The Taj Mahal, Agra, India is ready to blow you away with its imposing presence as soon as the sun rises. A few hours before sunrise, when the dusty streets of Agra are still dark, the first small and effective rickshaws start making their way to the Taj Mahal. Around, some villagers are still sleeping on their charpoy beds outside of their households. However, the towering Taj Mahal slowly wakes up in the meantime.
Across the Yamuna River, you can already make out the silhouette of one of the wonders of the world in the distance. Once you arrive at the river, you might find the occasional fisherman or a small herd of water buffalo. However, these little details add to the experience and the overall atmosphere of Agra.
Activity/Place Highlights
The Taj Mahal is an actual wonder
In 1983, the Taj Mahal was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the structure is knows as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”, according to the organization.
It’s also considered one of the best representations of India’s rich history. Finally, it is said to be the biggest architectonic achievement in Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture. Several artisans, such as stone-cutters, dome builders, masons, carvers, calligraphers, inlayers, and painters were commanded to work on the project from Central Asia, Iran, and the Mogul Empire.
The Taj Mahal’s intricate details
The Taj Mahal has a beautiful mix of contrasting details. Everywhere you look there are concave and convex shapes, solids and voids, arches and domes… All of them adding up to increase its aesthetic appeal.
Likewise, contrast is also found in color, with lush green gardens, red paths and the bright blue sky above. The inlay work made with precious and semi-precious stones on the marble walls also add to the monument’s beauty.
The entire structure sits on a platform surrounded by four minarets, one on each corner, also made out of white marble. These minarets slightly lean out so that, in case of an earthquake, they don’t fall on the main building.
Admire from all angles
Each face of the monument has a large arch and is embellished with calligraphy from the Koran and carvings of flowers in inlaid work. In front of the Taj Mahal, there is a huge garden complex leading to the building from the main gate.
How to get there
You can reach Agra by plane or train from New Delhi, even though the latter is filled with pickpockets.
When to go
Indeed, the Taj Mahal looks the best during the sunrise or sunset, when the sky changes colors from dim blue to rose gold and orange. In the meantime, the structure mirrors the colors of sky and turns into a creamy white.
Contrarily, some visitors come out disappointed after touring the monument at midday. At this time, the walls reflect the intense sun rays, therefore turning into a blinding white.
I recommend visiting the Taj Mahal at different times and even over several days if your schedule and budget allow it. At the end of the day, you can still see the structure from across the river for free. You only have to pay if you actually want to enter the building grounds.
Where to Stay
Previously, the busy streets of Taj Ganj outside of the main gate once were the home of the artisans that built the monument. Nowadays, they are a backpacker ghetto, where you can find cheap accommodation. However, if you’re looking for a higher-end stay, you can always go for the luxurious Amarvilas hotel. This hotel is popular since every room offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal.
Likewise, you can also get one of the best views from the rooftop restaurant in the Shanti Lodge.
History
In 1632, Emperor Shah Jahan built The Taj Mahal. The white marble mausoleum served as a commemorative tomb for the Emperor’s favorite wife, Mumtaz. The 17-hectare complex also includes a guest house, a mosque, four minarets and formal gardens.
Supposedly, the Emperor intended to build his own mausoleum afterwards: a black marble replica of the Taj Mahal on the opposite side of the Yamuna River. But this theory has never been confirmed, even though ruins of foundations have been discovered on the site.
Other Nearby Attractions
If you’re still interested in visiting other destinations, I suggest going to the fort in Agra, where Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned after his son dethroned him.
Finally, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri is another highly recommended destination near Taj Mahal.
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