The Taj Mahal Tours gives different views depending on the time of the day, particularly at dawn and sunset.. That according to many is the best time to visit the Taj. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended in the mist, when viewed from across the Yamuna river.
The Structure
Essentially square in shape, with peaked arches cut into its sides, the Taj Mahal surmounts a square marble platform marked at each corner by a high minaret. There are four minarets in total. Topped with a huge central dome The Taj Mahal rises for over 55m, its height accentuated by a crowning brass spire, itself almost 17m high. On approach, the tomb looms ever larger and grander, but not until you are close do you appreciate both its awesome magnitude and the extraordinarily fine detail of intricate carving, highlighted by floral patterns of precious stones. Carved vases of flowers including roses, tulips and narcissi, rise subtly out of the marble base, a pattern repeated more colorfully and inlaid with precious stones around the four great arched recesses on each side.
The Garden Mausoleum
The mighty marble tomb stands at the end of superb gardens designed in the charbagh style. Dissected into four quadrants by waterways, the gardens evoke the Islamic image of the Gardens of Paradise, where rivers flow with water, milk, wine and honey.
The "rivers" converge at a marble tank in the centre that corresponds to al-Kawthar, the celestial pool of abundance mentioned in the Koran. Today only the watercourse running from north to south is full, and its precise, glassy reflection of the Taj is a favorite photographic image for photographers.
The Tomb
The south face of the tomb is the main entrance to the interior: a high, echoing octagonal chamber flushed with pallid light reflected by yellowing marble surfaces. A marble screen, cut so finely that it seems almost translucent, and decorated with precious stones, scatters dappled light over the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal in the centre of the tomb, and that of Shah Jahan next to it. Inlaid stones on the marble tombs are the finest in Agra; attendants gladly illuminate the decorations with torches. The 99 names of Allah adorn the top of Mumtaz's tomb, and set into Shah Jahan's is a pen box, the hallmark of a male ruler. These cenotaphs, in accordance with Moghul tradition, are only representations of the real coffins, which lie in the same positions in an unadorned and humid crypt below that's heavy with the scent of heady incense and rose petals
Climate: -
In summer, between March and June, the temperature soars up to 45°C during the day. Dry, searing winds heat up the ground and make it difficult to venture outdoors. Light cottons are the best clothing, except in winter, when light woolens are required. The temperature is around 28°C during the day, but can go down to 4°C at night.
Timings: The Taj Mahal remains open from 6 am-7 pm everyday except Fridays.
If you would like customized Taj Mahal Tours or want to stay at an Agra Bed and Breakfast, please send us your itinary. The Taj Mahal Tours are organized by New India Travel
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