Taj Mahal - The Symbol of Love in Agra

"Only let this one tear-drop, this Taj Mahal, glisten spotlessly bright on the cheek of Time, forever and ever." - Rabindranath Tagore.

The Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, is a beautiful white marble monument on the right bank of the Yamuna River. It is the only monument in the new list of the New Seven Wonders of the World since 2007. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in loving memory of his wife Arjumand Banu Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal. It looks most stunning during Sunrise and Sunset. In the early morning, during Sunrise, the color of the Taj Mahal appears milky white; during the daytime, it seems like a white radiant monument under the shining sun. If you view the Taj Mahal at night, it will appear in silvery blue under the scenic moonlight. In the words of John Keats- The beauty of the Taj Mahal increases; it will never pass into nothingness but will keep a bower quite for us".

Travel Information- The Taj Mahal

Location of the Taj Mahal	Right bank of the Yamuna River, Eastern Part of Agra
Type	Heritage Monument, Historical Place
Nearest Metro Station	Taj Mahal Metro station, Purani Mandi Chauraha, Nayi Basti, Taj Ganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
Opening Time	The Taj Mahal is always open except on Fridays. On Friday, it is closed for general viewing.
Timings (Morning)	Opening Time- 30 minutes before Sunrise Closing Time- 30 minutes before Sunset
Night view Timings	08:00 pm to 11:59 pm
Maximum Limit of people for Night viewing	400 Only (divided in 8 batches of 50 people)
Entry Fee	- Foreign Tourist- 1100/- - Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries-540/- - Domestic/ Indian/OCI Cardholder-50/- - Additional Charges-200/- for main mausoleum (optional)
Entry Fee for Night View	Domestic Tourist- 510/- Foreigner-750/-
Taj Museum Timings	10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Best Time to Visit	October to March (Pleasant Weather, Best Views)
Buy Tickets Online from the Official Website	Archaeological Survey of India
Dress Code	Comfortable, breathable Fabrics, and comfortable shoes. Long dresses, Lightweight shirts and trousers.
Other Charges/Discounts	Travellers who will buy tickets online will get a discount of 5/- if they are Indian. Foreigners will get a discount of 50/- No Entry fee for children below 15 years (Domestic and Foreign)
Sightseeing Duration	(3-4 Hours) Depends on the Individual
Parking Facilities	Park your vehicles at Shilpgram for East Gate Entry and Amrood Ka Teela for West Gate Entry

Important Dates of Full Moon Night Viewing of the Taj Mahal 2025-2026

Month	Date and Day
September	7-09-2025 (Sunday)
October	7-10-2025 (Thursday)
November	5-11-2025 (Wednesday)
December	4-12-2025 (Thursday)
January	3-01-2026 (Saturday)
February	1-02-2026 (Sunday)

Historical Background of the Taj Mahal

Creator of the Taj Mahal- Shah Jahan (1628-1658) built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Banu Begum aka Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to her 13th child at Burhanpur. Her mortal remains are enshrined in the crypt of the main tomb of the Taj Mahal. The construction of the Taj Mahal started in 1631 AD, and the main mausoleum was built in 1648 AD.

There are many artists without whom the creation of the Taj Mahal would not have been possible.

1. Ismail Afandi was the designer of the central dome of the Taj Mahal.
2. Ustad Isa and Isa Muhammad Effendi of Persia created the architectural design of the Taj Mahal.
3. As mentioned in the historical records, Puru from Benarus, Persia, was the head architect. Quazim Khan constructed the Gold Finial of the majestic Taj Mahal.
4. Chiranjilal, one of the most prominent lapidaries of Delhi, was the leading sculptor and mosaicist of the Taj Mahal.
5. Amanat Khan from Iran did the beautiful calligraphy in the Taj Mahal.
6. Mir Abdul Karim and Mukarramat Khan supervised the daily production and expenses of the Taj Mahal.

Architecture of the Taj Mahal

1. The architecture of the Taj Mahal is perfectly symmetrical. The principal mausoleum of the Taj Mahal sits on a raised square platform. It has chamfered corners surrounded by four tall minarets at each corner. It has some of the most beautiful polychrome inlay art in the interior and exterior on the dados, cenotaphs, and marble.
2. The central dome of the Taj Mahal is large, surrounded by the four awe-inspiring domed chhatris. The dome has a beautiful gilded finial and a moon-shaped Islamic motif. The monument is made of white Makrana marble using the Pietra Dura technique. The Taj Mahal complex has two red sandstone buildings- a mosque and a guest house, giving a beautiful contrast to the white Taj Mahal.
3. The Charbagh Gardens are designed in a Persian-style Charbagh pattern. Its four quadrants are divided by water channels, representing the symbol of paradise on earth.
4. You will be mesmerized to see the beauty of marble latticed screens around the cenotaphs.

