Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and constructed in the mid-17th century. Construction began in 1632 and the principal mausoleum was completed around 1653.

The complex centers on the main marble tomb topped by a large central dome approximately 73 metres high, flanked by a mosque and a jawab, and set within a formal charbagh garden with water channels. The inlaid marble decoration and pietra dura work use semi-precious stones in floral designs.

Built as the tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, the monument was executed by a large workforce of masons, stonecutters and artisans under imperial patronage. It has remained a major cultural and architectural symbol and is managed as a protected heritage site.

Situated in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, the Taj stands on the Yamuna’s floodplain and is roughly 200 kilometres southeast of New Delhi by road.

• Visiting timing: Sunrise and early morning light are favored for photographs and for fewer crowds; Friday is the day the main complex is closed to non-Muslim visitors because of congregational prayers in the mosque.
• Ticket and access: Tickets include entry to the complex; an additional fee is charged for access to the main mausoleum interior on some days, and photography is restricted inside certain areas.

What to See #

• Main mausoleum: The white marble tomb chamber at the complex's centre, topped by a bulbous dome that rises to approximately 73 metres above the plinth and houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
• Mosque: A red sandstone mosque to the west of the mausoleum used for Friday prayers; it faces the main complex and is part of the symmetrical layout.
• Jawab (guest house): A matching red sandstone building to the east of the central mausoleum, created to maintain architectural symmetry and sometimes called the jawab or guest house.
• Charbagh garden: A large formal Persian-style charbagh garden set on a raised plinth in front of the mausoleum, organized by water channels and pathways aligned with the tomb.