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The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, has been attracting visitors from around the world to Agra since it was built in the 17th century. No matter how many times you visit this beautiful mausoleum, it’s hard not to be awed by its grandeur and beauty. If you have some free time on your trip to Agra, there are plenty of interesting facts about the monument that you should know about before visiting this famous attraction in India. Let’s take a look at 10 surprising facts about The Taj Mahal.
1) The Taj is made from 22 million white marble pieces

One of the most well-known monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and eternity. But did you know it’s actually made from 22 million white marble pieces?
2) It took 17 years to build the mausoleum
The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz. Construction began in 1632 and took 17 years. It was finished three years after her death. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it’s one of the world’s most iconic structures and a symbol of India.
3) The architect was Persian

The Taj Mahal was designed by Persian architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. He was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to create a suitable mausoleum to house the remains of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction began in 1632 and took twenty-two years to complete at a cost of 32 million rupees, which is equivalent to eight times the annual revenue of England at the time.
4) The site is only accessible via boat in monsoon season
The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is one of the most recognized and beautiful buildings in the world. It is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and was built as a mausoleum for the wife of Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction took over 20 years to complete from 1632-1653 CE. It stands on the banks of Yamuna River and is surrounded by lush gardens.
5) Inside, every window has its own balcony

The Taj Mahal has more than 3,000 windows and 1,000 doors. Each window has a small balcony where the occupants can sit and enjoy the view of either the garden or the Yamuna River below. In addition to the large marble dome (which is 28 feet in diameter), there are also two smaller ones: one at each end of the mausoleum. Inside, every window has its own balcony: The Taj Mahal has more than 3,000 windows and 1,000 doors.
6) There are six other identical tombs nearby
Did you know there are six other identical tombs nearby? This was common in Mughal funerary architecture, as the Emperor wanted to be surrounded by loved ones. It’s located on the banks of Yamuna River in Agra and overlooks a beautiful garden. It is considered one of the most precious jewels of Islamic art, architecture and design.
7) It’s designed as an elegy to love

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it is one of the most recognisable monuments in the world and has come to represent Indian culture. It was completed in 1653 and stands as a prime example of Mughal architecture.
8) A lot of people think it’s just a tomb but the truth is inside there’s also a mosque and huge kitchens
A lot of people think the Taj Mahal is just a tomb, but it’s actually more than that. It was built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz. Inside there’s also a mosque and huge kitchens where food was once cooked for thousands of workers.
9) No cameras are allowed inside so they have a bunch at the entrance you can buy if you don’t want to miss out on any pictures.

No cameras are allowed inside so they have a bunch at the entrance you can buy if you don’t want to miss out on any pictures. It’s an overwhelming site, but it is also worth the trip. There is so much history and culture in this building that it will leave you speechless.
10) Due to over-tourism, tickets now cost more than $25. But if you book through Viator, you’ll get them for less than half that.
The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world. But did you know that, due to over-tourism, tickets now cost more than $25? If you book through Viator, you’ll get them for less than half that.