Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
World Heritage in India (Archaeological Survey of India)
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Moghal Gardens (World Heritage Review)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1983
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 78,042°
Latitude: 27,174°

Summary

An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

Location on Map


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Introduction

The Taj Mahal, located in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the most iconic and renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites. This magnificent mausoleum, often referred to as the "Crown of Palaces," is a symbol of eternal love and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

History

The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth. The construction of this grand monument took over 20 years and involved the efforts of thousands of skilled artisans and craftsmen.

The architectural design of the Taj Mahal is a fusion of Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. The main building is constructed of white marble, which was brought from Makrana, Rajasthan. The intricate carvings, calligraphy, and inlaid precious stones add to its exquisite beauty.

Architecture and Design

The Taj Mahal stands on a raised platform and is surrounded by lush gardens, reflecting pools, and symmetrical structures. The main entrance is a majestic gateway made of red sandstone, known as the Darwaza-i-Rauza. It leads to the expansive Charbagh, a Persian-style garden divided into four quadrants by water channels.

The central focus of the Taj Mahal is the mausoleum itself, which is a symmetrical structure with a large dome at its center. The dome is flanked by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) at each corner. The interior of the mausoleum houses the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, adorned with intricate marble inlay work and semi-precious stones.

Current State

The Taj Mahal continues to be a significant cultural and architectural landmark, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. However, due to environmental factors and the sheer volume of tourists, the monument has faced several challenges in recent years.

Pollution, particularly air pollution, has taken a toll on the Taj Mahal's pristine white marble. To combat this, the Indian government has implemented measures to reduce pollution levels in the surrounding area. Additionally, strict regulations have been put in place to limit the number of visitors and control their impact on the monument.

Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve the Taj Mahal's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regularly conducts restoration and maintenance work to address issues such as cracks, discoloration, and decay. The use of scaffolding and cleaning techniques, including mud packs and laser technology, have been employed to restore the monument's original splendor.

Conclusion

The Taj Mahal stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the architectural brilliance of the Mughal era. Its timeless beauty and cultural significance have rightfully earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. As efforts continue to preserve and protect this iconic monument, the Taj Mahal will continue to inspire awe and captivate visitors for generations to come.

Hotels and places to stay

Hotel M House

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
Purani Mandi Crossing, Fatehabad Road
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 00:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Rudra Vilas

Address
Distance: 0,6 mi
Rudra Vilas , Next to Taj Mahal West Gate, Purani Mandi, Taj Ganj, Fatehabad Road, Agra
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hotel Amar

Address
Distance: 0,6 mi
Tourist Complex Area
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Hotel Panna Paradise

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
Fatehabad Road
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hotel Idea Inn

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
44, Bansal Nagar, opp. Howard Plaza
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hotel Sheela Inn

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
Taj East Gate, Opp. Jalma Hospital, (Next to Tara Palace), Ship Gram Road, Near Taj Mahal, AGRA,
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hotel Taj Prince

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
Taj Nagri Phase 1, Near Police Chowki, Fatehabad Road
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


9 Star Hotel

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
18/159/A/4A-4B, M.P Pura Taj Ganj
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Hotel Shahjahan

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
South gate, Near Police Station, Tajganj
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hotel Rashmi

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
Taj Mahal Eastern Gate road Tajganj Agra, Near hotel amar vilas.
282001 Agra
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Videos from the area

INDIA ETAPA DELHI - TAJ MAHAL (AGRA). India 1ª Parte

Published: February 17, 2014
Length: 34:36 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Javier Colorado

En este video empiezo un nuevo camino después de lo sucedido en Pakistán. Muestro la vida en Delhi, y mi camino desde Delhi hasta la ciudad de Agra. Allí veré el TAJ MAHAL la primera...

Taj Mahal - Agra Fort,

Published: March 30, 2015
Length: 18:42 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Vijayavel Mama

Taj Mahal - Agra. + http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Tajmahal Trip : Partha & Pranamee, April, 2014.

Published: January 05, 2015
Length: 00:14 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Dr. Kumar Partha Pratim.

This is a photo slideshow video comprising the photographs from our (I and my wife Pranamee) tour to the Tajmahal in April, 2014. These are personal photographs and thus our family members...

Taj Mahal: La Gran Joya India / Taj Mahal: The Great Indian Jewel [IGEO.TV] HD

Published: August 29, 2013
Length: 32:04 min
Rating: 2 of 5
Author: i geotv

http://igeo.tv/category/videos/tematica/cultura/lugares-mundo/ El Taj Mahal (hindi: ताज महल Tāj Mahal, urdu: تاج محل Tāŷ Mahal 'Palacio de Corona'; /tɑːʒ mə'hɑl/)...

India Agra Taj Mahal 2010

Published: March 14, 2011
Length: 02:07 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Wolfgang Gegusch

Maharaja and Taj Mahal Ride

Published: October 20, 2013
Length: 16:12 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: tamboogarage

PromoFast e Scuderia Mototrek® con Motorcycle Expeditions vi propongono una vera e divertente avventura senza tempo in sella a motociclette Royal Enfield nel favoloso Rajasthan, terra dei...

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