Taj Mahal - A Tribute To Beauty And A Timeless Creation Of Shah Jahan

Taj Mahal is a great tower of love, built on the mausoleum of Mumtaz, the beloved begum of the emperor. The Indo-Persian white marble architecture is one of the most fascinating marvels in the world. Countless travelers come here round the year. The construction of the Taj started one year after the death of Mumtaz. It took 22 years to complete in 1653. This was in fact her last wish to her husband. And Shah Jahan was keen on setting up an example of his inextinguishable love to the world. It is sprawled over an area of 580 by 300 metre; it took 22 years to complete. It is believed that Shah Jahan had built a black stone mausoleum in advance for himself on the other side of Yamuna.

Shah Jahan had built this monument in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, as a symbol of his love for her. You can see pictures of it and watch it on TV but till you actually stand in front of it, you can never understand how magnificent the structure is and why it is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.

The wondrous spectacle of the Taj Mahal increases manifold under a dramatic monsoon sky. Its marble and gardens become fresh and pristine after the rains. It is an utter wonder under the starry sky and a full moon. It is known to wear a different colour at various times of the day. It is the reflection of light from the plains across the Yamuna River thats reputed to give it a change in colour: pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines. It simply looks like a mystical ship from the fairy tales floating on the Yamuna.

Rainsome season is one of the best times to see the real beauty of the monument. It is said that Tansen, one of Akbars navratnas could make it rain by singing the megh malhar raga in the Mughal emperors court. It is said that he was asked to sing the raga often because the Taj Mahal looks even more spectacular in a downpour.

It looks heavenly during sunrise from the Guest Pavilions of red sand stone at its east. The best view of the Taj during sunset is available from the mosque at its west. Monsoon gives it yet another beauty.

Even the fact never fails to amaze me when I visit the Taj Mahal is how the four pillars face outside so that in the event of an earthquake, the Taj is not damaged. I am astonished at the foresight of the Mughals, and the detailed architecture.

Outside the east gate there are a lot of shops to buy marble products, jewellery and antiques. Your visit to Agra is never complete without sampling the scrumptious street food. The food of Agra is undeniably the best you had ever had at any other place. So, the journey of a Garden of Paradise ends here. Come and enjoy your tour to symbol of love.