A true emblem of India, the Taj Mahal is a monument not to be missed during a visit to Agra. We give you all our advice to visit him!
If he had to have an 8th Wonder of the World The Taj Mahal would probably be on the list of the contenders. Its gigantic proportions, its light, its beauty, its forms, this bright white, its precious stones, the whole building carries in it something royal, sublime.
But what do you really know what the Taj Mahal is? In what intent was it built and for whom?
Located on the right bank of the Yamuna River, in the center of a gigantic moghol garden of about 17 hectares, close to the town of Agra in India The Taj Mahal is today an emblematic monument, made of finely crafted white marble. It is considered the most beautiful architectural jewel of indo-Islamic art. So much reason to finally visit this famous monument! We explain here how to get to Agra from here New Delhi , and how visit the Taj Mahal Once on site.
Taj Mahal on a winter morning – Photo credit: Wikimedia – Mukul Mhaskey
A complex and fascinating monument
It is before for its incredible architecture that the Taj Mahal attracts up to 4 million visitors every year, making it the monument visited from India. The Taj Mahal for the Indians is a true symbol like the Eiffel Tower for France, la Statue of Liberty in the United States or the Christ Redeemer Brazil.
Indeed, this complex architecture is based on a combination of full and empty spaces, on both concave and convex elements, but also on a cleverly orchestrated light game. The parterres of a bright green border the aisles with reddish hues while the whole is of a sparkling white, ultra-light contrasting with the sky of such pure blue.
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Herojit Waikhom
And what to say marble sculptures with the incrustations of precious and semi-precious stones that offer a whole new singularity to this building with religious origin!
The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1648. It was Emperor Moghol Shah Jahan who decided to erect a monument in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died at the age of 40 in bed while she put their 14th child in the world after 30 hours of work.
Multiple architecture
If the mausoleum is the best known place in the Taj Mahal, however, this building should not be reduced to this single room. Indeed, the Taj Mahal is a set of buildings, gardens, fountains and other water bodies whose symmetry has been carefully crafted, all on a plot of 305 out of 580 meters. The mosque, the main entrance and the guest house and the outside court were added in 1653. We can also find two mosques.
The inside of the Taj Mahal – Photo credit: Wikimedia – Antoine Taveneaux
It is behind the entrance patio, surrounded by arcades that the Taj Mahal truly offers a magical vision of all its splendor: when you look south, you will see a garden divided into 4 equal parts with marble terraces and a fountain in its center.
If you look north, the mausoleum and the annexes offer to your eyes on the entire width of the garden. Finally, on the west side stands out another mosque and in the east you will find a meeting hall.
Photo credit: Wikimedia - Narendra577502
10 things to know about the Taj Mahal
If we were to summarize the Taj Mahal at 10 important points, that would be to say:
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Taj Mahal is a tribute to a man injured for his wife who died in bedtime.
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It is a gigantic construction with demeasured proportions: it is said that 22,000 people worked on its construction for 22 years for a budget of 32 million Indian rupees.
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More than 28 types of semi-precious and precious stones are embedded in the walls of Taj Mahal.
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Its beauty remains unmatched for the Indians so that the builders of Taj Mahal had their hands and eyes cut to never work on something more majestic.
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There is a replica of Taj Mahal in Bangladesh, designed by a filmmaker in 2008.
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The building is designed with an incredible architectural perfection and symmetry: the 4 sides of the Taj Mahal are identical in order to give the impression of a reflection as if it were a mirror.
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The Taj Mahal visits mainly in the morning, at the dawn (before 7 hours) to enjoy a special light (and avoid mass tourists).
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It is a place reserved for Muslims on Friday: the Taj Mahal is not a Hindu building, it contains two mosques. So it's closed on Friday.
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The building is the subject of a strong protection policy, particularly with regard to motor vehicles that pollute walls and gardens.
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Emperor Shah Jahan, the initiator of the Taj Mahal project for his late wife, was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb and spent his last years following the construction of the Taj Mahal beyond the Yamuna River before joining his wife at his death. It is possible to trace all the chronology of Taj Mahal through the various Koranic and historical inscriptions written in Arabic. Masons, sculptors, marbriers, painters, calligraphers, mosaïs and other builders definitely left an indelible mark by developing such a sumptuous building.
Photo credit: Flickr – Nick Kenrick
How to go to Taj Mahal from New Delhi?
The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday. To visit the Taj Mahal, you must go to the city of Agra, which is just over 200 kilometers south of New Delhi.
