Jaipur Travel Guide: Jaipur “The Pink City” of Rajasthan
India is a mysterious and dreamy country where every person wants to travel to this land for adventure and to discover different attractions. Among the tourist spots of this country, the most famous destination for Indian tours is the Golden Triangle of this country. But what do we mean by the golden triangle? If we want to explain briefly and attractively, the first vertex of this triangle is the city of Delhi, the second vertex is the city of Agra, and the third vertex of this triangle is the city of Jaipur. Jaipur is one of the most spectacular cities in India, which is known by different names among the people. Among these titles, we can mention the desert capital of India or the pink city, the land of palaces, the land of lakes, etc. Jaipur, like other famous cities of India, has a modern and contemporary area, but still, during a trip to this city, you will be immersed in the historical and old texture of the city. Jaipur has hot and long summers and mild and pleasant winters. When traveling to this city, you can easily choose a variety of places to stay. Also, travel enthusiasts can get to know the rich culture and glorious past of the people of India and Jaipur in this city. Here we have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Jaipur for an enjoyable and memorable trip.
As one of the best tourist places in Jaipur, Amer Fort has managed to top our list of tourist attractions. Undoubtedly, this place is one of the most amazing tourist places in Jaipur and it has gained a lot of fame among tourists these days due to its outstanding mirror work. Tourists must get an entrance ticket to enter it. The cost of these tickets is as follows:
One of the popular pastimes in this place is elephant riding. Those interested have to pay a separate fee of INR 1200 per elephant (two persons can ride an elephant) for riding the elephants. Visiting hours of this fort are limited and tourists must be there between 8 am and 5 pm. Of course, due to the closure of most parts of this castle, visiting after 5 p.m. is not recommended.
Among the attractions of Jaipur is Jaigarh Fort. This castle will fascinate every viewer with its remarkable architectural style from the medieval period. The high importance of this castle has made it very well protected over the years. We suggest going to the top of this fort to feel the whole of Jaipur under your feet and enjoy its wonderful view. The cost of the entrance ticket is as follows, which must be paid before entering:
Visiting hours of this castle are limited during the day and you can visit it only between 9:30 and 16:30. If you are going to travel to Jaipur in the summer season and visit this historical fort, don’t forget to bring water along the way. Also, consider measures to prevent your skin from burning. Because you are going to walk under the sun for at least 3 hours.
If you are looking for a place of high historical value among the tourist attractions of Jaipur, Bhangarh Fort cannot be mentioned. This place is known as a ghostly tourist destination due to its many historical ruins. Most of the fans of this historical fort are curious young people who love to explore and visit old places. In order to go to this fort from Jaipur, you have to travel an approximate distance of 83 km. Its entrance is free and everyone can visit it. Due to the fact that this area is uninhabited, it is suggested to avoid visiting it before sunrise and after sunset to be safe during your trip.
If you are looking for an adventurous day, then Achrol Fort is the most suitable tourist attraction for you. Visiting this fort is accompanied by activities such as walking and observing the architectural wonders of Jaipur. Those interested can visit this castle at any time of the day and night. But if you have decided to visit it, we recommend that you go to this castle early in the morning to avoid the heat. This unique fort represents the rich culture and tradition of this region.
Another popular tourist attraction in Jaipur is the City Palace because of its unique fusion of rich Rajasthani and Mongolian architecture. The palace has extensive courtyards, gardens, a museum, an art gallery and a fascinating display of royal costumes and ancient weapons. Every tourist who has chosen India tour should not miss visiting this historical palace. The entrance fee of this palace for foreigners and Indians is as follows:
In order to be able to enter through the entrance, you must be there during the special time for visiting the palace. These hours are from 9:30 am to 5 pm on all days of the week. We recommend that you bring your camera with you on this excursion.