Structure- The onion-shaped dome of the Taj Mahal sits on a 39-foot-tall cylindrical dome. Its inner diameter is around 66ft.

The four minarets of the Taj Mahal at each corner are around 43 meters tall.

Height- The main Mausoleum sits on a 20-foot-high raised platform. From its base plinth, the Taj Mahal is 73 meters tall. This is because the plinth of the platform is itself 7 meters high.

Gates of the Taj Mahal

1. The main gate of the Taj Mahal will blow your heart away. It is decorated with Qur'anic calligraphy, flowers, leaves, and wine designs in semi-precious stones.
2. Southern Gate- The southern gate of the Taj Mahal is closed to the general public. It faces the Taj Ganj, which is also known as Mumtazabad. Near the entrance is a tomb of one of the maids of Mumtaz Mahal.
3. Eastern Gate- The Taj Mahal opens on the Taj Nature Walk in Fatehabad. Near this gate is a tomb of Shah Jahan's other wife, Sirhindi Begum. It is also known as Sirhi Darwaza. Make this gate your entry point to avoid crowds and peacefully explore the Taj Mahal.
4. Western Gate-This is the main entrance gate of the Taj Mahal, it faces the beautiful city of Agra, Agra Cantt and Shahjahan Garden. Located near the gate is the tomb of Fatehpur Begum, another wife of Shah Jahan.
5. Central Gateway- It's a beautiful octagonal hall with two small rooms on both sides. It is one of the most stunning entrance points to the Taj Mahal, decorated with exquisite inlay work. The gates open on two sides- One side begins at the courtyard, and the other will take you to the majestic Taj Mahal.

What to See- Beyond the Taj Mahal

Here's a list of attractions and experiences beyond the Taj Mahal that are absolutely worth your time:

Agra Fort

Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort is a magnificent red sandstone fort built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. The fort is an architectural masterpiece. Many beautiful structures like Moti Masjid, Nagina Masjid, Diwane-e-khas, Shish Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwane-e-am, are within the fort and many underground sections.

Sikandra

Sikandara is a red sandstone tomb built by Akbar, which was later completed by his son Jahangir. You will be mesmerized to see its interiors covered with beautiful calligraphy. The calligraphy depicts the tenets of Din-e Illahi. It was a secular religious movement started by Akbar.

Chini Ka Rauza

Travellers call it the China Tomb of Agra. Chini Ka Rauza is a beautiful tomb dedicated to Shah Jahan's prime minister, Afzal Khan Mullah. This tomb is famous for its blue glazed tile, which is made from a porcelain brought from China (chini Mitti).

Mariam's Tomb

Mariam's Tomb was built in memory of Akbar's wife, Mariam Zamani, a Rajput princess named Heer Kunwari. It was built by her son Jahangir after she died in 1623. The tomb is just a few kilometers from Akbar's tomb, Sikandara.

Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is the last of the 11 Series parks on the Yamuna bank built by Babur. It offers a perfect view of the Taj Mahal in a symmetrical way, as it is located just opposite the bank of the river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal. According to the recent excavations, it has a huge octagonal tank furnished with 25 fountains, a small tank at the center, and a Baradari in the east.

Guru Ka Tal

Guru Ka Tal is one of the most famous Gurudwaras in Agra. Every year, thousands of devotees come here to take the divine blessings of the guru. It is said that 4 out of the 10 Sikh gurus have visited this Gurudwara.

Design Idea of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is not just an ordinary Tomb; it symbolizes a paradise on earth. In earlier times, the tombs were designed in the middle of a part of a garden, but this design style was changed when Shah Jahan proposed the idea of the Taj Mahal. It was built in a riverfront style garden. This style was very popular in Agra back then.

Decorative Elements of Taj Mahal

The columns of the Taj Mahal are Shahjahani columns. You will witness that the bigger and detailed columns are located around the tomb, while the smaller and simpler ones are located in the market area. The garden buildings of the Taj Mahal have simple decoration, but the main mausoleum has exquisite decorations. Everything in the Taj Mahal- the gardens, rest houses, and small tombs inside- follows the same symmetrical pattern.

