Visit to One of the Seven Wonders of the World - Tajmahal at Agra in India

You must have heard recently through various newspapers and other Medias that there was a competition to decide the latest Seven Wonders of the World. Tajmahal of India was one of the competitors in this competition. The results were declared on 7^th July, 2007. Tajmahal of India was the winner in this competition and is now one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Tajmahal is situated at Agra in the State of Uttar Pradesh in India. It is a dream of most of the people of the world to see this Tajmahal at least once in their lifetime.

Agra is a large city that is connected by train, air, and road from all the major cities of India. The most convenient way to visit Tajmahal is by traveling in famous and prestigious train, known as Taj express. This fabulous train starts from New Delhi station at around 7 am and reaches Agra by 10 am. You can visit Tajmahal and other places in Agra and return back by the same train in the evening so as to reach Delhi by around 9 pm. This train is fully air-conditioned and serves nice breakfast and dinner during the morning and evening return journey from Agra. You need to book your ticket for this train in advance as there is a heavy rush in this train. You can also easily reach Tajmahal by cab/taxi. Tajmahal is around 9 miles away from the Agra railway station. You need to park your car in the parking lot that is around 1 mile away from Tajmahal. You have to sit in natural gas operated auto rickshaws to reach to the main gate of Tajmahal. You need to buy an entrée ticket of Rs.20 per head to enter the Tajmahal complex. The entrée ticket for the foreign nationals is Rs.250 ($6) per head. The thorough security check is done here at the gate. The cameras of all the types are to be deposited at the main gate only. You have to take the photos by standing at the main gate only. Any type of food items and water bottles are not allowed inside the Taj complex. You will have to remove your shoes prior to entering in Taj. It becomes difficult to walk this small distance without shoes in hot summer.

You can enter Taj after climbing around 60 steps. Tajmahal is perfectly symmetrical structure having 4 minars in all four directions. The entire Taj is made of white marbles. Tajmahal was built by the Mogul king Shahjehan in eighteenth century in sweet memory of Mumtaz Mahal who was his beloved wife. Both Mumtaz and Shahjehan were buried here at Taj after their deaths. Incidentally, Mumtaz had died earlier and Shahjehan had to wait for around 15 years before he died and was buried at Taj at the side of his wife Mumtaz. It took around 17 years to build this unique piece of architecture at the bank of the famous river Yamuna. It is a real engineering and architectural marvel of the world. The inside engraving on the white marble is simply out of the world and mind blowing. You can also go down one floor in Taj to see the exact place of burial of both king and his wife. The entire interior of Taj was decorated with gold, diamonds and other extremely valuable items. All these items were taken away from Taj by Nadir shah, who attacked Delhi during the mogul kingdom. The beauty of Taj becomes all the more attractive due to colored water fountains and the lightings provided. There is a sound and light show also arranged here everyday in the evening hours that can help you to know the entire history of Taj. The program is held both in English and Hindi. However, it is better to view this program in Hindi as it will take you very close to the Mogul environment. The viewing of Tajmahal is the most attractive during full moon nights. The special entrée ticket of Rs.500 ($12.5) per head is to be paid for couple of hour's view of Taj in the full moon night. White Taj looks like a building in heaven at this time.

You must try to plan your visit to Agra in winter months from October to March as summers are extremely hot here. There are many luxury hotels also available to stay at Agra in case, you want to stay here for couple of days. There are other places like red fort, Akbar's tomb, Birla temple, and Moti Masjid here at Agra that must also be seen. You may stay here at Agra for 2/3 days to cover all the tourists' attractions spots.

The visit to Tajmahal is the life time opportunity for all the human beings in view of its breathtaking beauty and the eternal love of king Shahjehan and begum Mumtaz Mahal. Make sure to plan your visit to Tajmahal during your next trip to India.