Taj MahalThe Taj Mahal dates from the 17th century, as tomb for the favourite wife of Moghul-emperor Shah Jahan. She died at the birth of her 14th child in 1630. In grief, Shah Jahan decided to construct for her a monument to show his eternal love. It took 22 years to complete. The name Taj Mahal is derived from her nick-name Mumtaz Mahal: pearl or crown of the palace.According to legend, Shah Jahan planned to erect a black version as tomb for himself on the other side of the river. A bridge should connect the two monuments. The Taj is situated in the city of Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna-river. It is enclosed in a garden amidst fountains and ornamental trees. The walled complex further includes two mosques and an imposing gateway.
Visit July 1993
"Several points about the Taj Mahal that astonished me: ... How big it is ... How clean it is ... How symmetrical it is ... How many of the visitors are Indians, not Westerners ... How as you get closer, you see there is curlicue writing all over it ... How much it matches all its photographs."
What can I say more? Truly beautiful.
Reviews
Geeta (USA):
What can I say more? Truly beautiful.
Reviews
Geeta (USA):
Regarding the so-called unfair entry fees for viewing the Taj, foreigners are still getting a bargain. Visit any "national heritage " sites abroad, and you'll know what I mean. The Taj should be subsidised for Indians; thats the only way the average Indian is going to be able to see and appreciate his heritage! So quit grumbling about the entry fees! The Taj is a bargain at any price!
():The Taj Mahal is the best! When I went there it was beautiful. I went in the evening and that day was perfect for looking at a wonder of the world.
():Taj Mahal is very good place to see & feel the love. i visited the Taj Mahal at recent it is very very beautiful.Please go to agra &see the Taj Mahal only one time in your life.
Christer Sundberg (Sweden):
():The Taj Mahal is the best! When I went there it was beautiful. I went in the evening and that day was perfect for looking at a wonder of the world.
():Taj Mahal is very good place to see & feel the love. i visited the Taj Mahal at recent it is very very beautiful.Please go to agra &see the Taj Mahal only one time in your life.
Christer Sundberg (Sweden):
At first light of dawn, when a cool breeze fills the air and the morning sun shines on the palace, Taj Mahal is at its height of beauty. Set against the azure skyline, it looks like a mirage in a desert - the greatest monument to love. It was exactly like this when, on an early December morning, I made my first visit to the legendary monument. It is certainly also true that it is a very special view to see the early morning sun rays embrace this absolutely magnificent white marbled tomb. The story has been told many times – of Shah Jahan’s favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died at the age of 39 when delivering a child and the greif that then made the Shah immortalize their love by building the “dream in marble” – 22 years in the making with the help of over 22.000 craftsmen. History tells that when Shah Jahan started to plan for his OWN mausoleum to be built in black marble across the river Yamuna, his son had just about enough of his fathers spending and locked him up in the Agra Fort. And there he sat until the day he died, gazing at the distant tomb of his long-lost wife. Almost makes you want to shed a tear, right..?
():Stunning- all I have to say.
():I happened to visit taj mahal in the evening around 5 PM on 19 th Nov, 2006. I am an Indian American. I am Indian by birth and I am proud to brag about Taj Mahal to my american born friends. Unfortunately,The way it has been maintained by Govt of India is not only pathetic, it outright stupid and cunter productive to revenue generation. What is wrong wityh these people.When I reached Taj mahal. It was totally dark. No lights of any kind. It was a disaster. I paid a long visit from delhi just too visit Taj. The approach roads in Agra are horrible. The over all condition surrounding Taj is un imaginable. How can you imagine a world tourist to visit a world renowned monument to be so neglected is beyond me. It is such a beautiful monument which a wonder of the world should be treated like a gem by the Govt. I wish it was in US. I heared a lot about India risisng. The infra structure and and road conditons are less than even third world countries. I got sick due to water conditions. Those who talk about India comparing with China and other regional super powers should better think about improving the infra structure by leaps and bounds otherwise forget it. I am not going to invite my American friends to visit India any more. These low level Govt officials and police are always trying to extract money out of you.I am really sorry about the difficulties of the world travellers visiting places like Taj and alike. Unfortunately, It is Govt of India losing the money. Just by imroviong IT base can take tyou only so far. You have to change the way you think and develope your civic sense. Remeber, I am an Indian by birth. I don't like to criticize my motherland. However, truth is truth.
