Taj Mahal
 Taj Mahal has become arguably the most recognizable icon of India. So irresistible is the attraction of the Taj that people not only from all corners of India but also from across the world come here to have a glimpse of this poetry in white marble. Not for nothing Taj Mahal is considered as one of the seven wonders of ancient world. Such is the grand beauty of Taj, it has managed to mesmerize even those people who are rather indifferent to the architectural beauty and its importance as an object of heritage. Built by the then Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj is truly reminiscent of the grandeur of the empire at the zenith of its strength.
Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built in memory of the queen Mantaz Mahal. Later, after the death of the emperor, he was buried beside the coffin of his queen inside the Taj. The monument is eloquent of the love that inspired the Mughal emperor. Even to this day, the monument is the muse of poets and painters. This example of perfect symmetry is set amidst a beautiful garden by the bank of river Yamuna. You will have to see the architectural beauty of Taj Mahal to understand the level of skill that the artisans had to make the monument what it is today. Peitra Dura or in other words semi-precious stones are inlaid into costly marble in a beautiful pattern can be found here. The tomb has been the object of special appreciation because of fine workmanship and perfect proportion. The finesse of the architecture has made many people to comment that the Taj was conceived and designed as a giant but it was finished as a piece of exquisite jewelry.
The beauty of Taj is such that it makes death a nostalgic aspiration towards which one looks forward to rather than look away from it or fear it. Taj Mahal is a photographer's dream come true. It is a rare but fine specimen of Indo-Islamic "baroque" style. Taj looks different in different time of the day. This chameleon like guise is the hallmark of this fascinating monument. The best time to visit Taj Mahal is between November and February.
From Delhi, it only takes 40 mins by air. From the airport at Kheria, the Taj is only 7 km away. There are a number of trains that connect Agra with Delhi. It takes only 2 to 3 hours to reach Agra by train. If you wish to travel by road, it will not take you more than a few hours to get to the Taj. There are also number of hotels in Agra that provide wonderful accommodation so that you can enjoy the grand beauty of the Taj to your hearts content.
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