Agra a synonym for Taj….! Taj ……. Eternal symbol of love ! I have been to The Taj Mahal many times. Sometimes with my parents, some on my official trips and this time was with family. Whenever I visit The Taj, everytime, I get a new perspective of it. I feel another visit is pending. the photos you see here are from 2013. I took another trip in 2016. I really want to check this magnificient piece of architecture again. If you have visited recently, you are welcome to put in your comments in the end of the article. 
Taj Mahal
We went there with our family friends on Republic Day, last year. Kids were very excited. We started at 9 am from Delhi. The Noida express way we took was fast and comfortable. We zipped through the way, stopped for sometime to freshen up, reached Agra by lunch time.This time we stayed at ‘The Gateway’ hotel in the vicinity of Taj. Well , it was because my husband and his friend insisted to stay in a hotel having view of Taj from the room itself. Kids as you know, always get excited outside their own house. But that was a good way to register Taj in their memory forever. They were able to spot Taj from our hotel room window.
Next day morning, I woke up to a surprise. My husband was awake to see Taj before sunrise and it was amazing as we silently stared at first rays of sun embracing Taj. Although, the best time to view Taj is on a full moon night when the moonlight strikes Taj,it gives a spectacular view. However, this view was no less.
We had delicious breakfast and started for our destination.
Taj Mahal as seen from room window of ‘The Gateway Hotel’
There was a big queue to enter the historical monument. I held kids tight because of huge rush at the entrance.
Taj Mahal Entrance
We had delicious breakfast and started for our destination. There was a big queue to enter the historical monument. I held kids tight because of huge rush at the entrance.
Taj Mahal Full View
Interesting facts about Taj Mahal:-
- Meaning of Taj Mahal- Crown of Palaces
- Taj Mahal was built by Shahjahan, a Mughal Emperor in 1653 ( 16 parks and 53 fountains symbolize the same) in remembrance of his beautiful wife, Mumtaj Mahal
- The foundation of Taj has large wells on Yamuna river bed
- White translucent marble was brought from Makrana, Rajasthan- India
- Over 1000 elephants were used to transport building material
- 28 types of precious and various semi precious stones were brought from India, Tibet, China, Afghanistan, Srilanka and Arabia which shine during the full moon night adding to its beauty
- It took approx 12 years to complete ( equal to number of domes on outer gate)
- The main gate is called ‘Darwaze-i-rauza’
- Four minarets are not exactly straight but little bit tilted outside so that they do not fall on the monument in case of any calamity
- Beauty of Taj lies in its symmetry
- UNESCO declared Taj Mahal as a world heritage site in 1983
Yamuna River at the back of Taj Mahal
At the back side of Taj, river Yamuna was flowing seamlessly. Beautiful it was! It made me think of Shahjahan, the emperor – how much he loved his wife that he built one of wonders of the world in her remembrance. Amazing , no!
Taj Mahal
I then wanted to sit for a while and feel the timeless beauty of Taj. I would recommend this place to all.
Some Amazing Pics of Surroundings of Taj Mahal. Tourists of the world must visit The Taj along with other Architecturally beautiful cities of the world
Taj Mahal Minaret
Lawns at Taj Mahal
Minaret at Taj Mahal
Nidhi KM
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Founder of Viharin is Nidhi K M who is an avid traveller. She has visited multiple destinations across Europe, U.S.A, Mauritius, Maldives and countries in Asia. After a short stint as a travel blogger, Nidhi has started Viharin.com in November, 2014. In the journey so far, Nidhi has been instrumental in promoting various destinations of the world like London, Netherlands, Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Vatican City, Singapore, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Vietnam, Combodia and many more. With her efforts , Nidhi has taken Viharin.com to one of the top interesting travel blogs of the world. She has been mentioned in DLF City Magazine, Newspatrolling, Ayurveda Sutra, recognized as Guest of Honour by Institute of Technology and Science, Ghaziabad and more.
Nidhi worked with American Express as a Manager. She has over 11 years of experience in the domain of Customer Relationship Management. She has received many rewards and recognitions for exceeding Organizational goals. Nidhi is supported by her husband who is a Consultant Radiologist by profession and amateur photographer with special interest in wildlife. Her immediately family also supports Nidhi in destination promotions. After schooling from Bal Bharti Public School, Delhi, Nidhi did Mathematics honours from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University and Masters in Information and Technology from Institute of Technology and Science.
Hi Nidhi, your website is quite neat & informative. I would definitely use it to check out short trips.
Good luck with your endeavor!
Thank you Gunit!
I can’t believe I am yet to witness this architectural marvel. Wow. Your post reminds me to make a plan before the monsoons.
Yes, you should but I won’t recommend the summer season as it will become very hot and dry and yor won’t be even able to enjoy at all. November till March beginning is still a good time to visit.
I have been to Agra at least 5 times. Still want to visit again and again. Your post reminds me of some beautiful memories of Agra. Lovely post
I have been to see this beauty as a child, I really hope I can visit it again. Such a marvellous piece of work, I really wish to see it again.
The first time I saw Taj Mahal, I was surely awed and stunned by its beauty. I went there many years ago and I do hope to visit again soon. Loved your article focusing on this architectural marvel. Just made me want to pack my bags and leave.
Not without reason is the Taj Mahal one of the wonders of the world. Though we have visited the monument a couple of times, every time we visit, there is something new to learn about. Apart from its architectural beauty, the legend of the mausoleum gives it a special aura.
Taj mahal is truly exquisite. It was quite refreshing to read your account of visiting the Taj! It reminded me of my visit in 2014.
Great read. I have been to Taj Mahal many times yet any post about it is so beckoning! No wonder Taj Mahal is a wonder of the world.