JAGLO (INDIA):taj mahal in true sense is a perfect example of love,emotions and beauty.after learning a lot about in magazines and books,when i actually saw the monument i was SIMPLY AMAZED BY THIS white beauty.iwish icould capture this moment for my lifetime.it was or me an unforgettable moment. the only problem that confronts the tourists is the scarcity of CLEAN WATER.ALSO THE FOOD is not so happening. but ihope it is not such a big price for a lifetime experience
Date posted: June 2006
Arthur Pink (USA):The government of India runs a racket. They charge foreigners some 50 times the entrance price they charge Indians. No concessions for students or teachers. This policy is applied in racist fashion, as it is in hotels and domestic airlines, which also impose dual pricing. If you look Indian or have an Indian-sounding surname, you get in for the Indian rate. If you look European, you pay the vastly inflated rate. This government policy encourages even shopkeepers and taxi drivers to charge what must be considered dual rates.
Date posted: May 2006
M.S.SACHIN CHANDRA (INDIA):I THINK IT IS A VERY GREAT MONUMENT SYMBOLISING LOVE.VISITING TAJ WAS JUST LIKE VISITING THE LAND OF LOVE AND AFFECTION.TAJ IS A MONUMENT ON WHICH NO ONE CAN PASS BAD COMMENTS AND THOUGH SOMEONE PASSES THEN ITS REALLY A BIG FAKE.ALSO I ADVISE THE READERS THAT TAJ IS A PALACE WHERE U CAN EXPERIENCE WHAT IS THE ROLE PLAYED BY LOVE IN ONES LIFE
Date posted: April 2006
Gaurav ((Lived in India in my kids year) but now in Canada):i've seen Taj Mahal when i was a kid in India when i lived there till i was 10 and moved to canada it was a the most beautiful monument i've evered seen as a kid. i love to go and visit again in my life time.
Date posted: January 2006
latisha (jamaica):i have been to see the Taj Mahal with my family and i loved it, it was the most fantastic place you have ever seen. you will love to see the amasning things that is there . you will have a lot to do and see so you most get your self pepered.
jellie (Australia):i went to the Taj Mahal and found out about its culture and the love story of the emperor. i absolutely loved it im going back as soon as i get the money it is a fantastic place to go and i advise EVERYBODY to go! you will love it
surbo virdi (england):how can i start to describe this work of the ages it enters your mind and opens a part of you that was not there before. I visited this magnificent structure in 2003 for the second time i can only say that if words have to be used than use the words SEE FOR YOURSELF
shaili (Mauritius):Been to the one and only Taj Mahal. Was amazed when I first saw it - was shocked - what a beauty - its unbelievable to think its a creation of man ...The terrible thing is that admist dust and poverty, you enter a gate, and here stands a creation of love.
Rob Wilson (UK):Kipling said it was the 'Gateway through which all dreams must pass'.Tagore said that is was 'A tear on the face of Eternity'.Those descriptions sum this wonderful place up better than anything I could say. It's just a shame about the entry fees.
Isabella Detayley (Rome):I have been to the Taj Mahal and it was a beautiful experience ofcours in my country there are a lot of wonderful statues and buildings but my favorite is not the ones that are in Rome but The taj Mahal.
maya (england):my husband proposed to me whilst we were visiting the taj mahal, it is truly spiritual and amazing. you have to go to see it to get the true feel of the place.