Definitely one of the best places to visit in Jaipur is Jal Mahal. This unique palace is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, which itself is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. This palace consists of 5 floors, the remarkable point of which is that 4 floors are under the water level. As a result, it will be a unique experience for visitors. The architecture of this beautiful palace is a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The clear water of the lake and the surrounding scenery, especially at night, make the palace look very stunning. Getting a ticket is mandatory to enter it. Ticket prices are:
You can enjoy the exterior of this palace at any time of the day or night. But to enter it, you must be there between 9 am and 5 pm. We suggest that you allocate about 3 to 4 hours to visit it. This place is so interesting and spectacular that you will never feel the passage of time.
Hawa Mahal is one of the most beautiful places in Jaipur. This place is so beautiful and stunning that it needs no introduction. Known as the Palace of the Winds, this palace offers visitors a panoramic view of the palace and the Pink City. It is natural that such a place with this extraordinary architectural style would charge its guests an entrance fee. The entry fee for foreigners and Indians is as follows:
The doors of this spectacular palace are open to those interested from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Of course, we recommend that you choose to visit it in the morning to get the best photos.
Another tourist attraction in Jaipur is Rambagh Palace. This palace was once the residence of Maharajas. Of course, now it is known as one of the best hotels in the world and staying in it has many fans among tourists. By staying at this 5-star hotel, you can experience a luxurious stay in Jaipur and visit the tourist places of Jaipur. If you are not a passenger of this hotel, you can visit it between 6 am and 6 pm by paying an entrance fee. The entrance fee is as follows:
Birla Mandir is one of the most popular religious places in Jaipur, located at the foot of the Moti Dongri hill. This temple is made of white marble and has a very impressive view. Marble has made this temple shine during the day and has a special light at night. The entrance to this place is free and anyone can visit it. Visiting hours are from 8 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm. This place is very clean and like most Indian temples you must remove your shoes upon entering.
Galtaji Temple is one of the most famous tourist places in Jaipur. Also known as the Monkey Temple, this place has gained a lot of fame among all because of its rather complex structure. The temple has three sacred pools surrounded by two granite rocks. You can see many monkeys bathing in those pools. You will also enjoy the amazing views of the area and its greenery. The entrance to this temple is free and you can visit it at any time. But it is recommended to visit the temple near sunset, when the monkeys enter the temple. One of the travel scams that you might not even think about is monkeys stealing your personal belongings. Take care of your personal belongings during the visit; Because these monkeys are very professional thieves who are sometimes trained by some people for this purpose.
Govindji Temple is among the best tourist attractions in Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. You can enter it for free. But we must say that you can never visit this temple in a hurry. Because you have to dedicate a day to enjoy it.
Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev is a beautiful destination for a delightful walk, starting from Sagar Lake and continuing to the backside of Amer Fort. This visit polishes the soul of travelers because of the sights and sights it has. After walking the path of the temple and reaching its highest part, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Aravalli hills. It goes without saying that you should wear special clothes while visiting this temple.
Moti Dungri Temple is an interesting temple in Jaipur situated on a small hill. This temple is a cultural landmark that every tourist in Jaipur must visit. This temple has become one of the most important Hindu temples in Rajasthan due to its unique mesh architectural style. The most beautiful part of this temple is the structure similar to the old castle in Scotland, which attracts everyone’s attention. Entrance to this temple is free. Those who are interested should visit it during the visiting hours from 4:30 am to 9:30 pm. Celebrations and ceremonies are held in this temple, which you can observe closely if you wish.
Akshardham Temple
Another tourist attraction in Jabpur is Akshardham Temple, also known as Swaminarayan Temple. This temple is mostly famous for its complex architecture and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Apart from Jaipur, Akshardham Temple has been built in eight other big cities of India. People of all ages can visit this temple for free. Its visiting hours are 7:30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm. Of course, its doors are closed on Mondays and it is forbidden to visit it. It is mandatory to wear appropriate clothes in this temple.
