Most of the time Indians ask me about – the Taj Mahal India’s Number 1 Tourist Destination? And I always said on the voting/poll bases. Yes, The Taj Mahal is still India’s number one tourist destination.

India is a country with a very unique and exciting history. From ancient times to the present day, India has been home to some of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring structures in the world. One such structure is the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum complex located in Agra, India. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

However, recent reports suggest that the Taj Mahal may be losing its position as India’s number one tourist destination. So, what’s causing this decline? And what does it mean for the future of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks? easily analyze why the Taj Mahal is still India’s number one tourist destination.

According to recent research, the Taj Mahal continues to be the most popular tourist attraction in India. The results are hardly shocking considering how many visitors the famous monument continues to receive from across the globe.

The Taj Mahal, erected in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is regarded as one of the most stunning structures in the whole world. Anyone travelling to India should see it because of its gorgeous location on the banks of the Yamuna River and its complex construction.

The Taj Mahal has had several difficulties recently, despite its fame. Its white marble exterior has become yellow due to rising pollution levels, and many tourists have stayed away because of worries about safety and security.

Geography

Taj Mahal/Coordinates | 27° 10′ 30″ N, 78° 2′ 31″ E

Basically, the Taj Mahal is located in the northern part of an Indian city called Agra, In the state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra has a semiarid climate, which means it is generally hot and dry for most of the year, with occasional rainfall during the monsoon season.

The average temperature range from March to June from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F). The average temperature range from November to February from 8°C (46°F) to 20°C (68°F).

where the Taj Mahal is located, has an elevation of approximately 169 meters (554 feet) above sea level. The Taj Mahal is situated within the larger complex of the Agra Fort and is surrounded by extensive gardens and other buildings.

the sun will rise from behind the monument. So, the sun rises from the east of the Taj Mahal.

Yamuna river toches from the back all along and is approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) south of the capital city of Delhi. and if you are coming from Lucknow, is approximately 330 kilometres (205 miles) by road.

Economy

The Taj Mahal’s home city of Agra was discovered to be India’s second-most visited city after Delhi, according to the survey. Agra had more than 4 million visitors in 2018, a 3% rise from the previous year.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Tourism, the Taj Mahal continues to be the most well-liked tourist attraction in India.

Millions of people are employed nationwide by the tourism industry, which is a crucial component of the Indian economy. By enhancing infrastructure and presenting India as a secure and friendly vacation destination, the government hopes to further boost the number of tourists in the upcoming years.

According to the study, which was made public on Monday, more than 7 million domestic and international visitors visited the Taj Mahal in 2018. Compared to the prior year, when the monument saw 6.8 million visits, this represents a modest rise.

Tourism

It’s understandable why the Taj Mahal has long been one of the most sought-after tourist sites. The majestic Mughal building is a monument to the strength of love as well as India’s rich history and culture. The Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing in millions of people each year from all over the globe to Agra.

Despite its appeal, some people think that the Taj Mahal’s days as the top tourist attraction are over. Other tourist destinations have started to challenge the Taj Mahal in recent years. For instance, the recently constructed Statue of Unity in Gujarat has grown to be a big attraction for travellers interested in seeing another side of India. Aside from that, destinations
like the Sundarbans National Park are getting more and more well-liked as more and more people express interest in eco-tourism.

Infrastructure and Media

Not only that but the Taj Mahal was also discovered to be the top tourist attraction in the world! The Taj Mahal was the most often searched-for location, according to the survey, which analyzed information from over 1.5 million ixigo members.

The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India, and there is the significant infrastructure around the site to support tourism and visitors. Some of the key infrastructure around the Taj Mahal includes:

Transportation:

Agra is well-connected to major cities in India by road, rail, and air. Visitors can reach Agra by train, bus, or car. There are also several airports nearby, including the Agra airport, which is around 13 km away from the Taj Mahal.

Accommodation:

Agra has a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Many hotels are located near the Taj Mahal, making it easy for visitors to explore the site.

Parking:

There is a large parking area near the Taj Mahal where visitors can park their vehicles. There are also parking attendants who can assist with parking and security.

Ticketing:

Visitors need to purchase tickets to enter the Taj Mahal. There are several ticket counters located near the entrance of the site where visitors can buy tickets. There are also online ticketing options available.

Security:

There is a significant security presence around the Taj Mahal to ensure the safety of visitors. Visitors need to go through security checks before entering the site.

Restroom:

There are several restrooms located around the Taj Mahal for visitors to use.

Food and beverages:

There are several food and beverage options available near the Taj Mahal, ranging from small street vendors to restaurants.

If we talk about the taj mahal in media in various aspects like Films, Literature, Music, Art, Travel media and Social Media. Well, known Bollywood movie “Mughal-e-Azam” and the Hollywood film “The Other End of the Line.” Some written works like “Taj Mahal: Passion and Genius at the Heart of the Moghul Empire” by Diana and Michael Preston and the novel “Taj” by Timeri N. Murari.

By Air:

Located around 7 kilometres from the city centre, the Taj city of Agra has its airport. In the summer, several airlines provide flights to Agra. Contact tourist offices if you want the most recent flight information.

By Rail:

Agra is well-connected to the rest of the nation via a reliable rail system. There are two other stations, Raja-ki-Mandi and Agra Fort, in addition to the main railway station in Agra Cantonment. The Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, Gatimaan, and Taj Express are the primary trains that connect Agra with Delhi. Call: 139 for train details or visit https://www.irctc.co.in

By Road:

Agra is located on the Golden Triangle of the Tourist Circuit and is well-linked by road to the country’s major towns (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur). It has NH-2, NH-11, NH-3, and NH-2 connections to Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, and Gwalior respectively. Additionally, it has expressways connecting it to Delhi and Lucknow. The principal stretches of road are:

Bharatpur: 57 kilometres. 204 kilometres separate from Delhi. Gwalior: 119 kilometers. The distance between Jaipur and Kanpur is 232 kilometres. 400 kilometers to Khajuraho. Lucknow, 369 kilometres. Mathura — 56 km. Varanasi: 605 kilometers.

