Agra - Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in India and it was built for love! Mumtaz Mahal (Chosen One of the Palace) was the name given to Arjumand Banu, the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. Upon her death in 1631, Shah Jahan set out to create the perfect mausoleum for her - it took 20,000 workmen and 22 years to complete!

Specialists were brought in from as far as Europe to work on this masterpiece. The Taj Mahal has many elements of Islamic design including arches, minarets, onion-shaped dome and black calligraphy inlaid around the entrance. The mausoleum is constructed from white marble that was brought in from Jodphur. The entire Taj Mahal is decorated with delicate inlaid floral patterns as well as precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, lapis lazuli, diamonds and mother of pearl.

The tomb where Shah Jahan is buried beside his wife is in an underground chamber surrounded by sandstone walls with three gates. The tomb is not open to visitors.

Considered one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal should be visited at dawn and sunset when the atmosphere is altered by the changes in lighting. It is also suggested that visitors cross to the far bank of the Yamuna River to see the reflection of the Taj Mahal.