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| Taj Mahal |
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The Taj Mahal, an embodiment of love and romance, is located in the city of Agra (to know more about Agra, click here) that lies approximately 204 km to the south of Delhi. The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.
The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance leaves one mesmerized.
Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with love and romance. It is believed that the name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan wife Mumtaz Mahal and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make Taj Mahal travel gain a place amongst the most popular ones. However, unless and until, one knows the love story behind the Tajmahal of India, it will come up as just a beautiful building. But, the love behind this outstanding monument is what has given a life to this monument.
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| Taj Mahal |
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While the white domed marble mausoleum is its most familiar component, the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures.
The central focus of the complex is the tomb. This large, white marble structure stands on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial. Like most Mughal tombs, basic elements are Persian in origin.
The base structure is essentially a large, multi-chambered cube with chamfered corners, forming an unequal octagon that is approximately 55 meters on each of the four long sides. On each of these sides, a massive pishtaq, or vaulted archway, frames the iwan with two similarly shaped, arched balconies stacked on either side. This motif of stacked pishtaqs is replicated on the chamfered corner areas, making the design completely symmetrical on all sides of the building. Four minarets frame the tomb, one at each corner of the plinth facing the chamfered corners.
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| Major Hotels & Resorts |
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- Hotel Amar
- Hotel Pushp Villa
- Amar Yatri Niwas
- Hotel Athithi
- Hotel Chanakya
- Hotel Chandra Pushp Palace
- Grand Hotel
- Hotel Metro
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| Connectivity |
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Airways
Agra is connected by an Indian Airlines / Alliance Air's flight from Delhi (35 min, four times a week), which continues onward to Khajuraho and Varanasi. Kheria airport at Agra, is located 6 km from downtown Sadar Bazaar.
Railways
The airconditioned Shatabdi Express and Taj Express leaves New Delhi everyday, and takes just 2 hours to Agra Cantt. Railway Station. Both trains return to Delhi in the evening, making even a day excursion to Agra possible.
Roadways
Agra is only 200 km from Delhi. The national highway is a four-lane double carriageway for most of the way and the journey time from Delhi to Agra is around four hours.
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