Often referred to as the 'Symbol of Love', Taj Mahal is the most elegant monument in India. It was built by fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 in the city of Agra, in the memory of his beloved wife Mamtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. This architecture beauty has remained as the source of inspiration for innumerable poets, painters and musicians from all over the world for centuries.
source: here

Taj Mahal is the pride of India and is regarded as the 'Seventh Wonder of the World'. A tour to India is definitely incomplete without experiencing the romanticism of Taj Mahal. It is the 350 year old monument but still looks new and ravishing.

Architectural Significance of Taj Mahal : The credit of designing this masterpiece goes to Ustad -Ahmed of Lahor, the great architect of that era. He made use of Persian, Central- Asia and Islamic form of architecture in the construction of this monument. Taj beautifully stands on the raised square shaped platform measuring 186 x 186 feet, giving it the shape of the octagon. It consists of vast complex main gate as entrance, the four tall minrates at the four corners of the Mahal as its pillars and the stunning dome in the middle.

Its central dome which raises to the height of 213 feet, is fifty-eight feet in diameter, which looks extra-ordinary beautiful. The whole complex is adorned by the four beautiful minates each measuring 162.5 feet. The amazing part of the Taj Mahal is its interior and exterior decoration work inlaid with the design of flowers and calligraphy with the use of precious gems and mostly agate and jasper. The main entrance is well defined with the beautiful verses from Holy Quran.

And to mention is the white marble work of the Taj Mahal which is highly appreciable. More amazing is the black and white floral work magnified on the pattern of the chess board.

Things to do at Taj Mahal :

There are lot of activities that you can indulge in while taking a tour to Taj Mahal. Most of the area in Taj Mahal has been occupied with the Taj Garden, so you can definitely indulge in the bageecha walk admiring the great architecture of the Taj Mahal. If you are planning to spend one whole day, experience how Taj changes its colors during the different hours of the day. It sparkles pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines.

More exciting is the Tonga ride, which you would not find easily anywhere in the world. You can hire the Tonga from the main entrance gate that will drop you to the Taj complex. Believe me it a complete fun as well as its environmental too. So why to miss....

As Taj is located on the banks of river Yamuna, you have the opportunity to take the boat ride, appreciating the beauty of Taj Mahal from the distance.

Well if you are planning to visit the Taj Mahal in the month of February, you can surely be apart of the cultural Taj Mahotsav, celebrated within the complex of Taj Mahal annually. And one thing more before you leave don not forget to carry the replica of Taj Mahal for you near and ones.