Indholdsfortegnelse
To say that this stunning architectural masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a mild understatement. Visiting the Taj Mahal was the highlight of my trip to India in 2011 and part of my goal to see all 7 New Wonders of the World. Even before arriving in Agra city and the Taj Mahal, we had already visited other major attractions in India; New Delhi, Pushkar, the Palace of Winds in Jaipur and the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. But nothing beats the experience of the Taj Mahal. In fact, I must admit that to this day, I have yet to experience the feeling in my body that I did when I walked through the gates and stood before this white wonder.
Impressive history
The impressive edifice was built between 1632 and 1653 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a monument to his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth in 1632. Shah Jahan’s love for his wife shines through clearly.
The second I stepped through the red entrance gate, my eyes quickly fixed on the white marble on the horizon. The majestic mausoleum in the center is an impressive sight, completed by the four minarets that all hang slightly away from the building. This protects the Taj Mahal from possible earthquakes.
Right at the entrance, people line up to take the iconic photo with the Taj Mahal in the background. Of course, I was no exception J and with a little patience, I managed to take a picture without 25 other people joining in.
After taking the iconic picture, you move up through the gardens, which are especially characterized by the water pools in the middle, and if you squat down, you can take a picture in which you can see the Taj Mahal and its reflection in the pool.
Author of the photo: @nadezhda_travelguru
When you get to the bottom of the gardens and you stand in front of the pedestal of the Taj Mahal you really get a sense of how big an architectural masterpiece it is. After putting your shoes on, you can make your way up the marble steps to the platform itself and the entrance to the tomb monument. As you move around the elevated area, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see the many beautiful details of the building. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take pictures inside the mausoleum itself.
If it is possible to stay at the Taj Mahal for a longer period of time, it is highly recommended that you stay and experience how the color of the white marble changes with the light. It is also recommended to visit the Taj Mahal early in the morning, as most tourist buses have not yet arrived.
Agra Fort
Right after the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort – better known as the Red Fort – is the second most visited attraction in Agra. A visit to Agra Fort is also highly recommended if you have the time. From here you can see the Taj Mahal from a distance.
The 2.8 km long fort with 20 meter high walls is built of burnt bricks, it is unknown when the fort was originally built, but for centuries it served as the capital of the Great Moguls from where they ruled their vast empire. Shah Jahan was placed under house arrest at the fort by his own son, and in the last years of his life could look powerlessly over at the Taj Mahal and his late wife’s final resting place.
Inside the walls, you can walk around the vast grounds and see the many beautiful architectural details. You can also enjoy the beautiful green lawns and gardens.
The city of Agra has a reputation for having a lot of street vendors and beggars, and especially at the entrance to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort you will be greeted by these people who have made it their livelihood to harass tourists.
In India, coins are especially popular, so if you have a lot of coins you’d like to get rid of, they’ll definitely do the trick. But be aware that once you’ve given to one person, you’ll quickly become the focus of others. Especially as a Dane, it can feel quite scary that people get so close to you, but in all my visits to India I have not yet experienced that they have crossed my limit, such as physically grabbing you.
The 2-hour express train from New Delhi makes the trip to Agra Fort and Taj Mahal affordable as a day trip, which is definitely recommended as Agra city is not the most flattering city to visit.