Every part is essential; if even one piece were missing, the entire balance and harmony of the Taj Mahal's design would be lost. This perfect balance is what makes the whole complex so beautiful and special.

Significance of the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and deep cultural and emotional value. Here's a breakdown of its importance:

Symbol of Love

Symbol of Love- Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal was built in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This centuries-old architectural wonder still stands in pride and has withstood the test of Time, keeping intact undying love and devotion.

Historical Importance

Taj Mahal holds immense significance from a historical point of view. Its architecture shows the grandeur and power of the Mughal empire during the Time of Shah Jahan's rule. 2007 it was declared the winner of the New Seven Wonders of the World initiative.

Artistic and Cultural Heritage

The Taj Mahal showcases India's rich artistic and cultural traditions. Taj Mahal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It's the living legacy of the artisans of Taj Gunj, who, for generations, have been preserving their ancestral art of marble inlay craft, called Prachin Kari (Pietra Dura). The main highlight of this art form is its beautiful floral and geometrical patterns, crafted with precious and semi-precious stones such as cornelian, jade, and Lapis Lazuli. In Agra, this art form is still practiced. The artists of Taj Gunj have kept their pride alive by preserving and practicing this unique art form.

Global Icon and Tourist Attraction

Taj Mahal is one of India's most visited tourist destinations by international travellers. It's a win as the new Seven Wonders of the world list has permanently marked its position on the global map. Every year, millions of tourists from all across the globe come to see the beauty of the majestic Taj Mahal.

Symbolism of the Taj Mahal

The symbolism behind the creation of the Taj Mahal is fascinating.

1. Taj Mahal represents the pinnacle of power, artistic zenith and abundance of the Mughal empire during Shah Jahan's reign.
2. The color combination of the structures of the Taj Mahal- White and Red has meaning, which finds its roots in the Vishnudharmottara Purana. The book mentions that white stone belongs to the priestly caste (Brahmins) and red rocks are for the Kshatriya Clan (warrior caste). So, by selecting these color combinations, they identify themselves with the two powerful social classes and hence declare themselves as the rulers of India.
3. The perfect symmetrical order between the central dome and minarets represents harmony and divine order. The gardens represent the bliss of paradise.
4. The four minarets symbolize four angels who are guiding the souls to paradise. So, when one enters through the entrance gate, they transition to the spiritual realm from the physical realm.

How to Reach the Taj Mahal- Ways to Reach

Taj Mahal	Transportation Details
Flight	Closest Airport for Domestic flights- Kheria Airport (AGR), Agra Closest International Airport- Indira Gandhi International Airport
Train	Agra Cantt Railway Station and Agra Fort Railway Station
Road	ISBT and Idgah Buses, Taxis and Cabs, battery-operated buses, horse-driven tongas and rickshaws are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur Sikri, etc.
Important Highway Routes to Visit the Taj Mahal	NH 2, NH 11, NH 3
Nearest Metro Route	Taj Mahal Metro station, Purani Mandi Chauraha, Nayi Basti, Taj Ganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001

Do's and Don'ts of Visiting Taj Mahal

Do's

• Don't forget to bring proof of your valid ID and a passport for verification to explore the Taj Mahal.
• Book tickets in advance for the Taj Mahal Tour if you are planning a night view tour of the Taj Mahal. Book tickets one day before your visit.
• Use a dustbin, don't throw garbage in and around the Taj Mahal. Keep the heritage attractions clean and beautiful.
• Hire only approved travel guides and photographers to avoid scams and make your trip hassle-free.

Don'ts

1. Drones are not allowed in the Taj Mahal premises.
2. Drinking, smoking and eating are not allowed in the Taj Mahal premises.
3. Keep your phones on silent mode while exploring the Taj Mahal.
4. You are not allowed to click pictures inside the central mausoleum.
5. Cameras are still permitted with prior permission for the night view tour of the Taj Mahal.
6. Do not touch or scratch the walls of the Taj Mahal, as heritage sites need special care.
7. Do not bring Arms, ammunition, fire or smoking items.
8. Do not bring Tobacco products, liquor, or eatables (Toffees).
9. Do not bring Headphones, knives, wire, mobile charger, electric goods (except camera), or Tripods.