Regardless if you are thinking that there are too many tourists, too much hassle, it’s too hot, it’s too cold, the light is not right, it’s too expensive, or it’s a bit out of your itinerary; the Taj Mahal has to be seen if you are traveling in the north of India.

We collected some information and together with some notes and pictures of the Taj Mahal which, thanks both to its romantic aura and exquisite details, attracts millions of visitors each year.

It is because of this everlasting charm that the Taj can boast of being one of the most popular world heritage monuments on earth. Shah Jahan’s own words in praise of the Taj is found in Badshah Nama: “…..The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs, And makes sun and moon shed tears from their eyes. In this world this edifice has been made, to display thereby the Creator’s glory.” Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world, symbolizes India. Taj Mahal means “Crown Palace” and is without any doubt the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb. Described by the English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, as “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but a proud passion of an emperors love wrought in living stones.”

The Taj Mahal was built over a period of 22 years from 1632, as a tribute to a beautiful woman and as a monument for enduring love by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Devastated by the death of his wife, the Empress Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan had the Taj constructed to enshrine her mortal remains and be a center of pilgrimage. This shrine of mystique and love was designed by the Iranian architect Ustad Isa. The workmanship on the Taj is said to be purely Indian. Shah Jahan was known to have patronized Indian artisans irrespective of religion and caste. Continue reading →