“Love can move mountains” is beautifully sung by Celine Dion. We can understand it as a medium that illustrates every love story that has ever existed on earth. More than a song, it’s a testament that states the greatness of love.
Love and travel have a lot of things in common. Both make people go places, move mountains, and crush ice-blocks. For some, love and travel together are about building monuments as symbols of undying affection.
When it comes down to laying magnificent structures for love, mentioning the eternal Indian tale of love is a must.
With the much-awaited Valentine’s Day just around the corner, how can I not mention one of the greatest Mughal Ruler. The architectural marvel that he left behind for the travelers to explore and to take inspiration from?
Before you set your plans to visit the Taj Mahal for Valentine’s Day, this year, Do not forget to check cheap flight fares to India, Also, take a close look at its historical connotations.
TAJ MAHAL, AGRA:
Carved in white marble, this 460-years old mausoleum stands strong in the list of the architectural wonders of the world.
Taj Mahal is located in Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of river Yamuna. As the story goes, the Mughal Ruler, Shah Jahan builds Taj Mahal in remembrance of his better-half, Mumtaz Mahal who could not survive her 14th child-birth.
For centuries the tales of their love pass. It is an immortal tombstone which demonstrates the magnitude of their love. It took complete 22 years and 20,000 workers to carve out this legendary wonder.
Shah Jahan brought the finest draftsmen of the world together to make ‘wonder-of-love’ for his wife. Ustad Isa, Qazim Khan, Amanat Khan, Mir Abdul Kaim, Ismail Afandi, Chiranjilal, and Muhammad Hanif were the prominent names of this team.
Shah Jahan left no stone unturned to construct the Taj Mahal into an everlasting symbol of love for his wife. Mumtaz Mahal’s grave lies unperturbed in this marvelous wonder.
The framework of the Taj Mahal was laid in 10 years after it was started building in 1631. It took the laborers another 12 years to lay the minarets, pillars and the gardens.
The emperor made sure everything that was used to build the Taj Mahal was exquisite which is why he imported raw materials from all over India. The white marble came from Makrana, a town in Rajasthan while the precious decorative stones came from places like Tibet and Sri Lanka.
The architecture of the monument took inspiration from the Persian, Islamic and Indian styles. It is believed that Shah Jahan was left with very less treasures by the time construction of the Taj Mahal was completed.
Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most visited and famous tourist spots in India. Every year, a number of foreign as well as domestic tourists visit the monument to witness its breathtaking beauty.
This motif of love speaks volumes about the eternal love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Also, we can compare it to a manifesto which keeps the love between two souls alive, forever and always.
Here’s a small Taj Mahal to-do list for you, have a look:
- The best months to visit the Taj Mahal are February, October, and November.
- The monument is open to the public all weekdays, except Friday. You can visit it from 6 AM to 7 PM.
- The only items that tourists can carry with them into the premises are wallets, water bottles, small camcorders, mobile phones, and cameras.
Also, if you’re planning to visit the Mahal, this could just be the best time for you to be there, or You can easily avail cheap flight tickets to India from the USA or the rest of the world.
What more than a resplendent sunset amidst the glorious gardens of the Taj Mahal could make your spouse happy this Valentine?
Gift your better-half a Mughal-style Valentine this year. Moreover, give it a thought and start making your plans this very minute.