Taj Mahal

>Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth in 1631. One of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, Shah Jahan started building Taj Mahal immediately after Mumtaz died. It took 22 years to complete this wonderful mausoleum at the cost of 32 crore Rupees, where nearly 20,000 workers worked. Considered as "The Jewel of Muslim Art" in India, Taj Mahal has the combination of elements of Persian, Turkish, India, and Islamic architecture in its structure. Became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in

the year 1983, Taj Mahal has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. While visiting India, one must visit Taj Mahal to experience one of the best examples of Mughal architecture. Undoubtedly one of the top attractions in India, Taj Mahal attracts a huge number of tourists not only from all the parts of the country, but also from all the corners of the world. Come and visit this wonder, it will be the experience of your lifetime. Reaching Taj Mahal in Agra is quite easy. The nearest airport is Kheria Airport which is located just 6 km away from the city.One can find daily flights from Delhi to Agra. You can take taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the city from airport. If you want to come here by train, there are a number of trains from various destinations in the country. You can also reach Agra by road from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, and Jhansi.

The amazing architecture of Taj Mahal is just seen to be believed. The entire complex consists of five major constituents including 'Darwaza' or the main gateway, 'Bageecha' or the gardens, 'Masjid' or the mosque, 'Naqqar Khana' or the rest house, and the 'Rauza' or the main mausoleum. The main building of the Taj Mahal stands on a high square platform, with four minarets of 162.5 feet high at the four corners of it. The central dome with 58 feet in diameter and 213 feet in height is bordered by four subsidiary domed chambers. The red sandstone mosque located to the west of the main structure of Taj Mahal also very important as the Muslims of Agra regularly gather there.

Though you can enter in the premises of Taj Mahal through an outer courtyard that has three gates facing west, south, and east, most of the tourists prefer to enter through the west gate. It would be an experience of the lifetime if you can get the chance to see the Taj during a full moon night. Taj Mahal is equally exciting during the sunset.