Guru Dev (INDIA (now in USA)):The Taj Mahal is not a site... It is a LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.No matter how many times you see it in pictures & all the rationalising about how it does really look like the pictures (of course it will!!) the sheer geometry and scale of "the real thing" is something that just has to be EXPERIENCED!!What is avoidable is the city of AGRA... & the people there.. especially thos hovering around the fringes of the Tourism industry. The filth of the city & sheer rapacity of it's denizens is unbelievable. There are many parts of the world where tourists are conned & cheated but AGRA (actually starting in from Delhi) is really BAD!! The basic civic amenities & the local government are non-existent. So outside the cocoon of the 5 Star luxury tours get ready for the rough & tumble of a real mean town. Avoid TOUTS like the plague. Even if a price seems cheap quote just 30%.. etc. The Govt. is also in on the racket charging absurdly high fees at all points without providing any facilities or security. If your looking for a basic feature like a clewan usable loo... then forget it.. Just admire the beauty of the TAJ. I feel WORLD HERITAGE STATUS should be decide only after subjecting the environs & infrastructure to the STRICTEST POSSIBLE scrutiny. Even things like local political factors should be factored in... reward progressive & proactive states & & penalise others strictly..But the TAJ is still the TAJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! don't miss it.
Diana Schipper (Holland):Saw the first shooting star of my life over the Taj Mahal in 1993. A special place, a special day, special company too. The Taj Mahal is truly a spectacular symbol of love, art and craftmanship combined. I just hope the authorities can keep the place clean ....
Rita (India(but now in USA):i never visited Taj Mahal but i do really wanted to see it in reality as i always sees the picture of the Taj Mahal and it just gives me feeling that i wanted to go i am indian from india but now in USA i have hope that one day i will come and see Taj Mahal..
Barry Blackham (Yorkshire, England):What can you say about the Taj Mahal? It is certainly an emptional experience to stand in the shaddow (or shade!!) of such a magnificent work of art. People decribe it as a once in a lifetime experience to go there, now let me tell a secret, I have been there every year for the last 5 years. India and its people are the warmest and most welcoming. Forget the expensive package deal, if you know what you are doing you can go there for near enough the same price as going to Spain.My wife and I have been driven by private taxi from one side of India to the other, now that is an experience. How do you do it? You can fly to Bombay(Mumbai) for around £350 per person return for flight only. Searching the internet for hotels is ideal. You can get good quality air conditioned rooms or suits from about £10 per room per night up to about £25. You can go into the luxurious 5* places for anything up to £150 per room per night. Usually in the big Cities you want to be looking at about £20. If you get a map of India from any good book store, you can plan your own route. As a rough guide, 12 hours travel in a private taxi cost about £20 - £25. The hotel you stay in will get you a good driver who speaks english and who knows the area that you wish to go on your first leg. Take a leisurely drive and soak in the countryside towns and villages on your way. You will no doubt see weddings in villages, don't be afraid to stop and join in. If you feel like making a small gift of 200 indian rupees (about £3) to the bride and groom, do so. You will be invited to join in and eat with them. An excellent experience.When you start to become tired, simply ask your driver to find you a good hotel for the night. You have two choices then, you can send your driver back to Bombay and get your next driver from this hotel and so on. While you are on the road, you will want to stop off for something to eat. The driver will take you to a good clean place that he will know. His reward by the owners for taking you to his restaurant will be free food and drink for the driver. You can do this all the way accross India at your own leisure. If you find a particularly interesting place you can stay as long as you wish. You could simply tell the driver that you wish to drive for 6 hours with a one hour meal break in between and then stay at the nearest available hotel at the end of the 6 hours.You are paying so you do and go exactly where you want to go. This is what makes this way an exciting and enjoyable way. It is far better than a package where you have to be back at your hotel at 6 for tean and up at 7am to go on an excursion. Your whole holiday is one big excursion and you will see far more of the country and its friendly people.In the past, I have organised all my holiday via the internet. From being met at the airport by a driver holding a card with my family name on it to take us to our first hotel. Booked flights, trains everything. A 12 hour train journey in a 1st class air conditioned sleeper cost me £21 per person the last time I went in December 2001. We woke up nice and fresh having spent the night betewwn two clean, crisp white cotton sheets and nearly at our destination.You do not have to have a lot of money, most places take major credit cards and HSBC even have cash machines throughout India. The average cost of a good meal is from 50p to £1.50 per dish and I have seen 4 people eat one dish between them. I usually take about £2,000 with me (for 2 of us)and bring half of it back. It will work out about the same with 4 persons bacause the taxi is paid for if there is only 1 person or 4, it is the same. The hotels are by the room with an add on of about £2-£3 per extra bed per night. In India things are very cheap, an average factory worker working 12 hours per day 6 days per week brings home about £10 per week in wages. You are expected to haggle, if you go to a hotel and they say they want 1500 Indian Rupees a night for the room, tell them you will pay them 1200 rupees, they will either accept it or say you can have it for 1300. If they don't cut the price do not be scared to pick up your suitcases and start to walk out, they will call you back because 1200 rupees of yours are better than none. They know that if you go to the hotel next door, they would give you the room for 1200 rupees and they need the business.It's just the same when shopping, haggle. I usually find that whatever I buy, I get 2 for the original price of 1. They expect you to haggle. I look at it as though everyone in India is out to rip me off and I expect them to try. By haggleing, they are happy because they still manage to rip me off but I am also happy because they could have ripped me off for more.I hope that someone finds this feedback interesting and useful and wish that I had been given the benefits of someone elses experiences before I went the first time.India is a big and beautiful country, go out there and enjoy yourself.In 5 years I have never ever had an upset stomach and if you do not take any notice of what else I've said, please take notice of this.ONLY DRINK BOTTLED WATER THAT COMES TO YOU WITH THE SEAL INTACT. NEVER EVER DRING LOCAL OR TAP WATER. ONLY EAT FOOD THAT YOU SEE COOKED IN FRONT OF YOU. NEVER EVER EAT ANY FOOD THAT IS PRE-COOKED AND DISPLAYED IN GLASS CASES.Enjoy your holiday
Have you been to Taj Mahal? Share your experiences!
Add your own review
():Stunning- all I have to say.
():I happened to visit taj mahal in the evening around 5 PM on 19 th Nov, 2006. I am an Indian American. I am Indian by birth and I am proud to brag about Taj Mahal to my american born friends. Unfortunately,The way it has been maintained by Govt of India is not only pathetic, it outright stupid and cunter productive to revenue generation. What is wrong wityh these people.When I reached Taj mahal. It was totally dark. No lights of any kind. It was a disaster. I paid a long visit from delhi just too visit Taj. The approach roads in Agra are horrible. The over all condition surrounding Taj is un imaginable. How can you imagine a world tourist to visit a world renowned monument to be so neglected is beyond me. It is such a beautiful monument which a wonder of the world should be treated like a gem by the Govt. I wish it was in US. I heared a lot about India risisng. The infra structure and and road conditons are less than even third world countries. I got sick due to water conditions. Those who talk about India comparing with China and other regional super powers should better think about improving the infra structure by leaps and bounds otherwise forget it. I am not going to invite my American friends to visit India any more. These low level Govt officials and police are always trying to extract money out of you.I am really sorry about the difficulties of the world travellers visiting places like Taj and alike. Unfortunately, It is Govt of India losing the money. Just by imroviong IT base can take tyou only so far. You have to change the way you think and develope your civic sense. Remeber, I am an Indian by birth. I don't like to criticize my motherland. However, truth is truth.
JAGLO (INDIA):taj mahal in true sense is a perfect example of love,emotions and beauty.after learning a lot about in magazines and books,when i actually saw the monument i was SIMPLY AMAZED BY THIS white beauty.iwish icould capture this moment for my lifetime.it was or me an unforgettable moment. the only problem that confronts the tourists is the scarcity of CLEAN WATER.ALSO THE FOOD is not so happening. but ihope it is not such a big price for a lifetime experience
Date posted: June 2006
Arthur Pink (USA):The government of India runs a racket. They charge foreigners some 50 times the entrance price they charge Indians. No concessions for students or teachers. This policy is applied in racist fashion, as it is in hotels and domestic airlines, which also impose dual pricing. If you look Indian or have an Indian-sounding surname, you get in for the Indian rate. If you look European, you pay the vastly inflated rate. This government policy encourages even shopkeepers and taxi drivers to charge what must be considered dual rates.
