Taj Mahal's construction: Taj Mahal Facts;Geometry of Taj Mahal

Geometry of Taj Mahal-  Click Here to go to a Virtual Tour Online to Taj Mahal

Click Here to go to a Virtual Tour Online to Taj Mahal

Unbelievable architecture:

Geometry plays an important role in the overall designs of Mughal architecture, and the play of shape in the Taj Mahal is optimal. The ground plans of the main chamber and the base of the minarets use an octagonal template.

The right angles of the plinth and gardens engage the use of the square and the water channels are rectangular.

The Taj Mahal in fact boasts a double-dome, a false ceiling inside a large outer-skin. This device gives the imposing volume to the outside of the dome, whilst retaining comfortable proportions in the inside - which would otherwise be cavernous.

It is a technique used by Sir Christopher Wren in the dome of St Paul's Cathedral, London.

Quick Facts:

Year of Construction: 1631

Completed In: 1653

Time Taken: 22 years

Built By: Shah Jahan

Dedicated to: Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Bano Begum), the wife of Shah Jahan

Location: Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

Building Type: Islamic tomb

Architecture: Islamic

Cost of Construction: 32 crore rupees

Number of workers: 20,000

Highlights: One of the Seven Wonders of the World

A UNESCO World Heritage site

Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm (Friday closed)

Fee:

Free for children below 12 years of age

Non-Indians: 5 US$

Indians: From 8am to 4pm - Rs. 15

From 6am to 8am and 4pm to 7pm - Rs. 10

Chief Architect: Ustad Isa Khan

How to reach Taj Mahal?

Where is Taj Mahal Located?

Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra and you can see the map below, to know the exact location of Agra in India.

How to reach Taj Mahal?

Airways:

Indian Airlines (Domestic Airline in India) runs daily flights from Delhi to Agra. Kheria Airport (Airport of Agra) is about 6 km from the Agra city centre and is easily accessible by taxis and auto-rickshaws at nominal rates.

Railways:

Agra is well connected by excellent train services to Delhi such as The Shatabdi Express (2 hrs), Taj Express (2.5 hrs), Intercity Express (3 hrs).

Railway Stations:

Agra Cantt Railway Station

Raja-ki-Mundi Railway Station

Agra Fort Railway Station

Roadways:

Express bus services (a/c and non-a/c) are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, and Jhansi. For those driving to Agra, the distances are:

Mathura (Pilgrimage Destination) - 58 kms.

Bharatpur (Bird Sanctury) - 60 kms.

Gwalior (Historical Destination) - 118 kms

Delhi (Capital City of India) - 203 kms

Jaipur (Cultural & Historical Destination) - 236 kms.

Khajuraho (Historical Destination) - 393 kms.

Local Transportation:

After reaching the city also, you need some sort of local transport to reach Taj Mahal. You can easily get taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw in the city that will take you to your destination. Prepaid taxis are also available if you want to visit the various places near the city. For the adventurous kind, there are bicycles that can be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city. Since, diesel and petrol vehicle are not permitted in the Taj Mahal area, you can find battery-operated buses, horse-driven tongas, rickshaws and other pollution-free vehicles there.

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