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Timings
The
Archaeological Survey of India has decided that Taj Mahal will remain
closed on Fridays for the public except for those who go for afternoon
prayers in the mosque next to the 17th century monument. The monument,
which attracts thousands of visitors every day, previously remained closed
on Mondays.
The Taj will remain open from 6 am-7 pm everyday except Fridays. Entry
costs Rs 970 for Foreigners and for indians during the sunrise and sunset
entry costs Rs 110 and during the daytime Rs 20/-. On Fridays, people will
be allowed to go for the customary prayers between 1200 hrs 1400 hrs at
the mosque in the Taj Mahal complex.
Described by the Indian classical poet Tagore as a "tear on the face
of eternity", the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Moghul
architecture and quite simply one of the world's most marvellous
buildings. Volumes have been written on it s perfection, and its image
adorns countless glossy brochures and guide books; nonetheless, the
reality never fails to overwhelm all who see it, and few words can do it
justice.
Play of Light
The glory of the monument is strangely undiminished by the crowds of
tourists who visit each day, as small and insignificant as ants in the
face of this immense and captivating monument. That said, the Taj is at
its most alluring in the relative quiet of early morning, shrouded in
mists and bathed with a soft red glow. As its vast marble surfaces fall
into shadow or reflect the sun, its colour changes, from soft grey and
yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white; it's well worth visiting at
different times. This play of light is an important decorative device,
symbolically implying the presence of Allah, who is never represented in
anthropomorphic form.
Times of Day
The Taj Mahal shows a different aspect of beauty at different times of
the day. The sight of the Taj awash with the subtle pinks of dawn is an
unforgettable sight. Sunsets stain the Taj an exotic shade of orange. But
nothing beats the poignant beauty of
the
Taj seen when the cool white marble is bathed in the soft silver light of
the moon. Even in the bright light of the day, this wonder of the world
shines with an awe-inspiring loveliness.
There's no time limit on visits to the Taj, and some people spend most of
the day here, sitting, reading, dozing or picnicking in the beautifully
kept gardens. Hawkers and salesmen are not allowed in, and official guides
are not available on site, but can usually be provided by hotels, and
always accompany organized tours. The ticket office, just outside the
western gate, is rarely blocked by long queues, except between 4 and 5 pm
before the admission fee increases; bring the right amount of money as the
ticket booth attendants rarely have change and tend to pocket the
difference.