History
This epitome of immortal love was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1632, in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. An army of over 20,000 artisans including masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and other craftsmen were requisitioned from India, Central Asia and Europe and it took over two decades to build this beautiful poetry in marble.

Architecture
The pearly mausoleum is a brilliant blend of Indian, Persian & Islamic architecture. Ivory white marble in-laid with various precious stones forming intricate patterns, slender Minarets and Persian style gardens are the insignia of Taj. The complex consists of two identical buildings in sandstone; one is a mosque & the other is to offer architectural balance to the complex. The main mausoleum rises on a platform of sandstone; its bulbous onion dome and four slender minarets dominating the skyline of Agra.

The arch and the dome are embellished with semi precious stones; inlaid amid intricate carvings, rich calligraphy, inscriptions of Quran and geometric patterns. The majestic detailing and exquisite craftsmanship are illustrated throughout the beautiful complex.

Taj Mahotsav
This 10-day long carnival of crafts, culture and cuisine is held at Shilpgram, near the Eastern Gate of Taj Mahal.

Best Time to Visit Taj
The splendor of Taj is flawless in all months & seasons but the best months to enjoy its glory are from October to March. However, every Friday, Taj Mahal is closed for public viewing.

How to Reach Taj Mahal
By Air: The domestic airport at Agra is connected to all major cities in the country. Taj is just a taxi ride away from the airport.
By Rail- Agra is well connected to the rest of the country by an extensive railway network.?
By Road- Agra is well connected with a network of well maintained highways & expressways to most parts of the country.