The Taj Mahal

No words or pictures can fully do justice to actually visiting the Taj Mahal. Most people take a train or car day trip from Delhi; many stay over night though-Oberoi Amarvilas is the best, with amazing views-to see the most famous and beautiful building in India. Started in 1630, it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. It was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing more than twenty thousand workers.

View from Room at Amarvilas

It has long been considered one of the world's most beautiful buildings and was built using marble slabs that were brought from a quarry 265 miles away. It was constructed entirely from white marble. Its structure was planned with great care and architects from all over the world were brought to Agra for this purpose. Upon the Shah’s death, his son Aurangazeb had him interred in it next to Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan never visited the finished building while alive.

This beautiful building is sited on the banks of the Yamuna River. As one of the seven wonders of world, the Taj Mahal represents the outstanding body of Mughal buildings and architecture left by Shah Jahan and is expressed in the perfect form of the Taj Mahal.

If you’re lucky enough to be there, the Taj Mahal’s grounds are usually packed with tourists. Ignore the crowds and head towards the glistening white marble tomb. Climb the marble stairs and take off your shoes to pad quietly around the beautiful mausoleum. Try to imagine the love Shah Jahan must have felt for his wife… it’s an unforgettable experience.