Taj Mahal

Article By: Dan Hill

5 years ago

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Culture-Historical Building Culture-Monument Culture-Mosque Culture-Museum

A UNESCO world heritage site, and designated one of the New7Wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal by her husband Shah Jahan. Taking 10 years and 20,000 workers to build the initial mausoleum, work continued on the rest of the project - including a mosque, great house and formal gardens - all housed within detailed walls. The building is set on the south bank of the Yamuna river - which you can get a good view of if you walk behind the mausoleum. Attracting 7-8 million visitors per year, you can expect there to be plenty of tourists on your visit - however on my visit it was not overcrowded at all. The building gets its brilliance from the fact that it is clad in white marble - which is in stark contrast to the red sand stone used in the normal surrounding architecture. Inside the mausoleum, there is extensive intricate inlaid stones forming patterns and artwork that adorn the walls. There are separate prices (and separate queues) for Indians and foreigners - and an additional fee to visit the main mausoleum (highly recommended). There is a discount if you buy the tickets online. Entry is permitted from both the Western and Eastern gates. A visit to the Taj Mahal will remain with you for a lifetime.