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Touring the Taj
Built in 1648 by Shah Jahan as a monument to his third wife, who died giving birth to their 14th child, the Taj Mahal still stands as one of the greatest man made structures anywhere in the world. Attracting upwards of 4 million visitors per year, the Taj is India's top tourist spot, with many foreigners now being inspired to make the journey thanks to the success of Slumdog Millionaire.Recently the Houston Chronicle published an excellent article with great tips on touring the Taj, which was named a World Heritage Site back in 1983. The article is a great read for anyone planning on visiting the massive mausoleum, which can be quite daunting for the unprepared.
One of the first tips offered up for travelers is that they hire a regulated guide to show them around the sprawling grounds that consist of the iconic white domed tomb, as well as a large garden, and a number of smaller buildings as well. The guide will not only help you navigate the place, they'll also make sure that you aren't mobbed by vendors and beggers while making the final trek to the entrance gate, which isn't all that close to where you'll park.
Also of note, the article recommends that you go to the Taj twice, once at dawn and once at dusk. This will double your chances to avoid crowds, which can be quite massive and chaotic during the days, and allow you to stroll the compound at your own pace.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Asia, India
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Justin Glow Mar 5th 2009 9:55AM
My tip: wear cheap shoes. You'll have to take them off and leave them in a pile of millions of other pairs when you go inside. Mine weren't lost or stolen, but if they were overly expensive I would have been worried.
Kraig Mar 5th 2009 10:00AM
Great tip Justin. I've heard that one before too, but had forgotten it, and definitely something to consider.
Diane Mar 5th 2009 7:34PM
Our guide also showed us all the spots where you can take great pictures of the Taj. Only problem was he wanted to shoo away even the most random passers-by out of our shots and I actually like having a person in the photos.
MikeInCanada Mar 8th 2009 12:28AM
The Taj makes a great day trip from Delhi. Take the early morning train to Agra - make a reservation online - it will be packed. In Agra think twice about the package tours at the train station as most of the places they want to take you to are just shops that have paid them to bring tourists. There are taxi's everywhere so it is very simple to just take a taxi to the 3 or 4 places of interest - the Taj being the first one of course!