To do so, there are several options available to you:
- The plane : international flights to New Delhi and you will need to find another way of transport to Agra (after take about 15-20 minutes by car to reach Taj Mahal). To book your flight to India at the best price, read our tips to book your cheap flight on the internet before using an online comparator as Skyscanner For example. The flight time is approximately 8 h for a Paris-Delhi. The price of a flight is 500 € round trip.
- The train : for an average of 6 euros, any small-sized hotel or travel agency will take care to buy you the appropriate ticket and tell you where to take your train. Attention, however, you have to make this reservation a few days in advance because the trains – a very popular way of locomotion – are quickly jumped. You have to go to New Delhi Station (NDLS) and the train will arrive at Agra Cantt Station (AGC). The journey time is 3 hours from New Delhi. Note that trains for Agra are Taj Express and Bhopal Shatabdi Express. It's time to wait. To book a train online, you should read the tips this blog which details how to book a train ticket in India.
- The car : you can rent one in New Delhi or go by taxi that will surely be the most convenient solution in a country where traffic and driving are fairly anarchical. Travel time: 5 hours.
- The bus : it is also an option that will make you go from New Delhi to Agra in 5 hours (about 7 to 8 buses a day). It is recommended to take your ticket very early.
A rickshaw in Agra Street – Photo credit: Wikimedia - Bahnfrend
Once on site Once you arrive in Agra, it is not very easy to go to the “Taj” by public transport even if the site is 4 km from the city centre. If it is possible for you to walk along the rapid paths, you should be advised to take one rickshaw , sort of local tuk-tuk. He'll sneak around and save you time. This will only cost you 50 or 100 Rp for two, and you will also be able to "keep" for a few hours or for the day.
If you have your own car, parking is available nearby and you will have to finish the walk... or by electric bus. A minibus is offered free of charge to the holders of a ticket, which buys in a booth near the parking lot.
Visit the Taj Mahal on site (prices, schedules, info...)
The Taj Mahal is open from dawn to sunset, i.e. between 6am and 7pm. Night visits are organized for groups of up to 50 people. It takes 2 to 3 hours minimum on-site visits.
It is recommended to go as soon as possible to avoid the (strong) day crowd movements and the omnipresent heat.
The entrance price is 1000 rupees (13.50 euros) – tariff for foreigners – while the premises pay only 40 rupees.
If you want a guide for your visit, it is recommended to go to the official guides: ask them to show you their accreditation card and ensure that it is in good standing. An official guide takes an average of 900 rupees for the visit.
Finally, it is possible to rent an audio guide in English or French near the front desks for 105 rupees.
Good to know. : Visiting the Taj Mahal involves following a few rules if you do not want to lose precious minutes in front of the Lockerroom. Do not bring chewing gums, cigarettes, lighters, matches, flashlights or sharp objects, under pain of being denied entry to the site. The rules here are very strict and controls worthy of an international airport. Inside the park, you will see Indians suggest you take a photo. Refuse, they don't do this for free. To visit the inside of the Taj Mahal, think about getting up. Also think about spending an anti-mouse cream before visiting. The mosquitoes are ferocious here and will take you from the beginning of the day.
What to visit in Agra?
Enjoy being in Agra to visit the other monuments of the city.
Agra Fort
Photo credit: Pixabay – sarangib
Whether before or after your visit to the Taj Mahal, you should not miss the one of the Agra Fort, much more beautiful and impressive than that of Delhi. If you're staying in Agra, go to rickshaw.
This fort is all the more fun to visit as it offers a great view of the Taj Mahal. The fort d’Agra is open from dawn to sunset and the price of an entrance is 520 Rp.
The mini Taj (Baby Taj)
Much less frequented than the Taj Mahal and totally forgotten of tourists, the “Baby Taj” is yet another wonder of India that must not pass next to Agra. This palace is located on the other side of the river, and it is soon accessed in rickshaw. It is possible to stroll around the park and you can quietly visit the inside of the mausoleum of Itimad-ud-Daulah without having to sneak between the tourists. The entry price is 110 Rp.
Photo credit: Pixabay – pudnbutch0
Where to sleep in Agra?
At least two nights in Agra. On site, there is a multitude of choices to sleep according to your budget. You will also find some hostels only Bed & Breakfast and Bed & Breakfast . By booking, do not hesitate to ask someone to come and get you at the station. Choose a hotel that offers breakfast, so as not to waste time in the morning and leave the stomach filled.
To conclude, a visit to Taj Mahal is not limited to the only Indian palace. Many other fascinating things are to do in Agra and you would be wrong not to enjoy it.
The Taj Mahal continues to fascinate, attract sights and curiosity and astonishment. Every day, hundreds of unknowns continue to turn around the adjournment of marble and one can legitimately think that magic is not close to stopping soon.
Main photo credit: Flickr – qiv
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