Aloha people! Tuesdays on the blog are all about travel love, and the inspiration for today’s post actually emerged during a conversation at work; when the team was discussing and planning a visit to the Taj Mahal, a monument in India famous for love and beauty.
Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in India and the world. It’s mesmerizing beauty has made it popular as one of the seven wonders of the world, and it is also a designated UNESCO world heritage site. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed this monument in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The structure – essentially a white marble mausoleum – is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the country. The intricate construction, rich cultural history and the spectacular view have earned it the reputation of being the #1 travel experience when visiting India.
Below is a quick cheat sheet you can use when planning a visit to the Taj Mahal:
- Location – Taj Mahal is situated in Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. The monument stands majestically tall on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is situated 125 miles south of the National Capital Region of Delhi and is well connected and easily accessible by road.
- Best Time to Visit – Spring, fall and winter are the best times to visit the Taj Mahal. Summers can be extremely hot and dehydrating, and the monsoon unpleasant. Typically, anytime between the months of October to March works well for a pleasant visit.
- Where to Stay – Agra as a city can seem overwhelming, but there are some good accommodation options which will ensure you have a comfortable stay and make your visit memorable. This link has details for the top 10 most appealing hotels in Agra.
- Timings – The monument is open for visiting throughout the week except on Fridays (when it is closed for prayer). The day timings are from 6 am to 6.30 pm. The site is also open for night visits, but only 5 days a month (on full moon nights and 2 days before and after that night).
- Best Views of the Monument – The Taj Mahal appears to project different colors during different times of the day – a pinkish glow during sunrise or sunset, sparkling white during the day and gleaming silver on moonlit nights. The best times to capture its beauty are the early hours of dawn and dusk; sunrise paints it the color of blooming love while the night brings out something magical!
- Some Interesting Facts – Read entry and security guidelines before purchasing your tickets, wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, be careful of touts or pickpockets and book only registered guides, remember to visit monuments within the Taj complex and definitely pack a good camera!
- Top Guides and Resources – Official Government Site, Lonely Planet Guide, UNESCO Site, National Geographic Guide.
I hope the above references and guides will help you plan your visit to the Taj Mahal in India. If you are planning a visit anytime soon, or have traveled to the Taj before, please do share your thoughts and experiences with us via comments!
(Reading List: India Odyssey Tours, Taj Mahal Travel, Go India, Taj Mahal, Telegraph)
(Image Credits Top-Bottom, L-R: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6)
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