Taj Mahal

taj mahal

Taj Mahal Agra

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the seven wonders of the world.

Taj Mahal at Dusk

taj mahal agra india
Taj Mahal at Dusk

The entry to the inner compound is through a very impressive, 30m red sandstone gateway on the south side of the forecourt, which is inscribed with verses from the Quran.

taj mahal agra india
View of the Gateway from the Western Side

taj mahal agra india
View of the Gateway from the Southern Side

The Taj Mahal itself stands on a raised marble platform, with it’s back to the Yamuna. It’s raised platform means that the backdrop is only sky – a master stroke of design.

taj mahal agra india

taj mahal agra india
View of the Gateway from the Northern end

taj mahal agra india
On the bench where Shah Jahan used to sit to take in the beauty of his creation

taj mahal agra india

Holding the minaret. The minarets lean slightly outwards so that in the event of an earthquake, they would fall away from the precious Taj.

taj mahal agra india
The red sandstone Mosque to the west is an important gathering place for Agra’s muslims

taj mahal agra india
The Jawab, identical to the Mosque, was built for symmetry

taj mahal agra india

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The central dome

The next day, we decided to check out the Taj in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Taj at Dawn

taj mahal agra india
The Taj beautifully reflected in the watercourses

taj mahal agra india

taj mahal agra india
The rising sun rays falling on the eastern face of the Taj

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The rising sun rays falling on the eastern face of the Taj.

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Delhi to Agra by Road

Distance between Delhi and Agra: 130 Miles / 210 Kms
Time taken : 2 to 3 hours

Delhi to Agra Trains

Morning:

  • 12002 Bhopal Shatabdi
  • 2280 Taj Express Superfast

Afternoon:

  • 2279 Taj Express
  • 12001 NDLS Shatabdi

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