Regular bus routes connect Agra with several significant cities. Numerous buses are available at the ISBT and Idgah major bus stations for destinations including Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc.

How Do I Find Accommodations?

There are several places to stay close to the Taj Mahal. In the city of Agra, you may discover hotels, guest homes, and hostels. Additionally, there are several Airbnbs in the region.

Numerous dorms and hostels in Agra start at about Rs 200 per night if you’re seeking something more reasonably priced. If you wish to experience local life, homestays and Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) are additional options.

If you’re interested in information under the topic “How can I discover nearby lodging?” one way to find lodging close to the Taj Mahal is to conduct an internet search on a travel or booking website. Asking locals for advice on hotels or guesthouses in the neighbourhood is an additional alternative.

A few Hotels are :

• Hotel Seven Hills Tower- A Luxury Hotel In Agra Near The Taj Mahal
• Mansingh Palace
• Hotel The Taj Villa
• Hotel Marygold Agra
• Radisson Hotel Agra

Few Restaurants are:

• The Royal Dining Restaurant
• Daawat-E-Nawab
• Golden Street Restaurant
• Peshwari
• Pinch Of Spice
• Masala Darbar Restaurant (M.D )
• Taj Mahal Restaurant

How Do I Plan My Trip to the Taj Mahal Area?

There are a few considerations to make while making travel plans in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal. There are a few things to consider while organizing your vacation to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is first situated in Agra, India. You should be ready for crowds and traffic because Agra is a big city. The milder months of October through March are the ideal time to see the Taj Mahal. Summers may be quite warm and muggy.

• The Taj Mahal is firstly situated in Agra, India, around three hour’s drive from New Delhi.
• Second, it’s crucial to reserve your tickets in advance due to the Taj Mahal’s high level of popularity as a tourist site. Or Children under the age of 15 are admitted free, and there is a nominal charge for adults.
• The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so keep that in mind when you make travel arrangements. Try to schedule your visit for a different day if you’re just in town for a short while.
• Third, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking, make sure to pack comfy shoes and clothing.
• Fourth, you may visit the Taj Mahal on your own in addition to the numerous travel organizations that provide tours there.

You may take a train, bus, or private vehicle from Delhi to Agra. The Shatabdi Express train, which departs from New Delhi Railway Station and takes roughly 2.5 hours, is the most practical choice. When you get to Agra, you may choose between lodging in the city’s center or close to the Taj Mahal. We advise staying at The Oberoi Amarvilas or ITC Mughal if
you wish to be near the Taj Mahal. These two hotels are close to the Taj Mahal and both provide breathtaking views of the structure.

We advise hiring a private driver for the day if you want to explore Agra’s other sights outside the Taj Mahal. You will have the flexibility and be able to take in all the sights at your speed thanks to this. Among other locations, Fatehpur Sikri is worth a visit ( UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Why Should I Visit the Taj Mahal?

There are many reasons to visit the Taj Mahal, but here are just a few:

• To be in awe of the beautiful building and complex detailing. With its exquisite symmetry and subtle decoration, the Taj Mahal is a work of art.
• To understand the intriguing background history. With the creation of this magnificent structure, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal’s love and the loss-filled narrative continue to be told.
• To have the impression that time has stopped. It is an incredible experience to go into the Taj Mahal, which is like travelling back in time.
• To savor the tranquil ambience. The Taj Mahal complex is remarkably tranquil and calm, despite being one of the most well-known tourist attractions in India.

• A trip to the Taj Mahal is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You must include the Taj Mahal on your trip itinerary if you have any interest in history or architecture, or simply want to see one of the most iconic buildings in the world.

The Taj Mahal is the only place to go if you want a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, erected this exquisite marble monument in the early 1600s as a memorial to his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Millions of people visit the Taj Mahal every year, making it one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the world today.

Conclusion

A representation of India’s rich history and culture is the Taj Mahal. It is a structure that displays the talent of Indian architects and artisans. Since Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, erected the Taj Mahal in honor of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is also a representation of love. Anyone who gets the chance to view the Taj Mahal should take advantage of the
opportunity; it is a sight to see.

Few Important Questions

What is so special about the Taj Mahal?

As far as Indo-Islamic architecture is concerned, the Taj Mahal is regarded as the pinnacle of all architectural accomplishments. Its well-known architectural beauty includes a rhythmic blend of solids and voids, concave and convex, and light shadow. Additional architectural features, like arches and domes, heighten the visual quality.

Can we go inside the Taj Mahal?

Yes, Of course! All that is there is a sizable monument over a few graves. Everything has an amazing history. Request the services of a local guide.

Can we wear shoes in the Taj Mahal?

Shoe coverings are useful since it is forbidden to wear shoes inside the main tomb, which is a white building. Everywhere else in the Taj complex is shoe-friendly. We would not advise putting your shoes on the rack outside the tomb for the love of our shoes.

Can we take a laptop to the Taj Mahal?

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) announced on Wednesday that tourists visiting the Taj Mahal will not be permitted to deposit laptops, cameras, and a variety of other electronic devices and food items inside the two cloakrooms of the monument, a decision that is likely to put the majority of visitors in a difficult situation.

Why Taj Mahal has no lights at night?

It is a marble building that may be viewed in all its splendor on a clear night. Illuminating it with artificial illumination, which draws insects, is a terrible idea.

References

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