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]]>Changing Colors
One of the most mesmerizing attributes of the Taj Mahal is its ability to change color. Depending on the time of day, the marble structure can appear to be a soft pink at dawn, a milky white in the afternoon, and an ethereal golden hue in the moonlight.
A Monument of Love With a Heartbreaking Tale
The backstory of this monument is tinged with sorrow. It is said that Shah Jahan was so heartbroken after the death of Mumtaz, who died during childbirth, that he ordered the construction of the Taj Mahal. The monument was meant to immortalize his love and sorrow.
An Architectural Feat of Symmetry
Every aspect of the structure, from the four minarets that surround the tomb to the layout of the surrounding gardens, is symmetrically aligned. This symmetry is so precise that it creates an incredible harmonious visual experience from every angle. The only part of the Taj Mahal that is asymmetrical is the tomb of Shah Jahan. It was added next to his wife’s tomb when he died.
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]]>Angkor Wat, Cambodia
In the jungles of Cambodia, Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the ancient Khmer empire’s grandeur. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest religious monument in the world and a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Its towering spires, intricate bas-reliefs, and reflection in the surrounding moat give it an otherworldly appearance that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Taj Mahal, India
Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal in India is an architectural jewel that many regard as a symbol of eternal love. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, its symmetrical design and intricate ivory marble inlays make the Taj Mahal a glowing masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Today, it attracts about 8 million visitors annually.
The Parthenon, Greece
The Parthenon in Athens serves as an enduring example of ancient Greece’s architectural brilliance. Built in the 5th century BC, this Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena is a wonder of classical architecture most notably recognized for its iconic columns. Despite enduring centuries of war, earthquakes, and pillaging, it continues to stand proudly, offering visitors a place to take in panoramic views of Athens from its hilltop location.
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]]>Buying the Cheaper Ticket
Some tourists jump on the opportunity to get cheaper Taj Mahal tickets without actually checking out everything they include. The cheaper ticket maybe won’t hurt your budget, but it will also prevent you from exploring the entire mausoleum. So make sure to buy a ticket that includes the full Taj Mahal experience.
Not Paying Attention to Rules
In order to make the Taj Mahal a great experience for everyone, there are a number of rules visitors must follow. This includes being quiet and considerate, avoiding eating and drinking while inside, not touching sensitive surfaces and artworks, and knowing what you can and cannot bring in. Failure to respect these rules can get you thrown out.
Visiting at the Wrong Time
If you don’t want to deal with big crowds or find closed doors, you have to make sure you visit the Taj Mahal at the right time. For starters, the Taj Mahal is closed to the public on Fridays. Also, weekends are super busy, so if you choose to visit then, you will struggle to get some breathing room. The best time to visit is weekdays at sunrise when the number of tourists is at its lowest.
Not Staying Long Enough
Taj Mahal shouldn’t be a brief stop for anyone. In order to fully experience everything this place has to offer, you need to plan to stay there for several hours. So clear out your plans for the day and make this the main focus.
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]]>How It Came to Be
The Taj Mahal is in fact a love monument. Back in 1632, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan started building it to commemorate his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Legend has it that right before her death, she asked her husband to make the world remember their grand love. The meaning of the name “Taj Mahal” is actually “crown place” while Jahan’s wife’s name means “the lady of the palace.”
(@ingridantunes)How It’s Designed
Architecturally speaking, the Taj Mahal is an impressive combination of Muslim and Persian architecture along with Indian influences. The 42-acre complex includes a large garden, divided in four by water canals; a mosque; and the mausoleum itself which is located at the center of the complex. Many people know the iconic marble dome on top of the tomb, which is almost 115 feet high.
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]]>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.
Official (@shutterhub.india)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.
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]]>Love Comes First
Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most imposing structures built in the name of love. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Bloody Legends
According to one of the myths surrounding the construction of Taj Mahal, artists and architects involved were put to death so they would never build another structure that matches its beauty, but there’s no evidence supporting these claims.
High Cost
It took two decades to finish building this complex in its entirety, and the cost of its construction has been estimated at $1 billion.
Elephants Never Forget
Artists, architects, builders and laborers weren’t the only ones involved in the creation of India’s top landmarks. Over 1,000 elephants transported heavy materials and supplies to the site.
Friday Visits
If you’re a tourist planning a visit to Taj Mahal on a Friday, don’t waste your time, since the complex is only open for prayers at the mosque.
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]]>Taj Mahal in Agra, India
Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous and beautiful monument of love, was built by the Fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in the 17th century. Despite having seven wives, his third wife Empress Mumtaz Mahal was his favorite. She accompanied him on his trips throughout the Empire, but sadly, she died while giving birth to their 14th child. In response to the death of his beautiful 38-year old wife, he built the fascinating ivory-marble Taj Mahal.
Mystery Castle in Phoenix, Arizona
This castle was built in the 1930s in the name of love between a father and daughter. A man called Boyce Luther Gully was diagnosed with tuberculosis, so he left his wife and his 5-year-old girl named Mary Lou.
When she turned 22, she received a letter from her dying father in which he told her that he had built her a castle, just as he promised her. The fortress was made from junk that nobody wanted – stone, automobile parts, telephone poles, salvaged rail tracks from a mine etc. Mary Lou moved to the Mystery Castle with her mother, and lived there until her death in 2010.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgelRsVlQCE/?tagged=mysterycastle
Kodai-Ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Believe it or not, in the past, not only men built monuments for their loved ones. One stunning example is the Kodai-Ji Temple, which was built by a woman in 1606 in memory of her dead husband. Kita-no-Mandokoro, after the death of her spouse, became a priestess at the temple where she stayed until her death in 1624. Both husband and wife were buried at the temple garden.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhNVcAeH5QH/?tagged=kodaiji
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