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Published on: October 21, 2024
A timeless symbol of love, the Taj Mahal was commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a poetic symphony of white marble intricately embellished with pietra dura hand cut, inlaid stones.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a visit to the Taj Mahal is a must-do when in India. Agra, part of the famed Golden Triangle along with Delhi and Jaipur, is conveniently located approximately four hours by car from either city.
Taj Mahal was built over several years by teams of international stone masons, marble craftsmen and mosaicists, whose hands were cut off upon its completion, so that no copy could ever be made. Spanning 170,000 square metres on the western bank of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal has an octagonal structure topped with a bulbous dome that is flanked by four independent minarets.
The complex is embellished by intersecting walkways, open spaces, green borders and basins of water. Inside, atmospheric halls are encrusted with pietra dura stone inlay, floral arabesques and calligraphy inscriptions. Like the workforce behind its construction, materials were brought in from across India, Central Asia, Baghdad, Egypt, Russia, China, Persia and more. The resulting effect is a unique Mughal style accentuated with elements of Islamic, Persian and Central Asian architecture.
Set against its perfectly manicured lawns and mirror-like reflection pools, the Taj Mahal stands in perfect symmetry over the crowds that flock to see its resplendent beauty. The play of light and shadows upon its marble minarets and towers is a wonder to behold, especially at dawn and dusk. Taj Mahal night views make picture-perfect memories to cherish forever. The Taj Mahal in full moonlight radiates with ethereal beauty that is simply breathtaking. However, the Princess Diana bench remains the undisputed seat for the best photos of loved ones at the Taj Mahal.
The Oberoi Amarvilas is the unrivalled best Taj Mahal view hotel in all of Agra. Located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, all our accommodation offers uninterrupted views of this iconic tomb. We also offer a private buggy service to the entrance of the Taj Mahal and private balcony dining beside views of the Taj in silhouette. On full moon nights, the Taj Mahal is particularly mesmerising from the comfort of your Taj Mahal view hotel room or suite. Couples’ spa treatments in our therapy suite with Taj Mahal views are experiences to cherish.
In recent years, the Taj Mahal has been open for full moon night viewings, plus the two nights preceding and following the full moon. Taj Mahal night viewings are a truly captivating experience, which should not be missed if you are planning to visit Agra. As this is a limited period event each month, tickets must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. The concierge at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra would be happy to help with full moon night Taj Mahal bookings. Gates open at 8:00pm and close at midnight. To maintain the serenity of this occasion, visitors are permitted in batches of fifty, with timed entry every thirty minutes.
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
