Agra: Taj Mahal and Mausoleum Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry

The Taj Mahal is amazing as expected of a wonder of the world. It's symmetry is perfect from every side (aside from the tomb of Shah Jahan). The patterns on its walls are made of colorful semiprecious stones and it is surrounded by well kept gardens and trees. If you want, you can have your picture taken on the VIP princess Diana seat. We recommend going to the back of the Taj where you can take in the beautiful view of the river Yamuna. From there, you can also spot the foundations of the Black Taj (a tomb Shah Jahan was building for himself out of black marble) as well. Also look out for the illusions of the six sided pillars on the Taj which only actually have three sides. We suggest wearing shoes that can be easily removed in-case you want to visit the mosque next to the Taj. Photography is not permitted inside the tomb. Although we gave the Taj a rating of 5 stars, there is one tiny problem. That is that the Taj is beginning to go slightly yellow and it is not as white as it used to be. This is probably because of the air pollution. Anyways, that's not too noticeable and definitely not a reason to say no to a visit to this place. Polluting vehicles are not allowed within a long distance from the Taj although some buggies are provided to take you there for 10 bucks. Beware of people who try to con you. The lines are never super long and the walk to the Taj is not that far. Also, one more important note : don't ride the horses (animal cruelty). The Taj Mahal is a must visit. It truly is a masterpiece.

What can you say about the Taj Mahal which hasn’t been said a thousand times before...? It’s a World must see building and monument to one mans love and loss for his wife. Shah Jahan lost his wife while away fighting, his wife was with him at the time of her death, so had to be transferred home and buried in a temporary tomb, whilst her main tomb was excavated and the base of the Taj Mahal built on top of her, she’s actually interned beneath the building, and from the front, a good guide will point out the private steps the Shah used to visit her everyday. The building obviously is built from white marble, not a combination of sandstone and marble like many places in India, inlaid with semi precious stones for detail. It’s absolutely symmetrical in detail, all the lines are perfectly straight, right from the entrance to the centre of the building. It’s a huge building, much bigger than you think, but can get ridiculously busy at times, we chose to go about 15.00, most of the tourist coaches have been and gone by then, so it’s much quieter, and sunset is a beautiful time to watch the building change colour, it’s without doubt a magical place to visit, and you see tears in many people’s eyes as they gaze at the Taj, each with their own stories. One important tip here, for the full story of this place and it’s story, use a good local guide.

The Taj Mahal is one of those places that you read about in books and imagine what it must be like to visit. It was more than I could ever imagine. The size and shape of the white marble structure is amazing to witness, allowing you to pause and sit and just take in the beauty. The entire complex is impressive with large sprawling gardens that are well maintained, outer structures that provide symmetry to the overall view and fountains that add an element of peacefulness to the area. The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Loved walking around and exploring the Taj Mahal. Felt like I saw India.

This is the most magnificent experience! Take your time while touring it. We had an exemplary tour guide who could bring us right back into the worlds of Shah Jahan and his beloved Mumtaz. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the tour I would advise to take as much time here as possible, don't let a guide hurry you!! It's a once in a lifetime experience!