Some
edifices are as imposing as to make us forget ourselves. Even their aura
overpowers us. Taj Mahal is one of such rare monuments. This masterpiece is
included among the seven wonders of the world. The monument is the sublime
manifestation of eternal love in white marble. A king got this mausoleum
built as a tribute to his beloved queen but it has become a symbol of love
for any lover. What if you can not build a Taj for your beloved, even the
visit with your darling to this place will bind you both together forever.
Where is it ?
Taj Mahal is located in Agra, a north Indian city. The city is a district
headquarter of state of Uttar Pradesh.
Who built it ?
Taj Mahal got built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite queen
Mumtaz in 1653. Ustad Isa, a Persian architect built it. It took a long span
of 22 years to create this masterpiece of symmetry.
What to see !
» The Architecture - Taj Mahal has been designed
according to the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. It is placed on a high
plinth with the four minarets on the each corner. A central hall with the
four smaller halls around it are in an octagonal structure. This building is
made of white marble only. Pietra dura (stone inlay) has been used to
decorate the white walls. The verses of holy Koran have been inscribed on
the walls. There was also very extensive use of semi-precious stones to
adorn the interiors.
»
The Gateway - A 30-m high massive red sandstone gateway hides the Taj.
The small cupolas or Chatris are placed on the top of it. This is the symbol
of the divide between virtual and real.
» Charbagh - The Taj looks more beautiful because a
300 m x 300 m garden is in it's foreground. The garden is in Persian
Charbagh style(four garden plan).
» Pietra Dura - You will find this unique style of
decoration at Taj. Numerous precious stones have been used in this stone
inlay work. Ninety-nine names of Allah have been used to decorate the
eastern and western sides of the grave of Mumtaz.
How to Reach ?
You can reach Agra by airplane, train or bus from Delhi or any other major
city of the country very easily. Agra is a well-developed air or rail-head
and road terminal.
Where to stay ?
There are many world-class hotels at Agra. You can choose the hotel of your
choice from a long list of luxury, deluxe and budget hotels. Some names of
the hotels at Agra include Jaypee Palace Hotel, Mughal Sheraton Hotel, Hotel
Clarks Shiraz, Hotel Agra Ashok and Hotel Taj View.
