History
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction took approximately 22 years and employed over 20,000 workers from across the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.
The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, combining elements of Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles.
Architecture
The Taj Mahal is renowned for its exquisite symmetry and intricate craftsmanship. Key architectural features include:
- The iconic main dome - 73 meters high
- Four minarets - each 40 meters tall
- Beautiful gardens in the Charbagh style
- Inlaid semi-precious stones in intricate floral patterns
- Calligraphy from the Quran in black marble
Tourism
Today, the Taj Mahal is the most popular tourist attraction in India, welcoming over 7-8 million visitors annually. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is consistently ranked among the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during the cooler months from October to March. For the most magical experience, visit early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the monument, or on a full moon night.