Garh Ganesh Temple is a historical temple, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the city of Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. If you like to see the beautiful scenery from the top of the temple, take the difficulty of the path and go to the top of this temple. Be sure that you will experience an unforgettable day during this visit. The only thing you should pay attention to is to wear appropriate clothes when visiting it like any other temple. Visiting hours are from 5:30 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Another historical and religious place in Jaipur is called Digamber Jain Mandir Sanghiji. This temple is only 10 minutes (4 km) away from the city and is made of red sandstone. Its red color has given a lot of charm to this temple. Its entrance is free and those interested can visit it from 6 am to 10 pm. Never forget to wear appropriate clothes in this temple like in other temples.
One of the most attractive parts of traveling and exploring among the famous attractions of Jaipur is going to Sisodia Rani Garden. Built in 1728, 10 km from Jaipur, this garden is famous as a symbol of eternal love between Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and Rani Sisodia Jai Singh. Apart from being a tourist attraction, this garden is also a popular wedding venue in Jaipur. Visiting hours are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you like to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city and in peace, never miss visiting this garden.
The Taj Mahal the love story is one of the Seventh Wonders of the World. But in addition to its sumptuousness, the building contains one of the most touching Mogul love stories. This blog is dedicated to the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum of eternal love par excellence, which seemed quite appropriate to me. The Taj Mahal was born from the great love that a man had for his woman. When anyone announces that he or she is going to India, one of the first questions is “Go to see the Taj Mahal too, right”? India is not only the Taj Mahal, but in the popular imagination, it is certainly one of the first icons that come to mind, after all, it is one of the best-known and most-visited monuments in the world.
You see it represented everywhere, in history books, in tourist brochures, and geography books so much that you think you know it even before arriving but no matter how hard you try, the beauty of the live mausoleum is such as making any kind of imaginative effort vain. The Taj Mahal the love story is the most extraordinary building I have ever seen, pure, white, and perfectly proportioned. Only the power of love could be able to create a masterpiece of such enchantment and perfection.
The Taj Mahal is the symbol of eternal love but if you think that Agra is a romantic city you are off track. In Agra, as well as in most large Indian cities, the chaos and traffic are crazy. The hotel where I would have stayed was a stone’s throw from the Taj Mahal and upon entering the city my heart sank seeing that the road signs only indicated 1 km on arrival. Too bad that it took a good half hour to travel that km!
But the beauty of the Taj Mahal is such that I could have endured spending the whole day in the car. It is no coincidence that the Taj Mahal is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, and part of its magnetism is due to the legend that surrounds it. If you don’t know it, here it is in brief:
The Taj Mahal was built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in 1631 in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a princess originally from Persia, who died shortly after giving birth to their fourteenth child. Her death was so tragic for the emperor that her hair and beard within a few months turned completely white with grief. While Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she had asked the emperor to make four promises to her in case she died before him. For first promise she asked him to build the Taj; the second was that she would have to marry again to give a new mother to their children; the third promise was that he would always be good and understanding with their children; and the fourth, that he would always visit her grave on the anniversary of her death. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and took 22 years to complete. It is estimated that more than a thousand elephants were used to drag the very heavy marbles and, legend has it, that all the workers involved in the titanic undertaking had their hands amputated at the end of the construction, to ensure that the work was never repeated.
Once the thousand controls have been passed, it can be glimpsed from the entrance, beyond the large and majestic door, which gives the complex an imperial and suggestive atmosphere.
I am greeted by beautiful gardens with fountains and canals, where the Taj Mahal is almost vainly reflected. It is so beautiful and magnetic that it is difficult to take your eyes off those perfect shapes.
The Indian poet Tagone called it “a tear of marble resting on the cheek of time”.
Never read a more poetic and evocative quote than this. The Taj Mahal stands on a red sandstone base, surmounted by a huge dome, flanked by four tapering minarets over 40 meters high. They were built with a slight slope outward so that in the event of an earthquake, they would not collapse onto the Taj Mahal.
