A GUIDE FOR FIRST-TIMERS ON HOW TO TACKLE A VISIT TO THE EPIC TAJ MAHAL

Posted by Indian Eagle on August 16th, 2017

Arguably one of the most iconic monuments in not just India but the world as well, the epic Taj Mahal is a place pretty much everyone wants to visit at least once in their lifetime. Not everyone knows that it is actually a mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Grieving over the loss of his wife, Shah Jahan employed scores of laborers which included the best architects and designers who, over the next 14 years, built this incredible white marble monument decked with precious and semi-precious stones which were sourced from all over Asia. Those who’ve already been to see the monument will know that the visit can be daunting for any first time visitor. So to help you with your exploration of this incredible monument, here are a few tips which you might find useful.

1. Leave extra baggage behind

Security at the monument is on par with the strict ones at the airport. There have been instances where people have not been allowed to even take their mobiles inside. But such instances are rare. It is best to carry only essentials and leave whatever is extra at your hotel or with the driver. You are allowed one camera and one mobile per person with video cameras generally not allowed inside. But sometimes you can pay extra at the counter to carry them in. Make sure you do not carry any of the banned items which include anything edible, torches, knives, pens of any kind, mobile chargers, headphones and other electrical devices.

2. How to access the complex

In order to protect the monument from pollution, no motor vehicles are allowed within 500 meters of the complex. Out of the three entrances - the west, east and south gates, the east gate is the most accessible one from hotels. Drivers will drop you off at the Shilpgram Parking where you will find the ticket office. Some hotels provide tickets as well so you can avoid queuing here. Once you show your ticket you will be able to pick up a free bottle of water and shoe covers from the kiosk at the car parking entrance. Electric cars/buses offer transport to the east gate or if you feel like, you can cover the distance on foot. The complex is wheelchair accessible.

3. The layout

All three gates lead to the same arcaded forecourt massive in size. As you pass underneath the Great Gate, you will feel an instant, strong sense of stepping into the old world, leaving the bustling city behind. The mausoleum, set in Persian-style gardens, waterways and lawns which are divided by two paths, is flanked by two buildings - an assembly hall and a mosque, which seem identical to look at. You will find a small museum on the left which contains plans and blueprints for the original construction. On the far side of the pool, you will find the popular, crowd-pulling Princess Diana Bench atop a platform over the central water channel.

4. Tour guides

You can hire a tour guide or you can rent a handheld audio guide available at the Shilpgram ticket counter. You need to leave a photo ID as security for the device. These are preferred more as they allow you the freedom to explore the monument at your own pace without bombarding you with historical statistics. When it comes to photography, while you can use your own cameras, there is another convenient option as well. You can use the services of ‘professional photographers’ allowed inside the complex. But you must bargain hard and insist they use your own device to capture you on film.

5. Avoid crowds

While access is controlled with the intention to avoid overcrowding, you will still find several places in the complex largely crowded. For instance, you will always find crowded the entrance to the mausoleum which contains the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal decorated in floral designs using semi-precious stones and surrounded by a marble screen intricately carved. These are memorial representation sarcophagi. Their actual tombs are on an inaccessible lower level. Also, don’t spend too long lingering at one spot as there are whistle-blowing guards who keep urging people to move on and make way for other visitors. With some good sense, your visit will be a memorable and an incredible one. There is no one who’s visited once and not wanted to come back for a revisit.

6. Take that much-deserved break

Once you’re completely spent from exploring the Taj Mahal, you will find comfort at the exit east gate. Head to the nearby Cafe Coffee Day for a hot cup of coffee and delicious muffins, clean restrooms and the well-deserved air conditioning. Enjoy the thrilling sensation of completing a successful first visit to the Taj Mahal and plan for your next trip!

- Indian Eagle