The Taj Mahal is the most famous landmark in India and arguably one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Here are five facts about the grand palace that highlight just how special the building really is.
It is the product of a tragic love story
The Taj Mahal was built by the emperor Shah Jahan in memory of the love of his life, Mumtaz Mahal. At the time, it was the first grand mausoleum built for a woman.
It took more than 20,000 workers to build
The prince wanted the Taj Mahal to be grand, but he also wanted it to be erected quickly. In total, it took around 22,000 laborers to paint build and embroider the Taj Mahal to perfection. 1,000 elephants were also required.
It changes color throughout the day
In the morning, the white marble takes a pinkish hue. In the evening, it morphs into a milky white and when it is illuminated by the moonlight, it glows gold.
It attracts more than 8 million tourists each year
Every year, the Taj Mahal attracts more than 8 million tourists. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Asia.
It took 17 years to complete
In total, the Taj Mahal took 17 years to complete. The reason it took so long is because of the sheer detail and intricacy of the design. The Taj Mahal is more than a building, it a work of art.