For the construction of the Taj Mahal, white marble and twenty-eight types of precious stones from all over Asia were used: turquoises from Tibet, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, sapphires from Sri Lanka, jasper from Punjab, white marble from Rajasthan, crystals and jade from China. The materials with which it was built and its location close to the Yamuna River allow for a magical play of light and colour. Based on the seasons and the alternation of day and night, the Taj Mahal actually changes its color pinkish in the morning, silver-white in the evening, golden when the moon rises. As if to reflect the changing character of a woman, at least that’s what they say in India.
I take off my shoes and enter the mausoleum, where are the tombs of Princess Mumtaz and that of the emperor, Shah Jahan, buried here after his death in 1666. Both tombs, however, are empty, the bodies of the rulers have been transferred in the underground crypt.
Two mosques, in red sandstone flank the Taj Mahal and represent an important place of aggregation and prayer.
Turning behind the structure, you will see the Yamuna River, where the Mughal Mehta Bagh Park is located. It is not always possible to access it, but from there you can admire the Taj Mahal from another beautiful perspective.
You will be stopped every two steps by Indians who will want to take a souvenir photo with you or who will ask you to be immortalized by your reflex cameras. At first it may seem like a joke but for them it is a real honor to be able to take a picture or exchange a few words with a Westerner. Don’t be too stiff, smile and play along. Despite having been lucky enough to visit the Taj Mahal twice, I have been involved in so many group photos that in the end, in the general confusion, I find myself without a decent photo of myself! Irony of fate.
Being one of the most visited monuments in the world, unfortunately the complex is always very crowded and this can negatively affect your visit, because let’s face it, without wanting to fall into cultural labels, Indians are much louder and ruder than us when they want Italians.
Generally they recommend visiting it at dawn, being the moment of least attendance and this was my idea but the hotel advised me to visit it immediately as soon as I arrived because in winter the mornings are characterized by a thick fog and the risk was not to being able to see nothing at all but its silhouette.
Reluctantly, I followed their recommendations and although the checks to enter were quick, I believe that half of India had made an appointment there.
Jaipur Travel Guide: Jaipur “The Pink City” of Rajasthan
India is a mysterious and dreamy country where every person wants to travel to this land for adventure and to discover different attractions. Among the tourist spots of this country, the most famous destination for Indian tours is the Golden Triangle of this country. But what do we mean by the golden triangle? If we want to explain briefly and attractively, the first vertex of this triangle is the city of Delhi, the second vertex is the city of Agra, and the third vertex of this triangle is the city of Jaipur. Jaipur is one of the most spectacular cities in India, which is known by different names among the people. Among these titles, we can mention the desert capital of India or the pink city, the land of palaces, the land of lakes, etc. Jaipur, like other famous cities of India, has a modern and contemporary area, but still, during a trip to this city, you will be immersed in the historical and old texture of the city. Jaipur has hot and long summers and mild and pleasant winters. When traveling to this city, you can easily choose a variety of places to stay. Also, travel enthusiasts can get to know the rich culture and glorious past of the people of India and Jaipur in this city. Here we have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Jaipur for an enjoyable and memorable trip.
As one of the best tourist places in Jaipur, Amer Fort has managed to top our list of tourist attractions. Undoubtedly, this place is one of the most amazing tourist places in Jaipur and it has gained a lot of fame among tourists these days due to its outstanding mirror work. Tourists must get an entrance ticket to enter it. The cost of these tickets is as follows:
One of the popular pastimes in this place is elephant riding. Those interested have to pay a separate fee of INR 1200 per elephant (two persons can ride an elephant) for riding the elephants. Visiting hours of this fort are limited and tourists must be there between 8 am and 5 pm. Of course, due to the closure of most parts of this castle, visiting after 5 p.m. is not recommended.
