The must-see Taj Mahal with ACV

About a four hours’ drive from Delhi, we arrived in Agra, a city located some 200 kilometres from the Indian capital – and home to the unmissable Taj Mahal, perhaps the most symbolic monument in India.

As soon as we entered the city, we were all looking for this structure – but it was difficult to see it at first glance. No matter – upon stopping for lunch at the hotel Oberoi Agra, we discovered stunning views of the Taj Mahal from its gardens.

After lunch, we set off to discover the majestic mausoleum of white marble and precious stones, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631. Ordered by the emperor in memory of his late wife, who died giving birth to her fourteenth child, the structure took 17 years to build.

After buying tickets, visitors must pass through a meticulous security screening process which rivals most airports’; a good tip is to bring as little as possible with you into the building, to avoid any potential issues.

Next, we head to a large entryway of red sandstone and white marble, before entering the immense mausoleum and its surrounding gardens. We are handed shoe covers before crossing the stairs to the main event.

With its masterful architecture and mystical, awe-inspiring atmosphere, the Taj Mahal is worthy of its ‘wonder of the world’ status, and it’s no surprise that this site is known to be the most visited monument in India.

Some interesting facts:

1631: Construction begins on the Taj Mahal

1983: The Taj Mahal achieves a World Heritage listing by UNESCO, one of the first monuments to be registered.

2007: The Taj Mahal is named among the new 7 wonders of the world by the New Seven Wonders Foundation

Agra also houses the Agra Fort, which is also a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This massive fortress houses a row of marble palaces, mosques and gardens. Red Fort offers a magnificent view of the Taj Mahal, on the other bank of the Yamuna.