Taj Mahal in Agra, India

  In 1983 The Taj Mahal was approved as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore mention that, "It’s a jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". The Taj Mahal is the best example of Mughal architecture which is a symbol of India’s pride history. In every year, 7–8 million visitors visit Taj Mahal as a tourist spot. In 2007, it was also declared as a ‘New 7 Wonders’ of the world.

 The Crown of Palaces, Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River. It is situated in the Indian city of Agra. Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan was decided to build this place in 1632 to dedicate his lovely and favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. He also decided to make a Tomb. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 42-acre complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, a formal garden which is bounded on three sides by a crenelated wall.

  Construction of the Taj Mahal was almost completed in 1643 but the total project wasn't finished on that time. Still some phases of this project were left and it took more ten (10) years for finishing. As a result, the entire Taj Mahal was completed in 1653. The total cost was estimated to be around 32 million rupees in 1653. In 2015, it would be approximately 52.8 billion rupees or $827 million US Doller. As said, the court architect to the emperor, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, around 20,000 artisans was employed that time in this project.

 The main attraction of the entire complex of the Taj Mahal is the ‘Tomb’. It is a large, white marble structured. Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Persian in origin. The designs are completely symmetrical on all sides of the building. The main chamber houses showing the false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan but the actual graves of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are at a lower level.

 The Taj Mahal is one of the best tourist place in India and it attracts a huge number of tourists every year. In 2001, about 2 million visitors were there for visit which was mentioned by UNESCO and in 2014, the number of visitors are raised to 7-8 million.  The numbers are increasing day by day. Most of the tourists are visit the Taj Mahal in October, November and February because of cool weather. On the northern side of Taj, a new visitor centre is currently restored called Khawasspuras and on the southern side, there is a small town which was exactly constructed as a bazar and marketplace. 

 Environmental pollution including acid rains on the banks of Yamuna River is main threat for Taj Mahal. Mathura Oil Refinery was the main cause of environment pollution which was stopped by Supreme Court of India. The pollution has been turning the Taj Mahal yellow. To control the pollution, the Indian Govt. set up a Zone called ‘Taj Trapezium Zone’ which is strictly emission standard. About 4000 sq. miles areas around Taj are include this Zone. On the other hand, decreasing level of underground water is another big concern for Taj. Around 5 feet of water level falling in each year. In 2010, cracks were founded on the Tomb and the minarets were tilt a little bit.

 In Taj Mahal Visiting Hours are going on from Sunrise to Sunset. Friday is totally Closed for everyone. Other Monuments are also from sunrise to sunset. There are three types of pricing system in Taj, which are given below -

Entry Fee for Taj Mahal                              

Sl. No.	Tourist Type	Amount (Rs.)(Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees)
1.	Foreign tourist	1000/-
2.	Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries	530/-
3.	Domestic/Indian	40/-

*  Price can be changed

Note-

1. For all the World Heritage Sites tickets are available on Ticket Counters of World Heritage  Sites in India.
2. A composite ticket of Taj Mahal (Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees) is available at all World Heritage Sites in India.
3. No Entry fee for children below the age of 15 years. (both Domestic and Foreigner).