Among the attractions of Jaipur is Jaigarh Fort. This castle will fascinate every viewer with its remarkable architectural style from the medieval period. The high importance of this castle has made it very well protected over the years. We suggest going to the top of this fort to feel the whole of Jaipur under your feet and enjoy its wonderful view. The cost of the entrance ticket is as follows, which must be paid before entering:
Visiting hours of this castle are limited during the day and you can visit it only between 9:30 and 16:30. If you are going to travel to Jaipur in the summer season and visit this historical fort, don’t forget to bring water along the way. Also, consider measures to prevent your skin from burning. Because you are going to walk under the sun for at least 3 hours.
If you are looking for a place of high historical value among the tourist attractions of Jaipur, Bhangarh Fort cannot be mentioned. This place is known as a ghostly tourist destination due to its many historical ruins. Most of the fans of this historical fort are curious young people who love to explore and visit old places. In order to go to this fort from Jaipur, you have to travel an approximate distance of 83 km. Its entrance is free and everyone can visit it. Due to the fact that this area is uninhabited, it is suggested to avoid visiting it before sunrise and after sunset to be safe during your trip.
If you are looking for an adventurous day, then Achrol Fort is the most suitable tourist attraction for you. Visiting this fort is accompanied by activities such as walking and observing the architectural wonders of Jaipur. Those interested can visit this castle at any time of the day and night. But if you have decided to visit it, we recommend that you go to this castle early in the morning to avoid the heat. This unique fort represents the rich culture and tradition of this region.
Another popular tourist attraction in Jaipur is the City Palace because of its unique fusion of rich Rajasthani and Mongolian architecture. The palace has extensive courtyards, gardens, a museum, an art gallery and a fascinating display of royal costumes and ancient weapons. Every tourist who has chosen India tour should not miss visiting this historical palace. The entrance fee of this palace for foreigners and Indians is as follows:
In order to be able to enter through the entrance, you must be there during the special time for visiting the palace. These hours are from 9:30 am to 5 pm on all days of the week. We recommend that you bring your camera with you on this excursion.
Definitely one of the best places to visit in Jaipur is Jal Mahal. This unique palace is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, which itself is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. This palace consists of 5 floors, the remarkable point of which is that 4 floors are under the water level. As a result, it will be a unique experience for visitors. The architecture of this beautiful palace is a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The clear water of the lake and the surrounding scenery, especially at night, make the palace look very stunning. Getting a ticket is mandatory to enter it. Ticket prices are:
You can enjoy the exterior of this palace at any time of the day or night. But to enter it, you must be there between 9 am and 5 pm. We suggest that you allocate about 3 to 4 hours to visit it. This place is so interesting and spectacular that you will never feel the passage of time.
Hawa Mahal is one of the most beautiful places in Jaipur. This place is so beautiful and stunning that it needs no introduction. Known as the Palace of the Winds, this palace offers visitors a panoramic view of the palace and the Pink City. It is natural that such a place with this extraordinary architectural style would charge its guests an entrance fee. The entry fee for foreigners and Indians is as follows:
The doors of this spectacular palace are open to those interested from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Of course, we recommend that you choose to visit it in the morning to get the best photos.
Another tourist attraction in Jaipur is Rambagh Palace. This palace was once the residence of Maharajas. Of course, now it is known as one of the best hotels in the world and staying in it has many fans among tourists. By staying at this 5-star hotel, you can experience a luxurious stay in Jaipur and visit the tourist places of Jaipur. If you are not a passenger of this hotel, you can visit it between 6 am and 6 pm by paying an entrance fee. The entrance fee is as follows:
Birla Mandir is one of the most popular religious places in Jaipur, located at the foot of the Moti Dongri hill. This temple is made of white marble and has a very impressive view. Marble has made this temple shine during the day and has a special light at night. The entrance to this place is free and anyone can visit it. Visiting hours are from 8 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm. This place is very clean and like most Indian temples you must remove your shoes upon entering.
