Page 179 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

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VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
Practical Information
Main entrance UPSTDC, Taj Khema.
Tel (0562) 222 6431.
Open 6am–7pm Sat–Thu.
Closed Fri. & = _ Taj
Mahotsava (Feb). Museum: Open
10am–5pm Tue–Thu. Closed public
hols. & ∑ tajmahal.gov.in

The Lotus Pool
Named after its lotus-shaped fountain spouts,
the pool reflects the tomb. Almost every visitor is
photographed sitting on the marble bench here.
KEY
1 Plinth
2 Four minarets, each 40 m (131 ft)
high and crowned by an open
octagonal pavilion or chhatri, frame
the tomb, highlighting the perfect
symmetry of the complex.
3 The charbagh was irrigated with
water from the Yamuna river.
4 Pishtaq are the recessed arches,
which provide depth, while their inlaid
panels reflect the changing light to
give the tomb a mystical aura.
4 Calligraphic Panels The size
of the Koranic verses increases as
the arch gets higher, creating the
subtle optical illusion of a uniformly
flowing script.

Taj Mahal
1 Main Tomb
2 1 3 2 Masjid (mosque)
3 Mehmankhana
(guesthouse)
4 Charbagh (quadrifid
garden)
4
5 Gateway
. Pietra Dura
Inspired by the paradise
garden, intricately carved floral Key
designs inlaid with precious 5
stones embellish the austere Area illustrated
white marble surface to give it Charbagh
the look of a bejewelled casket.

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