I passed through the elaborate gate at the main entrance – a beautiful construction unto itself – and gasped as I looked through the rounded frame. There it was… the elaborate, dazzling white marble castle-like structure that inspires so many dreams. The Taj Mahal.
Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the purpose for the Taj Mahal was to be the mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Persian princess who died giving birth to their 14th child. The Taj Mahal is set on 42-acres of beautifully manicured grounds with abundant flowers and a reflecting pool leading to the ornate tomb. There’s also a mosque and a guest house.
I had to stop just after entering the gate to reflect on and admire the beauty of India’s most famous monument. The 115 ft. onion dome dominates the skyline, not only because of its size, but also the design elements. Surrounding the tomb are four slender minaret towers that lean slightly outward, so as not to damage the tomb in case of an earthquake.
Perhaps the best and most iconic viewpoint is standing at the end of the reflecting pool, with a walkway on either side.
Up close, the exterior decorative features are exquisite. The marble is intricately carved in bas-relief, some areas with a delicate inlay of yellow marble, jasper and jade, and carvings of passages from the Qur’an.
I was surprised that the octagon interior of the tomb is actually quite small. The inlay work is stunning, using precious and semi-precious gemstones. However, the ornate inlay monuments honoring Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are just for show… their actual sarcophagi are contained below.
Surrounding the tomb is a large balcony with panoramic views of Agra and the Yamuna River.
The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and in 2007, it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It’s been called “the jewel of Muslim art in India.” It’s one of 24 famous landmarks in India you shouldn’t miss.
Call me sappy, but for me, the real attraction is the sentiment of eternal love.
It is estimated that the cost to build the Taj Mahal would have been equal to around USD $827 million.
Close to the Taj Mahal is the Agra Fort. Both of these a UNESCO World Heritage sites can be toured on a private day trip from Delhi with Get Your Guide.
The Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was transferred from Agra to Delhi. One of the finest Mughal forts in India, it’s a semi-circular 94-acre walled city, constructed out of red sandstone with 74-foot walls towering over a once crocodile-infested moat and drawbridge.
At one time, the fort contained a maze of five hundred beautifully designed buildings within, mostly constructed of white marble.
While the fort is also a major tourist attraction, there is more space than at the Taj Mahal and more room to explore the various palaces, halls, and elaborate courtyards.
Article first published by JustLuxe, February 2018.
Disclosure: The author was honored to be the guest of Get Your Guide during her visit to Agra, but as always, the opinions, reviews, and experiences are her own.
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About the Author
Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the new few months.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
11 comments
Comment by candid diane
candid diane March 6, 2018 at 3:28 am
this is one of the architectural structure that im dying to see…case its not just a temple its and art way beyond technology can make..
Comment by Carol Colborn
Carol Colborn May 21, 2018 at 9:25 pm
This has been long on my bucket list, being an incurable romantic. It is only 3.5 hours from Delhi so it is doable. And I didn’t know there was another World Heritage Site there…the Afra Fort. Time to go!
Comment by Carol Colborn
Carol Colborn May 21, 2018 at 9:26 pm
This has been long on my bucket list, being an incurable romantic. It is only 3.5 hours from Delhi so it is doable. And I didn’t know there was another World Heritage Site there…the Afra Fort. Time to go!
Comment by Marilyn Jones
Marilyn Jones May 23, 2018 at 6:58 pm
I loved the Taj Mahal when I visited India a few years ago. I did not visit the Agra Fort though. I guess I’ll have to go back! 🙂 Thanks for the memories!
Comment by Judy Freedman
Judy Freedman May 24, 2018 at 6:25 pm
Taj Mahal is on my bucket list. It sounds like you had an amazing trip.
Comment by Gujarat vacation packages
Gujarat vacation packages May 25, 2018 at 3:35 am
It sound you have amazing trip. You should try Gujarat on your next visit
Comment by Gujarat vacation packages
Gujarat vacation packages May 26, 2018 at 2:41 am
can you share more pic of your trip
Comment by Ubaid shaikh
Ubaid shaikh January 8, 2019 at 5:45 am
Amazing article.
The headline is so catchy that no one can skip reading this article of yours.
Great peace of work I must say, Cheers..!!!
Comment by Morgan Teresa
Morgan Teresa May 8, 2019 at 9:48 am
Actually, your blog is very important for tourist. Taj Mahal timing information is very useful because More tourist people do not know when to visit Taj Mahal and Due to the closure of the Taj Mahal, their visits will not be beneficial. So your blog is useful for tourist.
Comment by Mani
Mani April 20, 2023 at 1:17 am
Its a wonderful place..! Hope you had a great trip. Thanks for sharing
Comment by Vikram Singh
Vikram Singh March 8, 2024 at 5:15 am
It’s a wonderful place to experience a different kind of peace. eye-catchy view