‘Love’ – since the dawn of humanity, innumerable means have been used by human beings to express this unique, fulfilling and complex emotion. From exquisite works of art, to heart-touching literature and even acts of war, our desire and intent to convey love will continue to spawn both mundane and extraordinary ideas as long as we inhabit this planet. And it is this umbilical desire that shaped one of the great wonders of the world; a marvel cast in white marble; a magnificent monument dedicated to love – the Taj Mahal. Naturally, if you believe in love, your travels will remain incomplete till you visit the Taj.
The Taj Mahal is an ivory white marble mausoleum on the back of river Yamuna, in the city of Agra, India. It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in the year 1631. The tombs of both the deceased queen and emperor Shah Jahan himself exist in the inner chamber of the mausoleum.
Agra is a city in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located approximately 220 km south-east of the Indian capital New Delhi. The most convenient way to reach Agra is by train or road. There are multiple trains throughout the day between Agra and New Delhi and many other trains connecting it to other parts of the country. Agra is well connected by road through a network of expressways and highways. Road distances from major nearby cities is mentioned below:
Delhi – 220 km
Lucknow – 330 km
Jaipur – 255 km
Lastly, Agra can be reached by air and there are flights that operate from select major airports to Agra.
Once you are here there won’t be a dearth of options for staying, whether you seek a luxurious 5-star hotel or a property suitable for a stringent budget. Options abound in the city and range from hotels to home-stays. Your culinary senses will also be satiated adequately as Agra has multiple options ranging from traditional fare found in the alleyways of old city to the many cafés that throng a specific section of the city.
The Taj Mahal is open to public on all days from 6 am to 7 pm on all days except Friday. Besides the Taj Mahal, Agra is famous for historic, architectural wonders like Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah and Fatehpur Sikri. These three monuments are open from 6 am to 6 pm. Tickets can be booked online or purchased on site. Registered guides are available at reasonable rates. Visitors have the option of visiting the Taj exclusively or booking a package that covers the other sites as well.
Agra is also famous for intricate handicrafts involving zari and inlay work on marble. In addition, leather products, particularly footwear, can be purchased at attractive prices.
Busy as your life maybe, there should always be time for love. So come, and see what love, exquisitely immortalised in white marble, looks like. Come and be mesmerised. Come and experience a taste of history.
