Built over 20 years! A must-visit world wonder in India that witnesses a royal love legend

Agra Fort, one of India’s three great Red Forts, carries the devoted love of Emperor Shah Jahan. (Photo/HowToTrip)

If love can truly last forever, India might be the country that best embodies enduring romance. The Taj Mahal, hailed as the most beautiful mausoleum in the world, was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his deceased empress. It took over 20 years and the labor of 20,000 workers to complete. The poet Tagore praised it as “a teardrop on the cheek of time,” and it has become a destination for couples to witness eternal love.

India is full of mystery, and its rich exotic charm always captivates deeply. Especially the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is definitely a must-visit attraction for travelers. The mausoleum, as magnificent as a palace, showcases the pinnacle of architectural craftsmanship from over 300 years ago, while the touching and poignant love story behind it is even more enchanting.

Acclaimed as the most beautiful mausoleum in the world, the Taj Mahal is the tomb built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his deceased empress. It took over 20 years and the work of 20,000 laborers to construct, using pure white marble inlaid with various gemstones. It symbolizes an unwavering faith in love and was praised by poet Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek of time.” Its perfectly symmetrical architectural beauty is also a miraculous achievement in art history. Filled with longing and love, the Taj Mahal is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

In addition to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh—two of India’s three great Red Forts—also carry the deep love of Emperor Shah Jahan. Agra Fort is where Shah Jahan was imprisoned in his later years. Its exterior features majestic red sandstone walls and gates, while the interior is adorned with exquisitely carved decorations. Through a small octagonal window, Shah Jahan gazed at his beloved wife’s mausoleum, yearning for a love that could not last a lifetime.

Mehtab Bagh is the site of the mausoleum that Shah Jahan built for himself, situated directly across from the Taj Mahal, telling a story of undying devotion. This enduring love has inspired a luxury Taj Mahal tour offered by a travel website. The trip includes stays in five-star hotels, exclusive private car and guide service, and is available for groups as small as two people, taking travelers to witness eternal love in the world.