India Sights:

Taj Mahal
Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, this poignant Mughal mausoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. Many have tried to sum up its beauty, but even the poets of the time were unable to do this magnificent building justice.

The spectacular white marble mausoleum seems as immaculate today as when it was first constructed, although in recent years there has been growing concern about the damage that atmospheric pollution is causing the Taj.

The Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. The death of Mumtaz left the emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned grey overnight.

The Taj is accessed through an outer courtyard which has gates facing west, south and east (most tourists enter from the west gate which is closest to the car park). Entry to the inner compound is through a vast red sandstone gateway on the south side of the forecourt, inscribed with verses from the Quran in Arabic.

The Taj Mahal stands on a raised marble platform at the northern end of the ornamental gardens. Purely decorative white minarets grace each corner of the platform. The red sandstone mosque to the west of the main structure is an important gathering place for Agra’s Muslims.

Sunset is an extremely impressive time to see the Taj – the white marble first takes on a rich golden sheen, then slowly turns pink, red and finally blue with the changing light.
Price variation: Indian 20.00, foreigner 750.00, video 25.00

Agra
2km (1.2mi) east of Agra Fort
Uttar Pradesh
info – 2330498

Humayun’s Tomb
Built in the mid-16th century by the senior wife of the second Mughal emperor, this is the first important example of Mughal architecture in India. It’s also one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and should not be missed. The elements of its design are echoed in the later Taj Mahal.

It comprises a squat building with high arched entrances topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens. The gardens also contain the red-and-white sandstone and black-and-yellow marble tomb of Humayun’s wife and, somewhat surprisingly, the tomb of Humayun’s barber.

Price: full – US Dollar5.00
Price variation: Indian citizens pay 10:00
Bharat Scout Guide Rd
Delhi
off Mathura Rd
Agra