Date posted: May 2006
M.S.SACHIN CHANDRA (INDIA):I THINK IT IS A VERY GREAT MONUMENT SYMBOLISING LOVE.VISITING TAJ WAS JUST LIKE VISITING THE LAND OF LOVE AND AFFECTION.TAJ IS A MONUMENT ON WHICH NO ONE CAN PASS BAD COMMENTS AND THOUGH SOMEONE PASSES THEN ITS REALLY A BIG FAKE.ALSO I ADVISE THE READERS THAT TAJ IS A PALACE WHERE U CAN EXPERIENCE WHAT IS THE ROLE PLAYED BY LOVE IN ONES LIFE
Date posted: April 2006
Gaurav ((Lived in India in my kids year) but now in Canada):i've seen Taj Mahal when i was a kid in India when i lived there till i was 10 and moved to canada it was a the most beautiful monument i've evered seen as a kid. i love to go and visit again in my life time.
Date posted: January 2006
latisha (jamaica):i have been to see the Taj Mahal with my family and i loved it, it was the most fantastic place you have ever seen. you will love to see the amasning things that is there . you will have a lot to do and see so you most get your self pepered.
jellie (Australia):i went to the Taj Mahal and found out about its culture and the love story of the emperor. i absolutely loved it im going back as soon as i get the money it is a fantastic place to go and i advise EVERYBODY to go! you will love it
surbo virdi (england):how can i start to describe this work of the ages it enters your mind and opens a part of you that was not there before. I visited this magnificent structure in 2003 for the second time i can only say that if words have to be used than use the words SEE FOR YOURSELF
shaili (Mauritius):Been to the one and only Taj Mahal. Was amazed when I first saw it - was shocked - what a beauty - its unbelievable to think its a creation of man ...The terrible thing is that admist dust and poverty, you enter a gate, and here stands a creation of love.
Rob Wilson (UK):Kipling said it was the 'Gateway through which all dreams must pass'.Tagore said that is was 'A tear on the face of Eternity'.Those descriptions sum this wonderful place up better than anything I could say. It's just a shame about the entry fees.
Isabella Detayley (Rome):I have been to the Taj Mahal and it was a beautiful experience ofcours in my country there are a lot of wonderful statues and buildings but my favorite is not the ones that are in Rome but The taj Mahal.
maya (england):my husband proposed to me whilst we were visiting the taj mahal, it is truly spiritual and amazing. you have to go to see it to get the true feel of the place.
Guru Dev (INDIA (now in USA)):The Taj Mahal is not a site... It is a LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.No matter how many times you see it in pictures & all the rationalising about how it does really look like the pictures (of course it will!!) the sheer geometry and scale of "the real thing" is something that just has to be EXPERIENCED!!What is avoidable is the city of AGRA... & the people there.. especially thos hovering around the fringes of the Tourism industry. The filth of the city & sheer rapacity of it's denizens is unbelievable. There are many parts of the world where tourists are conned & cheated but AGRA (actually starting in from Delhi) is really BAD!! The basic civic amenities & the local government are non-existent. So outside the cocoon of the 5 Star luxury tours get ready for the rough & tumble of a real mean town. Avoid TOUTS like the plague. Even if a price seems cheap quote just 30%.. etc. The Govt. is also in on the racket charging absurdly high fees at all points without providing any facilities or security. If your looking for a basic feature like a clewan usable loo... then forget it.. Just admire the beauty of the TAJ. I feel WORLD HERITAGE STATUS should be decide only after subjecting the environs & infrastructure to the STRICTEST POSSIBLE scrutiny. Even things like local political factors should be factored in... reward progressive & proactive states & & penalise others strictly..But the TAJ is still the TAJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! don't miss it.
Diana Schipper (Holland):Saw the first shooting star of my life over the Taj Mahal in 1993. A special place, a special day, special company too. The Taj Mahal is truly a spectacular symbol of love, art and craftmanship combined. I just hope the authorities can keep the place clean ....
Rita (India(but now in USA):i never visited Taj Mahal but i do really wanted to see it in reality as i always sees the picture of the Taj Mahal and it just gives me feeling that i wanted to go i am indian from india but now in USA i have hope that one day i will come and see Taj Mahal..
