The Taj Mahal is India's architectural crown jewel and the star of its Golden Triangle.
No visit to India is complete without seeing its elegant domes, exquisitely carved white marble arches and columns, and ornate inlays and mosaics. So, where is the Taj Mahal? A monument to the undying love of one man – Moghul emperor Shah Jahan – for his wife, the iconic building stands on the south bank of the Yamuna River just outside the city of Agra, and is actually a vast mausoleum that contains her tomb at its heart. Construction of the entire Taj Mahal complex took 21 years, from 1632 to 1653. Soon after it was completed, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and could only view the stunning site from his prison window at Agra Fort.
To this day, it's a beautiful, majestic sight - at its most enchanting at sunset and sunrise when the marble gleams in the half-light. Visitors can wander around the exquisite complex, which also includes formal gardens, a mosque and a guest house. As well as a Taj Mahal holiday, India's many other unique experiences can be enjoyed on our India tours, from beach lazing in Goa to spotting tigers on our India Tigers & the Taj Mahal tour.
Things to do at the Taj Mahal
Take a look through our gallery of interesting things to do at the Taj Mahal. From strolling through the gardens, to visiting the tomb itself, the Taj Mahal has been wowing tourists for centuries.

Taj Mahal at sunset
When it comes to visiting the Taj Mahal, holiday photos don't get much better than a snap of the striking building reflected in the pool located in front - particularly at sunrise or sunset.

Jawab Masjid
The red-sandstone structure next to the Taj Mahal mausoleum is Jawab Masjid, a beautiful mosque that remains an important site for the city's Muslim community.

The Taj Mahal tomb chamber
The tomb chamber is the focal point for most Taj Mahal visits. Featuring ornate detailing and white marble, it houses structures representing the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan - the real graves are actually in a room below.

Taj Mahal gardens
Be sure to stroll around the ornamental gardens on your Taj Mahal tour. Symmetrical and perfectly manicured, they feature 16 colourful flower beds, as well as paths, fountains and the famous reflecting pool.
Food and drink at the Taj Mahal
Northern India plays host to many tantalising treats - Taj Mahal holiday packages, or simply India tours in general, wouldn't be complete with sampling the local cuisine.
Specialities in Agra include cheela, savoury pancakes, kachori, a deep-fried snack similar to a samosa, and the paratha, a fried flat bread stuffed with vegetable curry, cheese, or dhal. When it comes to filling, there aren't many places that do it better than Northern Indian food.
Satisfy your sugar cravings with Agra petha, the city's most beloved sweet. Soft and see-through, these candies are made from ash gourd, also known as white pumpkin and winter melon, soaked in syrup.

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