Hello! It’s WonderLesch again, with another delivery of the Wonders of the World! This post will be about the Taj Mahal, that beautiful Indian palace that we’ve seen in so many posters and movies. It is with good reason though; the Taj Mahal is regarded as the maximum show of traditional muslim architecture and landscaping. The gardens, the symmetry, and the magnificence of the color of the Taj Mahal make for an amazing view that attracts tourists around the world.
The Taj Mahal is situated in Agra, no need to search for hotels in Mumbai or even in New Delhi, Agra has a population of more than a million, and because of the Taj Mahal, it is well adapted for the large visitor demand that surrounds this world wonder. One can stay near the center of the city, with multiple Indian restaurants nearby to take in the local traditions and cuisine.
The whole facade of the wonder, and much of its structure, is made out of the highest quality marble which even then was very expensive. Other materials come from the rest of Asia, imported specifically to make the place as beautiful as it could be. Rare jade from China, translucent marble from Rajasthan, among many other rarities that create the, arguably, most opulent wonder of the world.
Such a magnificent structure needs to have a purpose, and that comes from the history of the place, where we can answer the popular question: What was Taj Mahal built for?
Some call the Taj Mahal the biggest show of love ever. It was built as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the emperor Shah Jahan, right in the middle of the former capital of the Mughal dynasty.
This piece of history is definitely enriching for when one is visiting Taj Mahal, which remains a very prominent display of wealth and power that the dynasty had back then. It is an amazing thing to believe that it has prevailed over the centuries and that people in the modern world still have the chance to admire and take in the history and cultural details that the place has to offer.
Besides Taj Mahal, Agra has many other attractions that make the city the potential hub for your trip to India. The fort in the city is a Mongolian structure that was built as a military site that was as efficient and functional as it is magnificent right now.
Even though Taj Mahal is objectively more amazing (it is a wonder of the world after all), there are other tombs that are also ornamented and serve as an amazing site to visit. One of the most famous is the Akbar Tomb, famous for its reddish hue that contrasts well with the pure whiteness of Taj Mahal.
Agra is also a blooming city that has very luxurious resorts, hotels, casinos and shops just walking distance from Taj Mahal. If you’re the kind of person that likes to combine historic attractions with comfort and luxury, Agra can bring that at a very affordable price.
Combine the extra attractions, with the friendliness of the locals and the modern Indian culture that one can enjoy and Agra becomes a very desirable place to visit. We recommend visiting The Salt Cafe Kitchen and Bar, which is a modern, prestigious and traditional Indian restaurant, with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal which you can enjoy right from your table. It is a bit expensive though, but nothing close to the exorbitant prices of American fine dining.
If you have plans to visit India, or would like to make plans to visit India, the guide books below might help make your plan a vacation. I’d love to see which places people are visiting, it helps me create more relevant content that appeals to more people.
Thank you for reading! Until next time, WonderLesch.
The meaning of the Taj Mahal, the perceptions and responses it prompts, ideas about the building and the history that shape them: these form the subject of Giles Tillotson’s book.
Written by locals, Fodor’s Essential India is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit to Delhi, Mumbai, and beyond. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this India travel guide will help you plan your trip with ease.
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