The Taj Mahal is a must-see tourist attraction. It is the most visited in India. Up to 4 million people visit every year. It has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1983. In 2007, Internet users declared it a ” wonder of the modern world “. Let’s explore this iconic location.
A symbol of love
Mumtaz Mahal was the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. Sadly, she died suddenly while giving birth to her 14th child. The emperor had the Taj Mahal built in his memory. In this way, he bears witness to his love. The site is named after the favorite. This is a large funerary mausoleum. The building took around 17 years to complete. More than 20, ,000 workers set to work. The work was completed in 1648.
Unfortunately, Shah Jahan could only observe the completion of the monument from afar. More precisely, from the prison where his son Aurangzeb has locked him up. In fact, he spent his last years there before disappearing.
A magnificent building
The Taj Mahal is made entirely of white marble. Its walls are lined with semi-precious stones. Materials were imported from several countries and carefully selected. However, visitors notice that the building’s walls are turning yellow. This is mainly due to pollution from nearby factories. What’s more, the site is built on marble.
The beauty of this place lies in its exceptional architecture. It is inspired by Central Asian, Persian and Islamic styles. There are also passages from the Koran inscribed on its walls.
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal
Above all, it’s best to avoid the hot season. Temperatures can reach 45°C. It’s best to go between September and April. You’ll enjoy a pleasant atmosphere. The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The late afternoon is also interesting. Two mosques are located here. It is therefore closed on Fridays. This is the day of prayer for Muslims.
Prepare your trip well
The Taj Mahal deserves its place among the 7 wonders of the modern world. It’s a place to visit at least once in your life. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to bring your vaccinations up to date before visiting India. Some illnesses common in the country can be dangerous. These include mosquito-borne diseases, tuberculosis and typhoid fever.
At Groupe Santé Voyage, we offer a complete pre-travel consultation and vaccination service. We’ll provide you with a list of vaccinations you’ll need, depending on your destination. We’ll also advise you on the precautions to take. Finally, we can prescribe pre-travel treatments. Contact us to find out more!
