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Taj Mahal Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, this poignant Mughal Mausoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in Memory of his Second Wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned grey overnight. |
| Construction of the Taj began in the same year and was not completed until 1653. In total, 20,000 people from India and Central Asia worked on the building(Some later had their hands or thumbs amputated, to ensure that the perfection of the Taj could never be reputed). |
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The Taj is definitely worth more than a single visit as its character changes with the light during the day. There are three entrances to the Taj (East, South and West); the main entrance is on the western side. The Taj is open 6am to 7pm), daily except Monday. The grand red sandstone gateway on the south side of the interior forecourt is inscribed with verses from the Quran in Arabic. It would make a stunning entrance to the Taj, but unfortunately these days you only exit thorugh here. |
| The entrance is now through a small door to the right of the gate, where everyone has to undergo a security check. Food, tobacco, matches and other specified items are not allowed to be taken inside.There's a cloakroom nearby for depositing things for safekeeping. Cameras are permitted, and there's no problem taking photos of the outside of the Taj. |
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