Taj Mahal, Agra - India

Timings : 6:00 am to 7:30 pm (Friday closed)
Best Time to Visit : October to March (winters)
Year of Construction : 1631-1653

Taj Mahal the name itself says it all. This epitome of love does not need any introduction. This most beautiful mausoleum in the world began in 1631. It took 22 years to complete. It built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife, Arjuman Bano Begam, who is famous as Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is decorated with beautiful calligraphic work which mostly consists of the verses and passages from the holy book of Koran. Taj's main features include impressive carvings, the four 40-metre-high minarets and the gallant dome in between. This eternal symbol of love mesmerizes tourists with its sheer beauty. Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal has got its life from the love behind this monument.

Excursion around Taj
» Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary : This place is just 55 km from the city of Taj Mahal. Around 380 species of domestic and migratory birds are found this 29 sq km stretch.

» Fatehpur Sikri :This imperial city of the Mughal dynasty, built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Located at a distance of 40 km from Agra, this city exhibits a fine instance of Mughal architecture.

» Sikandra : Akbar's tomb at Sikandra is a significant departure from the earlier Mughal buildings. It exhibits a different flavour of architectural style.


Major Distances
- Gwalior (Historical Destination) : 118 kms
- Jaipur (Cultural & Historical Destination) : 236 kms
- Khajuraho (Historical Destination) : 393 kms

Getting there
By Air : Kheria Airport (Airport of Agra) is about 6 km from the main city. Indian Airlines runs daily flights from national capital Delhi to Agra. From airport Agra city and is easily accessible by taxis and auto-rickshaws.

By Rail : Agra is well connected by excellent train services. Taj Express, Shatabadi and Rajdhani express are some express train who will take you to this eternal city in a quick pace. Most of the trains for major cities like Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai etc stop here. The main three railway stations of Agra are

• Agra Cantt Railway Station
• Raja-ki-Mundi Railway Station
• Agra Fort Railway Station

By Road : A/c or Non A/c express bus services are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, and Jhansi.