Taj Mahal, Agra

Name: Taj Mahal
Address: Taj Road, Agra, India
Telephone: +91 562 222 7261

#1 among attractions in Agra

Unesco, Mausoleum, Top attraction

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Facts and practical information

The Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel and a testament to love, nestled in the heart of Agra, India. This iconic mausoleum, constructed from white marble, stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Mughal Empire. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is celebrated for its impeccable symmetry and intricate Islamic calligraphy and design. The complex includes a main gateway, garden, mosque, jawab, and several other mausoleums. The central structure is framed by four slender minarets, each standing at over 40 meters tall, which seem to gracefully beckon visitors from afar.

The mausoleum's interior is just as stunning, with the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan set amidst a lattice of marble screens. These are actually false tombs, with the real sarcophagi lying in a quiet room below, at garden level.

The Taj Mahal is not only a monument to love but also a showcase of the finest elements of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles. The complex is adorned with semi-precious stones inlaid in the marble in detailed patterns, a technique known as pietra dura.

Visitors are advised to arrive early to witness the Taj Mahal bathed in the soft hues of dawn or to see it glow at sunset. The site is open from sunrise to sunset every day except Friday, when it is closed for prayers. Additionally, there are night viewing sessions around the full moon dates, offering a unique experience of the Taj under the moonlight.

The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most visited sites in India. It is recommended to purchase tickets online to avoid long queues and to hire a certified guide to enrich the experience with historical insights and anecdotes.

Local name: ताजमहल Built: 1632 (392 years ago)Architectural style: Islamic architecture, Iranian architectureVisitors per year: 8 mil.Height: 240 ftCoordinates: 27°10'30"N, 78°2'32"E

Address

Taj RoadAgra India

Contact

+91 562 222 7261

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Day trips

Taj Mahal – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Black Taj Mahal, Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh, Musamman Burj.

~830 ftSW
Museum, Mughal architecture
Black Taj Mahal, Agra
4 min walk • The Black Taj Mahal, an enigmatic legend woven into the rich tapestry of India's history, has long intrigued tourists and historians alike. This fabled counterpart to the iconic white marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal, is said to be a myth shrouded in the mysteries of...
1.4 miNW
Mughal mausoleum known as the 'Baby Taj'
Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, Agra
36 min walk • Nestled on the eastern banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, lies the exquisite Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal due to its architectural resemblance. This 17th-century mausoleum, also affectionately known as the "Baby Taj," is...
~1720 ftN
Park, Garden
Mehtab Bagh, Agra
9 min walk • Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River, opposite the majestic Taj Mahal, lies the tranquil Mehtab Bagh, a historic park in Agra, India. This Mughal-era garden offers a unique and serene vantage point to admire the grandeur of one of the world's most iconic monuments.
1.2 miW
Tower
Musamman Burj, Agra
30 min walk • Musamman Burj also known as the Saman Burj or the Shah-burj, is an octagonal tower standing close to the Shah Jahan's private hall Diwan-e-Khas in Agra Fort.
~30 ftE
Universities and schools
Saket College, Agra
1 min walk • K.S. Saket P.G. College is a government-aided college in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. The college is affiliated to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University.