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Taj Mahal ranks among the Seven Wonders of the World. Located at a distance of 200 kilometer from the Indian capital New Delhi at Agra in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh; the construction of Taj Mahal started during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1632. The construction took 16 years to be completed. Made entirely by marble stone, Taj is actually a mausoleum built by the emperor to commemorate the sad demise of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The best example of Mughal architecture, this mausoleum imbibes both Hindu and Persian elements. It is said that a visit to India must contain a visit to Taj Mahal also. Not at all unjustified, this most famous monument of love is everyday visited by thousands of domestic as well as international tourists. However Taj is not only about the marble sepulcher; rather it is equally famous for its gardens. Taj Mahal Gardens is another major eye candy for tourists. Since Taj Mahal contains both Persian and Hindu elements; therefore Taj Mahal has a Persian style garden. Garden in Persian culture is a very important motif as Quran equates a beautiful garden with paradise. Stretched from the main gateway to the entrance of this mausoleum, the lush green garden is based on symmetry and geometrical measurements. Gardens at Taj Mahal are built on religious motifs. The Water Garden, for example, is divided into four equal squares by two marble canals. Bordered by cypress trees and fountains, the garden conjures up the Islamic concept of paradise where rivers of water, milk, wine and honey flow. In the middle of the garden and the mausoleum a lotus shaped tank is situated. The water in the tank acts as a reflective surface and the image of Taj can be seen on the water from any point in the garden. The unique location of the tank facilitates the mirror like viewing of this grandiose monument of love.
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