The Taj Mahal Agra was built in 1631 in honor of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's wife Mumtaz Begum, who died while giving birth to their 14th child. Mumtaz, Shah Jahan's third wife, was famed for her extraordinary beauty, and the emperor was rumored to be enamored with her. The emperor, bereft of her abrupt death, is said to have gone grey-haired in just one night. 

The Taj Mahal History began with the construction in 1632, but it wasn't until 1653 that the monument was completed in its final shape. But, as fate would have it, Shah Jahan was ousted by his son Aurangazeb, who imprisoned him in the Agra Fort shortly after the Taj was completed.

Shah Jahan was buried in the Taj Mahal Agra with his beloved Mumtaz after his death in 1666. An army of 20,000 artists from India, Central Asia, and Europe was engaged to work on the Taj Mahal, which has been a UNESCO World History Site since 1983.

The ornamental gardens, modeled after a typical Mughal Charbagh, are a square garden divided by water bodies and centered on an elaborate marble pedestal. The elevated marble platform on which the main tomb sits is located at the complex's northern end. The elevated podium elevates it above the rest of the complex, as though reaching towards the sky.

The Taj's main entrance is an elaborate Mughal edifice with tomb-like archways constructed mostly of white marble. Calligraphy abounds in the arches, which feature vaulted ceilings and geometrically designed walls. There are two identical red sandstone buildings on the opposite end of the complex, one of which is a mosque.

Check the Rooftop View

On the Southern side of the Taj Mahal, there are many rooftop hotels from where you can check out the rooftop views of the Taj Mahal. You can also munch snacks or eat good food while having a look at the place.

Explore the Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is a peaceful garden situated across the river from the Taj Mahal. It is spread over 25 acres and entry fees are 300 rupees to visit. It is also recognized as the Moonlight Garden.

Shopping in the Old City's Bazaars

From Leather goods and embroidered materials to vegetables and spices, these chaotic Bazaars have it all. You can get almost everything your heart will ever want to shop at these markets. 

Grab a quick snack at Sheroes Cafe

Sheroes Cafe is just a block away from the famous Taj Mahal. All the staff are females who are acid attack victims. You can have snacks here and listen to the stories of the survivors. There is also a library and boutique store.

• Three gates lead to the Taj Mahal in Agra.
• Remember to receive your complimentary 500ml bottle of water and shoe coverings, which are included in the ticket fee.
• Visitors are allowed to utilize the free internet connection for half an hour within the compound before being charged INR 30 per hour.
• Every Friday, the Taj Mahal is closed for Muslim prayers, so plan your visit accordingly.
• You can leave your bags at the ticket booths for free and purchase an audio guide for INR 118 while checking Taj Mahal history.

The finest time to visit the Taj Mahal is undoubted during daybreak when it appears to be at its most magnificent. Because there are fewer people, this is also the most pleasant time to visit. 

• Agra Fort
• Chini ka Rauza
• Itmad-Ud-Daula
• Jama Masjid
• Mehtab Bagh
• Ram Bagh

• The Taj Mahal was built with the help of 1000 elephants who transported building materials.
• The Taj Mahal Agra is deemed as one of the World's Seven Wonders.
• The magnificent white marble was imported from Makrana in Rajasthan, China, the jade and crystal from China, the jasper from Punjab, the carnelian from Arabia, the turquoise from Tibet, the lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, and the sapphire from Sri Lanka.