Facts about the Taj Mahal and and how to get there

At the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Located in the Northern Indian city of Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh, near the capital New Delhi, the Taj Mahal is the world’s most splendid mausoleum which houses the tombs of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Built in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. It also houses a mosque and guest house inside the complex.

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The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal

Here are some interesting facts about the Taj Mahal

Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

The Mughal empire was the most powerful and wealthy empire in the world during the reign of Shah Jahan (the Emperor of the World). He extended the empire into deep south of India, and in the north it stretched to as far as Central Asia. It wasn’t, however raw power, the empire also commanded a lion’s share of world’s commerce. This was a period when poetry and arts flourished in India. Shah Jahan, besides being an efficient administrator, is said to have admired poetry. One of his wives, Mumtaz Mahal (the selected one in the palace) shared many of his interests and thus became his favourite wife.

At the Taj Mahal
Me at the Taj Mahal

Mumtaz Mahal’s death

Medical technology hadn’t advanced much in the 16th century. So Shah Jahan found himself helpless when he saw Mumtaz Mahal dying during childbirth. Legend has it that the queen, made Shah Jahan promise her at deathbed that he would make the most spectacular tomb in the world for her. The emperor promised and he would stay true to his words.

Construction of the Taj Mahal

Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631. The same year marks the beginning of the construction of the Taj Mahal. The emperor poured in a vast amount of resources in the construction. Architects and skilled workers were hired from as far as Iraq and Turkey, and more than 20,000 artisans worked on the construction of this magnificent monument during 18 years. Although the marble building is widely recognised for its external beauty, the interiors and the walls boasts of one of the most beautiful examples of calligraphy and designs.

How to get to the Taj Mahal?

It has been four centuries and this monument of love still stands erect, enchanting people from all over the world with its beauty. Over a million tourists come to witness this beauty every year in Agra. The city is accessible by air, train and road.

(a) Air

There are no international flights to Agra Airport but some domestic airlines offer flights from other Indian cities. You can check websites, including MakeMyTrip or Yatra to check if there is a flight from your city. You can always fly to Delhi and then take a coach, train, taxi or pre-booked government trips to Agra from the capital.

(b) Train

Virtually all cities in India are connected directly or indirectly to Agra. There are more than twenty trains a day from Delhi alone. You can check timings and book a ticket to Agra at the website of the Indian Railways (http://www.indianrail.gov.in). Here’s how to book train tickets in India.(Here’s how to book train tickets in India).

(c) Road

There are two main ways to get to Agra through road: bus (coach) and taxi. The bus service has a relatively poor representation on the internet (you will have to ask locals) but you can book a taxi or ask your hotel to help you out and arrange pre-booked transport.

Taj Mahal construction, specification and history

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56 thoughts on “Facts about the Taj Mahal and and how to get there”

  2. A good review of the Taj, Shalu.

    It is no doubt an architectural wonder and a monument of beauty. It has withstood the ups and downs and proved to be the pride of both the Hindus and Muslims united.

    However, whenever I think of the Taj, it reminds me of the story where it is stated that the hands of the workers who created the Taj were chopped off so they do not create another such wonder of the world. Can’t say if the story is authentic, because historical accounts can be quite deceptive and different than the reality, isn’t it?

    Thanks for sharing more about this beautiful place with us. 🙂

    • Harleena, interesting point about the hands being chopped off. I have heard of it and could well be true. The thing in India is that historical facts are often distorted to suit the political class in the name of “secularism”. Another story goes that the Taj was a Shiva Temple. Its really difficult to know the real truth behind these stories.

  5. Hi Shalu jee

    Great Information shared!

    A masterpiece, this is the place which is worth visting and I have been to this place many times.

    We have the Taj Expressway now which is the best express way in India.

    Thanks for sharing this.

    Sapna

  6. Great to know about Taj Mahal facts, I was aware about these interesting facts of Taj Mahal you did a amazing job to share these amazing fact of Taj Mahal.

  8. Taj Mahal is symbol of love so obviously there should be more facts about it & as we have been listing facts of Taj Mahal ! It’s really nice to know anything about Taj Mahal

  14. I’ve always thought that the story behind was romantic. One of my dreams is to visit Taj Mahal so that I could witness for myself its beauty and the meaning behind it. Thanks for the information, i just hope I’ll be able to go there someday.

  15. I’ve always been fascinated by the story of the Taj Mahal. It has definitely changed the way I look at unconditional love and I would definitely visit the Taj Mahal. Such a lovely place.

  17. I have visited Taj Mahal once and it is indeed a beautifully created structure. Its a symbol of undying love. Thanks for sharing this info, many people will feel attracted to visit it once.

  22. I like how Taj Mahal was a product of love. Something not to be missed out when we visit India a few months from now. I’ve read your Hindi for Traveller’s post too. – helpful. 🙂

  23. Interesting to know! I saw an ice sculpture of the Taj Mahal at the Jerusalem Ice Festival in Israel last month, and thought that it must be beautiful in real life. Is it allowed to take photos inside?

  29. Tajmahal is the one of the wonder of the world.This is an extraordinary view of our indian heritage.Tajmahal is built by shajahan to the symbalic of his love on wife munthaj.Actually people says that tajmahal is tomb of his wife.Any way tajmahal is a great in world.

  30. This is not unique post about Taj Mahal but it’s really valuable post about Taj Mahal. I have been with Taj Mahal & I always want to know about fact of Taj Mahal 🙂 so now feeling happy to came more close of Taj facts.

  32. I was fascinated after reading this post and I want go there and explore Taj Mahal. It inspires me alot now. Linking this post may use the wholesale seo.

  35. Thanks Shalu .The Taj Mahal is awesome creation in India . When I came India , I searched on internet about beautiful places in india and i came across your blog .After seeing these interesting facts of TAJ MAHAL , I visited their with my family . It was Beautiful .Again Thank you So much .

  36. Thanks Shalu .The Taj Mahal is awesome creation in India . When I came India , I searched on internet about beautiful places in india and i came across your blog .After seeing these interesting facts of TAJ MAHAL , I visited their with my family . It was Beautiful .Again /thanks for this guide.

  40. Good list. I really enjoyed going through it.Awesome post thanks a lot for sharing. I am a frequent visitor to your site and always find something that boost my knowledge.

  41. Its been a dream of mine to visit India for years now, I believe that I will have enough power soon using internet marketing & Guaranteed SEO Services to visit there and accomplish one of my long-term Dreams!

  49. Being the resident of Mumbai, I have not visited Taj yet. Shame on me. But I am very eager to visit it. thanks for the detailed guide SHALU JI . will definitely visit this holidays..

  51. I had been to Taj this year in august. But, that time some cleaning work was going on. All the pillars were covered with green clothes. I didn’t get the perfect picture of the Taj. but overall I enjoyed the visit to taj.

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