Taj Mahal India

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 The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest examples of Muslim architecture in the world and is universally admired. Images of the Taj Mahal temple are instantly recognizable. Regarded as one of the modern wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal reflects this accolade as being a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Taj Mahal at first glance looks like some computer generated image from a movie. Its magnificent graying white marble and symmetrical architecture, look's surreal and far to stunning to be real. You really do have to see it to believe it.

Situated on the bank of the Yamuna River in Agra India, the Taj Mahal is set amongst a magnificent backdrop offering views from many different perspectives. The Taj Mahal India is best visited more than once in a day. Both sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and picturesque time to visit as the white marble stone slowly becomes bathed the golden yellow sun taking on a strange pink tinged look before fading once again into the Agra India night. While the Taj Mahal temple can be visited any time of the year, it is best seen in time with the seasonal climate of Agra India. October-March brings the most stable weather. 

 Taj Mahal history records that the monument was constructed between 1631-1653 taking 22 years between conception and completion. It is estimated that over 22,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants were used to transport the marble stone work and carry out the build. Built in the 17th Century, the Taj Mahal Agra was built in honor of the Prince Shah Jahan's third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their 14th child. Although myths surround the construction of the monument, insights into Taj Mahal history confirm that the creation of the monument was solely intended as an act of love by Prince Jahan to his late wife.

Central to the Taj Mahal temple is the tomb which stands central on top of a square plinth. At each corner of the base, stand's four large minarets 40 meters tall. The entire monument is symmetrical. The central tomb is entered through an arched doorway and topped by a large dome. On each corner are 4 smaller domes that act to emphasize the central main dome. The centre dome is topped by a spire encompassing a half moon to reflect its Islamic heritage. Housed inside the central building is the false sarcophagus of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jaham although their actual graves are in a plain crypt beneath the inner chamber. Adorning the marble stone work of the main arch (iwan) and side arches (pishtaq) to the central tomb are elaborate inscriptions. Much of the decorative calligraphy found throughout the Taj Mahal India reflects passages from the holy Qur'an.