Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is the name of a monument located in Agra, India. It was comissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife, Arjuman Banu Begum who was later known as Mumtaz Mahal and took 23 years to complete (1630 - 1653). The Taj Mahal was constructed using materials from all over India and Asia. Over 1,000 elephants were used to transport building materials during the construction. The white marble was brought from Rajasthan, the jasper from Punjab and the jade and crystal from China. The turquoise was from Tibet and the Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, while the sapphire came from Sri Lanka and the cornelian from Arabia. In all, 28 types of precious and semi-precious stones were inlaid into the white marble. The total cost of construction was about 40 million Rupees, at a time when 1 gram of gold was sold for about 1.3 Rupees.

Various studies on the Taj speculate on what makes it unique and beautiful. One reason is attributed to its perfect proportions and geometry. Another is ascribed to the various moods that the Taj presents to its viewers. Clad in delicate, white Makrana marble, the Taj changes its character across time as the light changes- dawn, noon, twilight, night. The shadows that fall on the marble too enhance the effect, being very delicate. The Taj is considered especially etheral when viewed on a full moon night. For Tagore, the Taj was a "tear in the face of eternity".

The Taj Mahal, as of 1983, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination.

HOW TO REACH TAJ MAHAL:
BY AIR: Domestic aircarrier, Indian Airlines runs daily flights connecting Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and the holy city of Varanasi. Kheria Airport is about 6 km from the Agra city centre and can be reached by taxis and auto-rickshaws at fixed rates, Rs 75 for the former and Rs 50 for the latter.

BY RAIL : Agra is well connected by excellent train services to Delhi such as the Shatabdi Express (2 hrs), Taj Express (2.5 hrs), Intercity Express (3 hrs).
Railway Stations: Agra Cantt Rly Stn, Enquiry: 131, 133. Reservation: 364611 Raja-ki-Mundi Rly Stn, Contact: 354477 Agra Fort Rly Stn, enbquiry: 132, 135 Reservation: 364131 Tundla Rly Stn on Ferozabad Rd (for changing trains) 05611-22631

BY ROAD: Express bus services (a/c and non-a/c) are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, and Jhansi. For those driving to Agra, the distances are: Mathura - 58 kms.
Bharatpur - 60 kms.
Gwalior - 118 kms.
Delhi - 203 kms.
Jaipur - 236 kms.
Khajuraho - 393 kms.

Route: Delhi-Mathura-Agra, Distance: 203 Kms.