The History of the Taj Mahal

The land of colors, spices and fairy tales

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India is so different from the West and that alone has always fascinated me.

A trip to India has long been a dream. A few of our acquaintances had business in India and were completely turned off by India.

Since Asia, Yoga and Ayurveda fascinate me,  it kept coming back to my list.

My first trip was to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi and Udaipur.

About my visit to  Agra

When someone tells you about the Taj Mahal, you really can't describe how it is in reality. Impressed and brought to tears is the only way I can describe entering through the front gate. You walk into the dark shadow and you don't see anything of the Taj Mahal stepping on  at one point you start recognize its silhouette and that is  wowwwwww

Katrin at the Taj Mahal

A little bit about history

The Muslim Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan began building the Taj Mahal in 1632 after the unexpected death of his favorite wife and love Mumtaz Mahal.

He only processed the best building materials from India, China, Ceylon, Persia and Arabia. More than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants were employed. The building is said to have been completed in 1648.

According to legend, the Mughal Emperor originally wanted to build another mausoleum for himself on the other side of the river in black. However, his son Muhammad overthrew him and banished his father to the Red Fort and after his death he was installed next to his beloved wife. The legend that the Mughal emperor wanted to build his own mausoleum fits because his tomb disturbs the symmetry of the Taj Mahal. We visited the foundations of the planned mausoleum on the north side of the river, where there is a beautiful park and you can take stunning photos.

What to do in Agra

In addition to visiting the Taj Mahal, a visit to the garden on the north bank and of course the Red Fort is a must.

If you don't have that much time and are in Delhi, you can also take a day tour by express train. So you can visit the Taj Mahal and the fort.

Where to stay in Agra

There is something for every budget

My favorite hotel  Taj Hotel & Convention Center Agra booked also this time again through Booking.com

The hotel has a rooftop pool overlooking the Taj Mahal

Where can you eat well?

Well of course there are many offers I can only speak from my experience. My friend Maria and I asked for a typical Indian breakfast where Indians go. Vicky, our driver, was confused at first because tourists in India usually don't touch street food. After we explained to him that we really wanted to try something vegetarian. He drove with us to a street restaurant and ordered something for us. It  was delicious but very spice. Then we drove to a street cafe where we try our first Indian Masala Chai, so delicious. So do what your feeling tells you.

Restaurant Tip Dostea Cafe it has a very nice little garden or the Bambino Cafe & Restaurant, but you can also find tips on Tripadvisor

How to get to Agra

Preferably with a private driver or the express train