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ABNY Business Solutions Private Limited
4B/279, Vrindavan Colony,
Raebareli Road, Lucknow – 226025
Uttar Pradesh, India
GSTIN: 09AAUCA2207N1Z8
NIDHI: EUP000150
Taj Mahal
- 5 Hours
- Maximum Capacity: 20
Adult
Child
Infant
From
₹20,000.00
Per Adult
From
₹15,000.00
Per Child
From
₹15,000.00
Per Infant
Description
The Taj Mahal: A Symbol of Love and Architectural Brilliance
Location:
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum located on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Commissioned by Shah Jahan:
It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658), in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away while giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begum.
Architectural Features:
The Taj Mahal is renowned for its Indo-Islamic and Mughal architectural style. The mausoleum is constructed of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, while the other buildings in the complex feature red sandstone, characteristic of Mughal architecture. The entire complex spans 17 hectares (42 acres), and includes a mosque, a guest house, and is surrounded by formal gardens, enclosed by a crenellated wall on three sides.
Construction Timeline:
Construction of the mausoleum was completed in 1648, but work on the surrounding buildings and garden continued until 1653. It is believed that the total cost of the project was around ₹5 million at the time, which would be approximately ₹35 billion (US$77.8 million) in 2023.
Design and Workers:
The Taj Mahal employs symmetrical construction and various shapes and symbols. Over 20,000 workers and artisans contributed to its creation, under the guidance of a board of architects led by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, Shah Jahan’s court architect.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.” It is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s rich history. The Taj Mahal attracts more than five million visitors annually and was declared one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World” in 2007.
Name Origin:
The name “Taj Mahal” is of Urdu origin, derived from Arabic and Persian. The words “tāj” (crown) and “mahall” (palace) combine to mean “Crown of the Palace.” Alternatively, the name may have been derived from a corruption of the second syllable of “Mumtaz.” In the 1636 book Padshahnama, Abdul Hamid Lahori referred to the Taj Mahal as rauza-i munawwara, meaning “the illumined tomb.”
Shah Jahan’s Grief:
After the death of Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan experienced deep sorrow, which contemporary historians like Muhammad Amin Qazvini and Abdul Hamid Lahori documented. Shah Jahan refrained from royal affairs and abandoned music and lavish dressing for two years to mourn. He chose the land on the south side of Agra, where a mansion belonging to Raja Jai Singh I once stood, for the construction of Mumtaz’s tomb. In exchange for the land, Raja Jai Singh received a large palace in the center of Agra.
Here are the approximate distances from Lucknow and Delhi to the Taj Mahal in Agra:
- From Lucknow to Agra (Taj Mahal):
The driving distance is around 330 km (205 miles), which typically takes about 5 to 6 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. - From Delhi to Agra (Taj Mahal):
The driving distance is around 230 km (143 miles), which usually takes about 3 to 4 hours by car, depending on traffic.
These distances are by road, and the travel time can vary based on the route you take and the traffic conditions, especially around the major cities. If you’re flying into Delhi or Lucknow, you would need additional time for travel to and from the airports.
Duration
5 Hours
Group Size
20
Language
English , Hindi
Highlights
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself.
Included
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
- Welcome Drinks
- Lunch
- Transport
Excluded
- Airport Transfer
- BBQ Night
- Guide
- Insurance
- Outing Ticket
Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is a famous white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth in 1631. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. When was the Taj Mahal built?
The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. The entire complex took around 21 years to complete, with ongoing additions and modifications during that time.
3. Why is the Taj Mahal so famous?
The Taj Mahal is famous for its stunning architecture, intricate design, and romantic story behind its creation. It is known for its perfect symmetry, beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, and the majestic white marble dome. The Taj Mahal has become a symbol of eternal love and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
4. What is the architecture style of the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is an example of Mughal architecture, which combines elements from Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. It features symmetrical gardens, a large central dome, minarets, and intricate inlay work with semi-precious stones.
5. What materials were used in the construction of the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is primarily made of white marble, which was sourced from Rajasthan, India. It is also adorned with precious and semi-precious stones like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and diamonds for the intricate inlay work.
6. Is the Taj Mahal open to the public?
Yes, the Taj Mahal is open to the public. Visitors can explore the monument, its beautiful gardens, and other parts of the complex. The Taj Mahal is open every day except Fridays, when it is closed for prayers.
7. What are the visiting hours for the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is generally open from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Visitors can enter early in the morning to see the monument at sunrise. Night viewing is also allowed on full moon nights and a few days before and after the full moon. However, night viewing is limited and requires prior booking.
8. Is there an entrance fee to visit the Taj Mahal?
Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit the Taj Mahal. The fee differs for domestic and foreign tourists:
- Foreign nationals: Around ₹1,100
- Indian nationals: Around ₹50
9. Can I take photographs inside the Taj Mahal?
Photography is allowed in most areas of the Taj Mahal, but flash photography and the use of tripods are prohibited inside the mausoleum. Photography of the tomb is restricted to preserve the monument. It's also advisable to follow any specific guidelines given by the authorities on-site.
10. How do I reach the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, which is easily accessible by road, rail, and air:
- By train: Agra has a major railway station (Agra Cantt), with regular trains connecting it to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
- By road: Agra is connected by highways to other major cities in India, including Delhi (around 3-4 hours away).
- By air: The nearest airport is Agra Airport, but most visitors fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and travel to Agra by train or car.
11. What is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during the winter months (from October to March), when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Sunrise and sunset are especially popular times to visit for stunning views of the monument in soft lighting.
12. Is there any dress code for visiting the Taj Mahal?
While there is no strict dress code, visitors are advised to dress modestly. As a religious site, it is respectful to avoid wearing revealing clothes. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you'll be walking around the monument.
13. Can I visit the Taj Mahal at night?
Yes, night viewing of the Taj Mahal is allowed on full moon nights and a few days before and after the full moon. This is a special event and requires prior booking through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Nighttime visits provide a unique and peaceful experience, with the Taj Mahal illuminated in the moonlight.
14. Is the Taj Mahal wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Taj Mahal is partially accessible to wheelchair users. The main areas, including the entrance and garden, are wheelchair-friendly, though there may be some difficulty navigating the marble flooring. Wheelchairs are available at the entrance for visitors in need.
15. Can I visit other sites near the Taj Mahal?
Yes, there are several notable attractions near the Taj Mahal:
- Agra Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fort was the seat of Mughal emperors.
- Mehtab Bagh: A garden located on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River, offering a great view of the Taj Mahal, especially at sunset.
- Fatehpur Sikri: A UNESCO-listed historical city about 40 kilometers from Agra, built by Emperor Akbar.
16. What is the significance of the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and dedication, as it was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is also a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and combining Persian, Ottoman, and Indian architectural styles.
17. Is the Taj Mahal in danger?
While the Taj Mahal itself is not in immediate danger, there are concerns about pollution, environmental degradation, and structural preservation due to air pollution, the Yamuna River's drying, and the heavy tourist footfall. Efforts are ongoing to maintain and protect the monument through restoration projects and regulations on pollution.
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