Taj Mahal, Agra : A Monument of Monumental Love

Situated on the banks of Yamuna, the Taj Mahal in Agra is a monumental ode to eternal love. This 17th-century mausoleum was
built for Mumtaz Mahal by her husband and Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings
in the world, the Taj brilliantly represents the height of Mughal architecture and grandeur. Such is its beauty that it has been
recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Location : Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Timings :30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset; closed on Fridays
Entry Fee :₹ 50 for Indians; ₹ 1100 for foreigners; ₹ 540 for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries; free for children
below 15 years of age
Main Mausoleum : Entry Fee ₹ 200 per head
Night Entry Timings : 8:30 pm to 12:30 am; close on Friday and during the month of Ramzan .
Night viewing is allowed on five days every month on the full moon night and two nights before and two after the full moon.
Night Entry Fee : ₹ 510 for Indians; ₹750 for foreigners; ₹500 for children between 3 to 15 years of age (Valid for 30 minutes)
Tickets to be bought 24 hours in advance, between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from the Archaeological Survey of
India office on Mall Road.
Still Camera : Free, but photography prohibited inside the main mausoleum

THINGS TO SEE IN TAJ MAHAL COMPLEX :

Taj Mahal complex comprises of several beautiful structures and attractions, including:
1.A red sandstone mosque situated on the west of the mausoleum
2. Mehmaan Khana or assembly hall located on the east of the mausoleum, identical to the mosque Jilaukhana or forecourt zone
3.Bazaar streets or two identical streets that start from the east and west gates and lead up to the Jilaukhana
4.The Great Gate, Gate of the Mausoleum or Darwaza-i-Rauza
5.East Gate (Fatehabadi Darwaza), West Gate (Fatehpuri Darwaza), and South Gate (Sidhi Darwaza)
6.The Taj Museum

ATTRACTION NEAR TAJ MAHAL

1.Agra Fort (3.1 km)
2.Jehangir’s Palace (3.1 km)
3. Masjid (4.1 km)
4.Mankameshwar Temple (4.5 km)
5.Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah (6.7 km)
6.Chini-ka-Rauza (7.2 km)
7.Mehtab Bagh (7.8 km)

FATEHPUR SIKRI : AN ABONDONED CITY OF ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE

Fatehpur Sikri near Agra is a fortified city built to serve as the capital of the Mughal Empire during the late 16th century.
However, the city served this purpose only for 14 years and was abandoned completely by the turn of the 17th century
Fatehpur Sikri is a fortified city that is enveloped by 6-km long defensive walls with several entryways on three sides
while fourth side borders on an artificial lake. The city features the Indo-Islamic architectural style and is constructed
using red sandstone.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Location : Agra District
Distance from Major Cities : Agra (36 km); Jaipur (205 km); Delhi (225 km)
No trip to Agra is complete without a visit to the ancient walled city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Timings : Sunrise to sunset, Closed on Fridays.
Entry Fees : ₹40 for Indians, ₹550 for Foreigners.

THINGS TO SEE IN TAJ MAHAL COMPLEX :

Located not far away from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri encloses various attractions within its walled premises. Some
of the major things to see in Fatehpur Sikri include:

1.Buland Darwaza or the Gate of Victory, the main gateway to the palace at Fatehpur Sikri
2.Jama Masjid, a congregational mosque and one of the first monuments built in the city
3. Tomb of Salim Chishti, the burial spot of the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti who predicted the birth of
an heir to Akbar
4. Diwan-i-Aam or Hall of Public Audience, the place where the Emperor used to meet the general public
5.Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience, where the Emperor conducted discussions with representatives of
various religions and faiths
6.Ibadat Khana, a debating house
7.Anup Talao, an ornamental water body where the musical legend Tansen used to perform
8.Panch Mahal, a five-story palace

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN AGRA