Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world, and a must-visit for art lovers. The iconic beauty lies in Agra, India, and was made in the memory of Mumtaz. This architectural gem is often misunderstood by people. Locals makeup stories to attract tourists and sometimes give wrong information to make money. In this article, we will look at some taj mahal facts to help you understand this beautiful monument. With the correct information, visiting the Taj Mahal will become a more fulfilling experience. From the story behind its construction to some general facts, we will be covering everything in this guide. Have a look to brush up your knowledge about this iconic structure, or prepare for your next visit.
What Is The Story Behind The Taj Mahal
Everyone knows this structure as a token of love, but do you know why? The Taj Mahal story is full of love, memory, and grief. It was built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife Mumtaz. Although she was his third wife, Mumtaz was always his favorite. She accompanied him during all his battles and was always by his side. In 1631, she died during childbirth, and this event sent Shah Jahan in emotional turmoil.
The emperor was overcome with grief, but dedicated to giving a proper farewell and resting place to his loving wife. He poured himself into designing a mausoleum that would bring all the others to shame. He worked on the design and Taj Mahal’s architecture himself and brought the Taj Mahal to life. Another thing that makes it unique is it was the first-ever mausoleum made for a woman.
Taj Mahal Is Made Up Of Which Rock
After the design was ready, Shah Jahan quickly gathered all the people and supplies to put his plan into action. He brought thousands of workers, and several stones to build the most beautiful structure in the memory of his wife. Primarily, the Taj Mahal is made up of white marble, but different types of precious and semi-precious stones were also used in the construction. The white marble was acquired from Makrana, and people often say that the Taj Mahal is built using Makrana marble. It has a beautiful inlay work that was achieved using precious and semi-precious stones.
Where Is Black Taj Mahal
The fifth emperor Shah Jahan also planned to build a replica of the Taj Mahal using black marbles. The second or Nlavk Taj was supposed to be a mausoleum for himself. After the construction of the first Taj Mahal was completed in 1631, he decided to build a black replica near the white Taj for himself. However, before he could start his new building, Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in the Agra Fort, and the black Taj was never built. The second or black Taj was supposed to be built on the other side of Yamuna River overlooking the white one. Since it was never built, Shah Jahan was also buried in the white Taj along with his wife.
How Tall Is Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is a magnificent structure. It stands at 73m tall and covers a 17-hectare area. This beautiful monument is somewhat similar to Qutub Minar when it comes to height, but due to its architecture, Qutub Minar appears taller. It took 22 years and several thousand men to bring this monument to life. The beauty of the structure has made it one of the new seven wonders and an attraction for many tourists. People come from every state and country to bask in the beauty of the Taj Mahal, and see this monument with their eyes.
How To Go Taj Mahal From Delhi
Delhi is roughly 300 kms from Agra, thus visiting the Taj Mahal from Delhi is very simple. It can be done overnight, this is the reason why many tourists come to Delhi first and then leave for Agra. There are many means of transport to reach Agra and visit the Taj Mahal, but the most popular is by train. If you catch the correct one, you will be in Agra in just 2 to 3 hours. You can also go by bus, and reach Agra within 4 to 5 hours. Simply buy a taj mahal ticket and bask in the beauty of the monument.
How To Reach The Taj Mahal From Delhi
When visiting the Taj Mahal, you will need to choose your means of transportation and then plan the trip. If you decide to go by Train, you can catch a train from New Delhi Railway Station. A number of trains go to Agra, but the quickest one is Shatabdi. If you get it, you can be in Agra in mere 2 hours. However, other trains can also get you there in 3 to 4 hours. Make sure to plan your trip and purchase the tickets in advance to reduce last-minute hassle.
Taj Mahal Is Closed On Which Day
Taj Mahal is open on all days for visiting except for Fridays. Thus, you can visit on any day of the week at Taj mahal’s opening time except Friday. Since this monument is the pride of the nation, Fridays are reserved for maintenance, and this is why this iconic structure is closed on that day.
How To Visit Taj Mahal
Visiting the Taj Mahal is simple, but you must plan ahead to prevent any hiccups. If you are visiting from Delhi, then you can take anything from train, car to bus. However, if you are thinking about visiting from any other state or country, we would suggest coming to Delhi first. You can book a flight to Delhi and then catch a train, bus, or go via car. This will be the quickest way to reach Agra and visit the Taj Mahal.
Is Taj Mahal Open Today
Taj Mahal is open on all days except Fridays. This means you can visit all year round, even on National Holidays. So, if you are not planning to visit on Friday, you will always find Taj open and welcoming visitors. The taj mahal ticket price is 45 rupees for Indian residents and 1050 for foreign tourists. Plus, you will have to pay an additional 200 to see the mausoleum.
Was Taj Mahal Open During Lockdown
We saw a nationwide closure during Lockdown. All temples, schools, and other public places remained shut, and so did the Taj Mahal. The magnificent structure was closed during the lockdown, but now that restrictions are eased, it is opening again. Although the visiting rules are stricter, if you are ready to follow them, you can visit the Taj Mahal like before.
