Taj Mahal: A Heritage Masterpiece and One of the 7 Wonders of the World!”
Hello friends, I am Snehal – Your Trip Designer.
We all grew up reading The Great History of India. And now it is high time to step out and visit those historical monuments. India has a Treasure of 44 designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today I am gonna talk about Taj Mahal: A Heritage Masterpiece and One of the 7 Wonders of the World!”
Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Under the guidance of Ustad Ahmed Lahori. Nearly 20,000 skilled craftsmen completed the structure. It took almost 22 years to build the Taj Mahal because of its fine carvings, all the detailing and beautiful design. It was opened to the public in 1653.
What is special?
- Method of construction : Taj Mahal: A Heritage Masterpiece is built from high-quality white marble from Makrana in Rajasthan. Since cement was not invented at that time, the structure is held together with a special mixture (paste) made from natural ingredients like jaggery, lime, curd and urad dal.
- Pietra Dura (Carving) : The Taj Mahal’s delicate carvings use a special Persian style called ‘pietra dura’. The beautiful, delicate flower vines are made using 28 different types of precious gems and stones like sapphire, emerald etc.
- Unique Architecture : Its construction is Symmetrical. That is, if this structure is cut exactly in the middle from top to bottom (imaginary), the left and right sides will appear exactly equal in size. To protect this, 4 towers have been built at all four corners, which are slightly tilted outwards.
- Colour-changing : Since this structure is built in marble, it appears in different colours at different times of the day. For example, pink in the morning, white in the afternoon, and golden at night, creating the illusion of changing colours.
Guidelines.
- Method of construction – Taj Mahal: One of the 7 Wonders of the World!” is built from high-quality white marble from Makrana in Rajasthan. Since cement was not invented at that time, the structure is held together with a special mixture (paste) made from natural ingredients like jaggery, lime, curd and urad dal.
- Pietra Dura (Carving) – The Taj Mahal’s delicate carvings use a special Persian style called ‘pietra dura’. The beautiful, delicate flower vines are made using 28 different types of precious gems and stones like sapphire, emerald etc.
- Unique Architecture – Its construction is Symmetrical. That is, if this structure is cut exactly in the middle from top to bottom (imaginary), the left and right sides will appear exactly equal in size. To protect this, 4 towers have been built at all four corners, which are slightly tilted outwards.
- Colour-changing – Since this structure is built in marble, it appears in different colours at different times of the day. For example, pink in the morning, white in the afternoon, and golden at night, creating the illusion of changing colours.
Quick Information.
🎟️ Entry and Tickets.
Tickets: Always buy tickets online to save time and avoid long queues. 📲
Closed: The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday and during Ramadan
Time: One ticket is valid for 3 hours only.
Identity Card: Any government ID. Important Rules Camera: Mobile and regular cameras are allowed, but must be on silent mode. Drones and tripods are prohibited
Photography: It is illegal to take photos inside the main mausoleum.
Prohibitions: Food, tobacco, lighters, headphones, chargers and large bags are strictly prohibited.
No flower picking: Carving or damaging trees, plucking leaves or flowers may result in legal action.
Flags or banners: Taking photos with any political, religious or commercial flags, posters or banners is strictly prohibited.
Animals: Pets (e.g. dogs, cats) are not allowed inside.
Security system.
The security system here is extremely strict, just like at an airport. There are separate lines for men and women. There are metal detectors and X-ray machines for bags.
Confiscation of prohibited items: If you are found with the prohibited items mentioned above, they will be confiscated at the gate (there is no guarantee that they will be returned, so it is best to keep them in the car or at the hotel).
Locker: If you have a large bag, there is also a locker arrangement to keep it, but there is a line for that. Which may take extra time.
Shoe cover – It is mandatory to wear shoe cover to go to the main tomb.
Ticket price.
The ticket prices for the Taj Mahal depend on where you are coming from and whether you want to see the Main Mausoleum:
- Indian tourists:
- Regular ticket: ₹50
- With the Main Mausoleum: ₹250 (50 + 200 extra)
- Tourists from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries:
- Regular ticket: ₹540
- With the Main Mausoleum: ₹740
- Foreign tourists (other countries):
- Regular ticket: ₹1,100
- Including main shrine: ₹1300
For Children:
- Children: Entry is free for children below 15 years (for both Indians and foreigners).
Online discount:
- If you book tickets online, you get a discount of ₹5 on each ticket.
- Cash: It is easier to pay by scanning the QR code, avoiding cash transactions at the ticket counter.
How to reach Taj Mahal, Agra