Barry Blackham (Yorkshire, England):What can you say about the Taj Mahal? It is certainly an emptional experience to stand in the shaddow (or shade!!) of such a magnificent work of art. People decribe it as a once in a lifetime experience to go there, now let me tell a secret, I have been there every year for the last 5 years. India and its people are the warmest and most welcoming. Forget the expensive package deal, if you know what you are doing you can go there for near enough the same price as going to Spain.My wife and I have been driven by private taxi from one side of India to the other, now that is an experience. How do you do it? You can fly to Bombay(Mumbai) for around £350 per person return for flight only. Searching the internet for hotels is ideal. You can get good quality air conditioned rooms or suits from about £10 per room per night up to about £25. You can go into the luxurious 5* places for anything up to £150 per room per night. Usually in the big Cities you want to be looking at about £20. If you get a map of India from any good book store, you can plan your own route. As a rough guide, 12 hours travel in a private taxi cost about £20 - £25. The hotel you stay in will get you a good driver who speaks english and who knows the area that you wish to go on your first leg. Take a leisurely drive and soak in the countryside towns and villages on your way. You will no doubt see weddings in villages, don't be afraid to stop and join in. If you feel like making a small gift of 200 indian rupees (about £3) to the bride and groom, do so. You will be invited to join in and eat with them. An excellent experience.When you start to become tired, simply ask your driver to find you a good hotel for the night. You have two choices then, you can send your driver back to Bombay and get your next driver from this hotel and so on. While you are on the road, you will want to stop off for something to eat. The driver will take you to a good clean place that he will know. His reward by the owners for taking you to his restaurant will be free food and drink for the driver. You can do this all the way accross India at your own leisure. If you find a particularly interesting place you can stay as long as you wish. You could simply tell the driver that you wish to drive for 6 hours with a one hour meal break in between and then stay at the nearest available hotel at the end of the 6 hours.You are paying so you do and go exactly where you want to go. This is what makes this way an exciting and enjoyable way. It is far better than a package where you have to be back at your hotel at 6 for tean and up at 7am to go on an excursion. Your whole holiday is one big excursion and you will see far more of the country and its friendly people.In the past, I have organised all my holiday via the internet. From being met at the airport by a driver holding a card with my family name on it to take us to our first hotel. Booked flights, trains everything. A 12 hour train journey in a 1st class air conditioned sleeper cost me £21 per person the last time I went in December 2001. We woke up nice and fresh having spent the night betewwn two clean, crisp white cotton sheets and nearly at our destination.You do not have to have a lot of money, most places take major credit cards and HSBC even have cash machines throughout India. The average cost of a good meal is from 50p to £1.50 per dish and I have seen 4 people eat one dish between them. I usually take about £2,000 with me (for 2 of us)and bring half of it back. It will work out about the same with 4 persons bacause the taxi is paid for if there is only 1 person or 4, it is the same. The hotels are by the room with an add on of about £2-£3 per extra bed per night. In India things are very cheap, an average factory worker working 12 hours per day 6 days per week brings home about £10 per week in wages. You are expected to haggle, if you go to a hotel and they say they want 1500 Indian Rupees a night for the room, tell them you will pay them 1200 rupees, they will either accept it or say you can have it for 1300. If they don't cut the price do not be scared to pick up your suitcases and start to walk out, they will call you back because 1200 rupees of yours are better than none. They know that if you go to the hotel next door, they would give you the room for 1200 rupees and they need the business.It's just the same when shopping, haggle. I usually find that whatever I buy, I get 2 for the original price of 1. They expect you to haggle. I look at it as though everyone in India is out to rip me off and I expect them to try. By haggleing, they are happy because they still manage to rip me off but I am also happy because they could have ripped me off for more.I hope that someone finds this feedback interesting and useful and wish that I had been given the benefits of someone elses experiences before I went the first time.India is a big and beautiful country, go out there and enjoy yourself.In 5 years I have never ever had an upset stomach and if you do not take any notice of what else I've said, please take notice of this.ONLY DRINK BOTTLED WATER THAT COMES TO YOU WITH THE SEAL INTACT. NEVER EVER DRING LOCAL OR TAP WATER. ONLY EAT FOOD THAT YOU SEE COOKED IN FRONT OF YOU. NEVER EVER EAT ANY FOOD THAT IS PRE-COOKED AND DISPLAYED IN GLASS CASES.Enjoy your holiday
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