Wonders of the World: An insider guide to the Taj Mahal

A dream carved in marble deserves much more than a tour and photograph memento. Our India travel experts curate a travel itinerary at one of the Seven Wonders of the World that immerses you into its history, mythology and peerless beauty

Located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is an enduring symbol of adoration reflected in architectural brilliance. While its name translates to Crown Palace, it is often difficult to believe that the ethereal monument is actually a mausoleum. One of the world’s most breathtaking odes to love and longing, it was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Mahal died in 1631 during the birth of her 14th child, a daughter named Gauhar Ara Begum.

The gargantuan 17^th century project required an international team of architects, masons, stone-cutters, mosaic artists, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome builders and other artisans to be assembled from across India, Central Asia and Iran. While most historians credit Indian Persian architect Ustad-Ahmad Lahori as its main architect, it is said that over thirty seven designers formed the creative team that visualised the Taj Mahal, meticulously overlooked by Shah Jahan himself. From its perfectly symmetrical Makrana marble edifice and semi precious stone inlay work, to the long reflective pool fringed by symmetrical Cyprus and fruit trees that resemble both life and death, the monumental labour of love is sheer poetry.

If you’re planning a Taj Mahal trip, we suggest you call our Northern India luxury travel experts, who will curate a memorable journey in and around the monument described by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek of time”. Read on to learn what what you need to see around the Taj to when and how you should visit this marvel.

Experience a theatrical ode to passion

The tragic love story of the Taj Mahal is full of dramatic and heartbreaking moments. It was said Shah Jahan planned to build a black Taj Mahal on the opposite bank of Yamuna River to shadow the white mausoleum. But the years it took to build his vision left him physically and politically weak. His son usurped the throne and imprisoned him in the Massuman Burj at Agra Fort, from where he spent his last years gazing at the Taj Mahal. Experience several goosebump moments from this epic love story by booking tickets for Mohabbat – The Taj. The 80 minute show is performed every evening at Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Centre. You’ll be mesmerised by the operatic musical score, opulent costumes and larger than life sets centred on a colour changing, 8,500 kilogram Taj Mahal replica.  With audio gadgets available on site, you can hear the dialogues and songs in German, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Persian, French, Russian, Hindi or English.

Book a dream date 

Breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal isn’t the only reason our North Indian travel experts recommend the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas, though it’s a compelling reason enough to book one of their plush rooms or suites. The iconic hotel is just 600 metres away from the monument. You can view it in full bloom from the terrace of your suite or gaze at it while sipping a cocktail by the swimming pool in the resplendent manicured garden. A private candlelit dinner on the hotel terrace with the Taj Mahal silhouetted against a starry sky is the stuff of timeless love stories.  The location and view paired with a multi course customised meal and fine wine could well rank as one of the top romantic travel moments of your life.

Discover Agra

While a globally feted monument looms large over its identity, the city of Agra is enchanting in other ways too. Chat with our India travel experts while planning your trip to the Taj Mahal to get the most of its home city.  With their local knowledge, you can skip queues and tourist crowds and view the Taj from an under the radar site, Mehtab Bagh. Your bespoke Agra itinerary will further include the 16^th UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra Fort, which is a short walk away from its more famous cousin. The red sandstone fortress is home to erstwhile royal abodes like the Jahangir Palace and Khas Mahal and the resplendent audience hall, Diwan-i-Khas spread over 94 acres on the banks of the Yamuna.

Our experienced Agra guide will introduce you to the city’s lively markets. From snacking on samosa chaat and golgappe at Sadar Bazaar to shopping for textiles, handicrafts and jewellery at Kinari Bazaar and picking up the city’s most famous sweet petha (made from ash gourd and sugar) at Panch Petha store, you’ll revel in Agra’s  charms.

If your Taj Mahal travel plans can accommodate day trips from Agra, we recommend you visit the scenic Galta Ji temple complex for a dip in its natural water springs and sacred lakes and marvel at the 9^th century architectural brilliance at Chand Baori, one of the steepest step wells in the world. The tomb of Emperor Akbar in the historic town of Sikandra predates the Taj Mahal in using white marble instead of the Mughal staple, red sandstone. In this town, you can also visit the mausoleum Itmad-ud-Daulah, popularly known as Baby Taj for its similarity to the original.

Navigate the incredible Taj Mahal

While Agra is captivating, the Taj Mahal remains its prime attraction, drawing hordes of tourists from across the world. Your visit to the greatest monument to love can easily become unpleasant and bogged down by strict rules. For a truly magical Taj Mahal visit, consult our India luxury travel experts for a treasure of insider tips.  One of the little known secrets to experiencing the Taj Mahal, is getting there long before the crowds start milling. Waking up with the sun gives you a chance to observe the genius details of the horticulture planners of the Mughal court. For example, the tomb is placed at one end of the quadripartite garden rather than in the exact centre, which adds rich depth and perspective to the distant view of the monument.

From the magnificent main gate to the Timurid-Persian garden, you can bask in the full splendour of the UNESCO World Heritage site by including early mornings in your Taj Mahal trip planning. Our India specialists will also advise you to avoid sunrise visits during winters when it gets too foggy to view the monument clearly.  Once inside, you’ll attract a penalty fine for loitering in the complex beyond the permitted three hour limit. During a full moon night, you can stay no longer than 30 minutes. From private vehicle parking permissions to electronic equipment regulations and the perfect spots for photographs, our experienced, English-speaking local guides assure you of a smooth visit, full of delightful discoveries.

Call us for today to experience the peerless monument of love and architectural brilliance in a new light. Your India vacation to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World deserves nothing less. 

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