Galtaji Temple is one of the most famous tourist places in Jaipur. Also known as the Monkey Temple, this place has gained a lot of fame among all because of its rather complex structure. The temple has three sacred pools surrounded by two granite rocks. You can see many monkeys bathing in those pools. You will also enjoy the amazing views of the area and its greenery. The entrance to this temple is free and you can visit it at any time. But it is recommended to visit the temple near sunset, when the monkeys enter the temple. One of the travel scams that you might not even think about is monkeys stealing your personal belongings. Take care of your personal belongings during the visit; Because these monkeys are very professional thieves who are sometimes trained by some people for this purpose.
Govindji Temple is among the best tourist attractions in Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. You can enter it for free. But we must say that you can never visit this temple in a hurry. Because you have to dedicate a day to enjoy it.
Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev is a beautiful destination for a delightful walk, starting from Sagar Lake and continuing to the backside of Amer Fort. This visit polishes the soul of travelers because of the sights and sights it has. After walking the path of the temple and reaching its highest part, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Aravalli hills. It goes without saying that you should wear special clothes while visiting this temple.
Moti Dungri Temple is an interesting temple in Jaipur situated on a small hill. This temple is a cultural landmark that every tourist in Jaipur must visit. This temple has become one of the most important Hindu temples in Rajasthan due to its unique mesh architectural style. The most beautiful part of this temple is the structure similar to the old castle in Scotland, which attracts everyone’s attention. Entrance to this temple is free. Those who are interested should visit it during the visiting hours from 4:30 am to 9:30 pm. Celebrations and ceremonies are held in this temple, which you can observe closely if you wish.
Akshardham Temple
Another tourist attraction in Jabpur is Akshardham Temple, also known as Swaminarayan Temple. This temple is mostly famous for its complex architecture and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Apart from Jaipur, Akshardham Temple has been built in eight other big cities of India. People of all ages can visit this temple for free. Its visiting hours are 7:30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm. Of course, its doors are closed on Mondays and it is forbidden to visit it. It is mandatory to wear appropriate clothes in this temple.
Garh Ganesh Temple is a historical temple, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the city of Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. If you like to see the beautiful scenery from the top of the temple, take the difficulty of the path and go to the top of this temple. Be sure that you will experience an unforgettable day during this visit. The only thing you should pay attention to is to wear appropriate clothes when visiting it like any other temple. Visiting hours are from 5:30 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Another historical and religious place in Jaipur is called Digamber Jain Mandir Sanghiji. This temple is only 10 minutes (4 km) away from the city and is made of red sandstone. Its red color has given a lot of charm to this temple. Its entrance is free and those interested can visit it from 6 am to 10 pm. Never forget to wear appropriate clothes in this temple like in other temples.
One of the most attractive parts of traveling and exploring among the famous attractions of Jaipur is going to Sisodia Rani Garden. Built in 1728, 10 km from Jaipur, this garden is famous as a symbol of eternal love between Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and Rani Sisodia Jai Singh. Apart from being a tourist attraction, this garden is also a popular wedding venue in Jaipur. Visiting hours are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you like to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city and in peace, never miss visiting this garden.
The Taj Mahal the love story is one of the Seventh Wonders of the World. But in addition to its sumptuousness, the building contains one of the most touching Mogul love stories. This blog is dedicated to the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum of eternal love par excellence, which seemed quite appropriate to me. The Taj Mahal was born from the great love that a man had for his woman. When anyone announces that he or she is going to India, one of the first questions is “Go to see the Taj Mahal too, right”? India is not only the Taj Mahal, but in the popular imagination, it is certainly one of the first icons that come to mind, after all, it is one of the best-known and most-visited monuments in the world.
You see it represented everywhere, in history books, in tourist brochures, and geography books so much that you think you know it even before arriving but no matter how hard you try, the beauty of the live mausoleum is such as making any kind of imaginative effort vain. The Taj Mahal the love story is the most extraordinary building I have ever seen, pure, white, and perfectly proportioned. Only the power of love could be able to create a masterpiece of such enchantment and perfection.
