The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, drawing millions of visitors every year. It’s a symbol of eternal love, architectural brilliance, and historical grandeur. But beyond its breathtaking beauty, there are many fascinating secrets hidden in its walls. Whether you’re planning a Taj Mahal Tour or simply want to uncover lesser-known facts about this UNESCO World Heritage Site, here are five intriguing things you probably didn’t know about the Taj Mahal.
1. The Taj Mahal Changes Colors Throughout the Day
One of the most mesmerizing aspects of the Taj Mahal is how its appearance changes depending on the time of day. At sunrise, the monument has a soft pinkish hue, glowing warmly as the first light of the day touches its white marble surface. By noon, it appears bright and dazzling white under the full sun. As evening approaches, the structure takes on a golden tint with the setting sun, and under the moonlight, it shimmers with a bluish-silver glow.
This color transformation isn’t just an illusion—it’s a result of the high-quality Makrana marble used in its construction, which reflects and absorbs light in unique ways. This ever-changing beauty is one of the reasons why many travelers opt for an early morning or late evening Taj Mahal Agra Tour to witness its different shades.
2. It’s More Than Just a Mausoleum
Most people know that the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth. However, many visitors don’t realize that the Taj Mahal complex is much more than just a mausoleum.
The site includes a grand mosque, which is still used for Friday prayers, and a guesthouse that was once used to accommodate travelers and dignitaries. The entire complex is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, featuring lush gardens, reflecting pools, and intricate calligraphy. Every detail of the Taj Mahal serves a symbolic purpose, making it a place of historical, religious, and cultural significance.
3. It Took 22 Years and 20,000 Workers to Build
The Taj Mahal was no small feat of construction. Work began in 1632 and took a staggering 22 years to complete. More than 20,000 artisans, laborers, and craftsmen worked on the project, using materials sourced from all over India and beyond.
Precious stones such as jade from China, turquoise from Tibet, and sapphire from Sri Lanka were embedded into the marble to create the intricate inlays seen throughout the structure. The craftsmanship was so detailed that it’s believed artisans spent years perfecting even the tiniest carvings. The dedication and effort put into the monument are part of what makes a Taj Mahal Tour such an awe-inspiring experience.
4. The Minarets Are Designed to Protect the Main Tomb
The four towering minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal are not just for decoration—they were engineered with a specific purpose. Each minaret leans slightly outward, and this was an intentional design choice.
In case of an earthquake or structural collapse, the minarets would fall away from the central mausoleum rather than onto it, protecting the main tomb from damage. This level of architectural foresight is just another example of the Taj Mahal’s brilliance. Even centuries later, the structure stands strong, proving the durability of Mughal engineering.
5. There’s a Hidden Chamber Beneath the Taj Mahal
While the beautifully decorated cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are displayed in the main chamber, these are not their actual tombs. The real graves are located in a hidden chamber below, following traditional Mughal burial customs.
This lower chamber is a simple and unadorned space, in contrast to the grandeur above. Very few people ever get to see this hidden part of the Taj Mahal, adding to the mystery surrounding the monument.
Experience the Taj Mahal Like Never Before
The Taj Mahal is more than just a stunning piece of architecture—it’s a monument filled with history, secrets, and stories waiting to be explored. A Taj Mahal Tour is the best way to uncover these hidden details and witness its breathtaking beauty firsthand. Whether you’re visiting at sunrise, sunset, or under the full moon, every moment spent at the Taj Mahal is unforgettable.
Plan your visit today and experience one of the greatest wonders of the world like never before!