The Alluring Taj Mahal and its Nearby Hotels

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum situated in Agra, India. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is considered as the main designer of this famous structure. It is considered as the best example of Mughal architecture that mixes elements from Islamic, India, Ottoman and Persian architectural style. In late 1983, the Taj Mahal became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The exterior designs of the Taj Mahal are best associated with Mughal architecture. The ornamental elements were formed by applying stucco, paint, carvings or by stone inlays. The calligraphy found in the Taj Mahal is fluid thuluth script constructed by Persian calligrapher Amanat Khan, the one who designed numerous panels. Throughout the complex, the passage from Qur’an is used as decorative elements.

The calligraphy made by jasper is inlaid in white marble panels. The texts refer to the theme of judgment which include Surah 91 – The Sun, Surah 112 – The Purity, Surah 89 Daybreak, Surah 93 – The Morning Light, Surah 95 – the Fig, Surah 94 – The Solace, Surah 36 – Ya Sin, the Surah - 81 The Folding Up, Surah 39 – The Crowds, Surah 82 – The Cleaving Asunder and so much more.

The Taj Mahal is part of a huge complex, comprising of a guest house, an elaborated garden, main getaway and some palatial buildings. The garden contains about 4 reflecting swimming pools separated it at the center. The palace and the tower are two separate buildings built in different architectural designs and at different times. The 105 year old heritage buildings host notable guests such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Bill Clinton, The Beatles, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburg, Marianne Faithfull, the King and Queen of Norway, Joan Collins, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Jacques Chirac and Mark Jagger and caters to the professional cricket teams on tour.

There are many hotels situated near the Taj Mahal. One of which is the Hotel Agra Ashok. This hotel is situated 3 kilometers away from the banks of the river Yamuna and about 30 kilometers away from the southwest portion of Agra. This hotel offers 20 percent discount on Kerala Massage and on additional beverages and food, welcome drink on arrival, swimming pool and free pick from the railway and airport stations. All guestrooms have private bathrooms, hairdryer, tea and coffee makers, colored cable television, mini bar, microwave oven and iron with ironing board.

The Hotel Clarks Shiraz is situated 2 kilometers away from the famous Taj Mahal. It is 3 kilometers away from the railway station and 7 miles away from the airport. This five-star luxury hotel features restaurants, superior rooms, deluxe rooms, Taj facing rooms onsite and a business center as well as an entertainment center, swimming pool, health club, Ayurvedic Kerala Massage Center and beauty parlor.

All superior rooms have mini bar, tea and coffee maker, and colored television. The deluxe rooms have direct dialing facility, safe lockers, hairdryers as well as upgraded toiletries and tea and coffee maker. The Taj Mahal facing rooms have exclusive views of the beautiful Taj Mahal, mini bar and savoury basket, colored television a coffee maker microwave oven and direct dialing facility.

The Taj View Hotel is situated 3 kilometers away from the Taj Mahal and about 6 kilometers from the Agra Cantt Railway Station. It offers high tea at the Mehtab Bagh and exclusive dining options at the Taj Khema. The hotel features money changer, fitness center and swimming pool.

The superior rooms have an international direct dial facility, wireless Internet access, hairdryer, mini bar, coffee and tea maker and electronic safe. The luxury suites have bed room and living room plasma television and DVD player and large bathroom that feature bath tub and shower.