The Taj Mahal is the symbol of eternal love but if you think that Agra is a romantic city you are off track. In Agra, as well as in most large Indian cities, the chaos and traffic are crazy. The hotel where I would have stayed was a stone’s throw from the Taj Mahal and upon entering the city my heart sank seeing that the road signs only indicated 1 km on arrival. Too bad that it took a good half hour to travel that km!
But the beauty of the Taj Mahal is such that I could have endured spending the whole day in the car. It is no coincidence that the Taj Mahal is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, and part of its magnetism is due to the legend that surrounds it. If you don’t know it, here it is in brief:
The Taj Mahal was built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in 1631 in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a princess originally from Persia, who died shortly after giving birth to their fourteenth child. Her death was so tragic for the emperor that her hair and beard within a few months turned completely white with grief. While Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she had asked the emperor to make four promises to her in case she died before him. For first promise she asked him to build the Taj; the second was that she would have to marry again to give a new mother to their children; the third promise was that he would always be good and understanding with their children; and the fourth, that he would always visit her grave on the anniversary of her death. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and took 22 years to complete. It is estimated that more than a thousand elephants were used to drag the very heavy marbles and, legend has it, that all the workers involved in the titanic undertaking had their hands amputated at the end of the construction, to ensure that the work was never repeated.
Once the thousand controls have been passed, it can be glimpsed from the entrance, beyond the large and majestic door, which gives the complex an imperial and suggestive atmosphere.
I am greeted by beautiful gardens with fountains and canals, where the Taj Mahal is almost vainly reflected. It is so beautiful and magnetic that it is difficult to take your eyes off those perfect shapes.
The Indian poet Tagone called it “a tear of marble resting on the cheek of time”.
Never read a more poetic and evocative quote than this. The Taj Mahal stands on a red sandstone base, surmounted by a huge dome, flanked by four tapering minarets over 40 meters high. They were built with a slight slope outward so that in the event of an earthquake, they would not collapse onto the Taj Mahal.
For the construction of the Taj Mahal, white marble and twenty-eight types of precious stones from all over Asia were used: turquoises from Tibet, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, sapphires from Sri Lanka, jasper from Punjab, white marble from Rajasthan, crystals and jade from China. The materials with which it was built and its location close to the Yamuna River allow for a magical play of light and colour. Based on the seasons and the alternation of day and night, the Taj Mahal actually changes its color pinkish in the morning, silver-white in the evening, golden when the moon rises. As if to reflect the changing character of a woman, at least that’s what they say in India.
I take off my shoes and enter the mausoleum, where are the tombs of Princess Mumtaz and that of the emperor, Shah Jahan, buried here after his death in 1666. Both tombs, however, are empty, the bodies of the rulers have been transferred in the underground crypt.
Two mosques, in red sandstone flank the Taj Mahal and represent an important place of aggregation and prayer.
Turning behind the structure, you will see the Yamuna River, where the Mughal Mehta Bagh Park is located. It is not always possible to access it, but from there you can admire the Taj Mahal from another beautiful perspective.
You will be stopped every two steps by Indians who will want to take a souvenir photo with you or who will ask you to be immortalized by your reflex cameras. At first it may seem like a joke but for them it is a real honor to be able to take a picture or exchange a few words with a Westerner. Don’t be too stiff, smile and play along. Despite having been lucky enough to visit the Taj Mahal twice, I have been involved in so many group photos that in the end, in the general confusion, I find myself without a decent photo of myself! Irony of fate.
Being one of the most visited monuments in the world, unfortunately the complex is always very crowded and this can negatively affect your visit, because let’s face it, without wanting to fall into cultural labels, Indians are much louder and ruder than us when they want Italians.
Generally they recommend visiting it at dawn, being the moment of least attendance and this was my idea but the hotel advised me to visit it immediately as soon as I arrived because in winter the mornings are characterized by a thick fog and the risk was not to being able to see nothing at all but its silhouette.
Reluctantly, I followed their recommendations and although the checks to enter were quick, I believe that half of India had made an appointment there.
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