The Taj Mahal, one of the new wonders of the world

The Taj Mahal, one of the new wonders of the world

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in the city of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India. It was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their fourteenth child.

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the new wonders of the world, and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is famous for its architectural beauty and symmetrical layout, as well as its romantic history. The mausoleum is known for its intricate details and its impressive central dome, which is surrounded by four minarets.

The Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourists every year, and is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Its beauty and historical significance make it a must-see for anyone visiting India.

What is the history of the Taj Mahal?

• The history of the Taj Mahal dates back to the 17th century, during the period of the Mughal Empire's rule in India. Emperor Shah Jahan ordered its construction as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth with their fourteenth child in 1631.
  
  Shah Jahan was devastated by the death of his wife and decided to build a monument in her memory that would be as beautiful as his love for her. Thus, he started the construction of the Taj Mahal in the year 1632, which took approximately 22 years to complete.
  
  The Taj Mahal was designed by Persian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who combined elements of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architecture to create a unique design. More than 20,000 workers and craftsmen were used to build the monument, using materials from around the world, including white marble from Rajasthan, jasper from Punjab, turquoise from Tibet, and lapis lazuli from Afghanistan.
  
  After Shah Jahan's death, he was buried next to his wife in the Taj Mahal, in an underground chamber below the main mausoleum. For centuries, the Taj Mahal has been considered one of the most impressive and beautiful monuments in the world, and is visited by millions of people every year.

Can you visit the Taj Mahal?

• 
  Yes, the Taj Mahal is open to the public and can be visited. It is one of the major tourist attractions in India and receives millions of visitors every year.
  
  The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India. The site is open every day except Friday, and visiting hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  
  Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the site entrance. Guided tours in multiple languages ??are also offered for those who wish to learn more about the history and architecture of the Taj Mahal.
  
  It is important to note that there are some restrictions for visitors, such as the prohibition of bringing food, drinks and certain objects inside the site. Visitors are also required to remove their shoes before entering the main mausoleum.
  
  In short, the Taj Mahal is a place definitely worth visiting, both for its architectural beauty and its historical significance.

What recommendations are there to visit the Taj Mahal?

Here are some useful recommendations for visiting the Taj Mahal:

• Plan your visit in advance: The Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India, so it is advisable to plan your visit in advance to avoid crowds and ensure you get tickets. You can book your tickets online in advance or check with a local tour operator.
  
  
• Visit early in the morning: The Taj Mahal is open from 6:00 am, so it is advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the monument in a calm and relaxed environment.
  
  
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there is a lot of walking around the site. It is also important to note that visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the main mausoleum, so it is advisable to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
  
  
• Bring sunscreen and water: The weather in Agra can be very hot and sunny, so it is advisable to bring sunscreen and water to stay hydrated during your visit.
  
  
• Respect the rules and restrictions: To preserve the monument and its beauty, there are rules and restrictions at the Taj Mahal, such as the prohibition of bringing food, drinks and certain objects inside the site. It is important to follow these rules to help protect the monument.
  
  By following these recommendations, your visit to the Taj Mahal will be more enjoyable and satisfying.
  
  

Is there accommodation near the Taj Mahal?

• Yes, there are many accommodation options in Agra, the city where the Taj Mahal is located. From budget hotels to luxurious five-star resorts, there is something for every budget and preference.
  
  Most of the hotels are located in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal and some of them even offer stunning views of the monument. Luxury hotels often have first-class facilities such as swimming pools, spas, and gourmet restaurants, while budget hotels may offer simpler, more basic rooms.
  
  Some of the more popular hotels near the Taj Mahal include the Oberoi Amarvilas, the ITC Mughal and the Taj Hotel & Convention Centre. There are also a host of budget and mid-range hotels, including Crystal Inn, Hotel Sidhartha, and Hotel Taj Resorts.
  
  It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit the Taj Mahal during the peak tourist season (November to March).
  

What is the best season to visit the Taj Mahal?

• The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during the coolest and driest months of the year, from October to March. During this period, temperatures are pleasant and the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the site without worrying about rain or excessive heat. In addition, the nights are usually cool and pleasant, which makes it ideal for walking through the gardens of the Taj Mahal.
  
  Keep in mind, however, that this is the peak tourist season in Agra, and you may find crowds at the Taj Mahal during this period. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the site early in the morning or in the later hours of the day to avoid crowds.
  
  During the summer months (April to June), temperatures can be very high in Agra, making visiting the Taj Mahal less enjoyable. During the monsoon season (July to September), Agra receives frequent rainfall and the Taj Mahal may temporarily close due to flooding. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid visiting the Taj Mahal during these months.