The Taj Mahal in Agra, India white marble mausoleum reflected in the long central hauz (pool) on the main axis, four minarets flanking the dome, clear sky photographed by Prashant Dhingra
Agra, Uttar Pradesh · India · UNESCO World Heritage Site

Taj Mahal Taj Mahal - Jewel of the Palace - Built with Passion - 1632-1653

Missing out on experiencing India is inevitable if you don't witness the Taj Mahal. Get a glimpse of this iconic monument through thirty-eight breathtaking photographs taken at different times of the day and from various viewpoints across the Yamuna River from Agra Fort.

38
Photographs
73m
Dome Height
1653
Year Completed
Enter
Built by Shah Jahan Mughal Emperor · 1628–1658
Completed c. 1653 21 years of construction
Dome height 73 metres 240 feet above the base
UNESCO listed 1983 World Heritage Site
Annual visitors 7–8 Million Most visited monument in India
Photographs 38 by Prashant Dhingra
Monument
Taj Mahal · تاج محل
Location
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Commission
Shah Jahan · 1632
In memory of
Mumtaz Mahal · 1593–1631
Material
White Makrana Marble
Photographs
38

A monument so perfect it seems to float.

Shah Jahan ordered the building of the Taj Mahal in honor of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 giving birth to their fourteenth child. It is said that her passing caused his hair to turn white in a single night. Construction began the following year and required 20,000 workers and craftsmen from different parts of the Mughal empire. The marble for the project was brought from Makrana, Rajasthan, which was 350 km away.

In a span of more than two decades, they didn't just build a structure, but rather crafted a declaration in stone: that true beauty can withstand even the deepest sorrows. The Taj Mahal's meticulous design, with the dome aligning perfectly with the facade's height and the minarets tilting slightly outward to give an illusion of flawless verticality, creates a slight sense of disorientation, making everything seem lighter than it actually is.

This collection of 38 images captures the Taj Mahal from different angles and times of day - from the radiant glow of sunrise on the marble to nighttime views, from inside the Great Gate to the Agra Fort across the Yamuna River, and highlighting the intricate details of the minarets and inlay work that are best seen up close.

Upon catching sight of the Taj Mahal, the splendor of diamonds, pearls, and rubies pales in contrast to its breathtaking beauty, causing even the Sun and Moon to hang their heads in defeat.

Sāhir Ludhiānvī, Urdu poet
PD
Prashant Dhingra Travel photography · prashant.dhingra.website

Taj Mahal Visitor Guide

Who built the Taj Mahal and why?

In 1632, Shah Jahan, a Mughal Emperor, oversaw the construction of the Taj Mahal as a tribute to his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Over 20,000 craftsmen dedicated 21 years to completing this architectural wonder, which seamlessly combines Persian, Islamic, and Indian influences, exemplifying the beauty of Mughal architecture.

When is the best time to visit and take pictures of the Taj Mahal?

Dawn offers the renowned soft pink glow against the marble, mist rising from the Yamuna River, and a sparse crowd of visitors. Full moon nights The ghostly illuminated monument can be viewed with a separate ticket purchase. The best time for photography is between October and February. Make sure to arrive at the East or West Gate 30 minutes before sunrise to enter as the complex opens.

How can you see the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort?

Only 2.5 km away from the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort offers a famous view from the Musamman Burj. This tower is where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb and is believed to have spent his final days gazing at the Taj Mahal. The view displays the monument against the Yamuna River, with the fort's red sandstone in the foreground.

What are the Taj Mahal's opening hours and entry fees?

The monument is open daily from sunrise to sunset, excluding Fridays. Entry fees are Rs 1,100 for foreign tourists and Rs 50 for Indian nationals, which covers shoe covers and water. Photography is not allowed inside the mausoleum chamber. Night viewing during the full moon (±2 days) requires a separate ticket. To avoid waiting in line, visitors can book online through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) website.

How tall is the Taj Mahal and what are its dimensions?

The central dome is 73 metres Each of the four minarets reaches a height of 40 meters (130 feet) and is built with a slight outward lean to protect against earthquakes. The complex, spread across 17 hectares, includes a garden, mosque, guest house, and the Great Gate (Darwaza-i-Rauza).

Who photographed this Taj Mahal gallery?

To see more of Prashant Dhingra's 38 photos from his trips to the Taj Mahal complex and Agra Fort, check out his India travel photography. prashant.dhingra.website/travel/india, including galleries for Udaipur, Vaishno Devi, and Sundarbans.