Which is world's most beautiful building? It is built on 42 acres, attracts millions of tourists every year, it is…, located in…, not Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Here, we will talk about a structure, a building that has officially been declared the 'most beautiful building in the world' and it is in India. It is an architectural marvel that attracts millions of tourists every year. An epic timeless symbol of love, it is none other than the Taj Mahal, crafted of pure white marble. It is named as the most beautiful building in the world by Time Out, a global authority of travel and culture. Taj Mahal tops a list of 24 most beautiful buildings in the world, shortlisted by Time Out travel editors. What is Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.
Construction of the mausoleum was completed in 1648, but work continued on other phases of the project for another five years. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653. When was it designated UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being 'the jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage'. The Taj Mahal is a major tourist attraction and attracts more than five million visitors a year. In 2007, it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World initiative. The Taj Mahal and its setting, surrounding grounds, and structures are a Monument of National Importance, administered by the Archaeological Survey of India. What are 7 fascinating facts about the Taj Mahal? Taj Mahal is taller than Delhi's Qutub Minar. The Taj Mahal is 73 m high, while the Qutub Minar stands at 72.5 m. There are more than 10 replicas of the Taj around the world. The colour of Taj Mahal keeps changing throughout the day as it basks in diverse shades as the sun ascends and descends. Use of precious stones. The Taj Mahal is adorned with more than 40 types of precious and semi-precious stones, including pearls, diamonds, emeralds and sapphires, among others. Over 1000 elephants were used Elephants played an important role in building the Taj Mahal. Nearly 1000 elephants were used to transfer the construction material from one place to another during that time. It took around 20 years to complete the Taj Mahal and about 20000 workers were employed in the construction work.
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Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
This monument has been crowned the ‘World's Most Beautiful in 2025'
In a recent survey conducted by Time Out, India' Taj Mahal has been crowned the 'World's Most Beautiful in 2025'. The prestigious title bagged by Agra's white marble beauty once again proves why the world is crazy after the Taj Mahal, the monument of love. It is a stunning recognition of architectural beauty which has edged out 23 other global marvels on the planet. Let's have a closer look: Taj Mahal: A Monument Built from Love and Sorrow The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632. It is a gorgeous piece of art that celebrates love and sorrow at the same time. The monument was built by the king for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth. It took some 22 years and around 20,000 artisans, labourers, and architects to build this masterpiece of love. Architectural wonder The Taj Mahal stands as a living example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It beautifully blends Persian domes, Islamic calligraphy, and Indian pietra dura inlays and the iconic ivory‑white marble dome reflects beauty like no other. Global recognition The Taj Mahal is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983) and one of the Seven Wonders of The World. The new ranking comes at a moment when it is already celebrated across the globe. The monument draws over seven million visitors every year which only shows its global popularity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The monument celebrates diverse architectural beauty from across the globe, including monuments in Asian countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Japan. But the Taj Mahal took away the title—a recognition largely attributed to its heritage value and architectural perfection. As per architectural critiques and romantic travellers, the Taj Mahal's crowning as the most beautiful building is a validation of its ever-beautiful soul—the eternal love story it narrates. Top 24 most beautiful buildings in the list include: The Taj Mahal, Agra, India Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt Fallingwater, USA Ad-Dayr in Petra, Jordan Fondation Louis Vuitton, France Trinity College Library, Ireland Trinity College Library, Ireland Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, Iran The Twist, Norway Sagrada Familia, Spain Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh Pantheon, Italy Palmenhaus at Schonbrunn Palace, Austria Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House, Vietnam Museum at Eldridge Street, USA Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia Museum of Old and New Art, Australia Maggie's Centre, St James's Hospital, UK Baháʼí Temple of South America, Chile Futuna Chapel, New Zealand Komera Leadership Centre, Rwanda National Holocaust Monument, Canada Enryaku-ji, Japan
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Germany's most-visited fairytale castle, inspired by Disney is now officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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India.com
10 hours ago
- India.com
Planning A Summer Getaway? Don't Miss These 5 Hill Stations Near Vadodara Everyone's Obsessed With!
The city of Vadodara operates under its official name of Baroda while sitting in Gujarat state of India. This Gujarati city shines with its lineup of cultural riches as well as its important landmarks together with its energetic city life. The residents of Vadodara together with visiting tourists plan their summer escape by traveling to the nearby hill stations because of the excessive heat experienced in July and August. The surrounding area of Vadodara includes multiple enchanting hill stations which provide visitors with enjoyable climate conditions together with peaceful backgrounds while enabling outdoor activities. Unless otherwise stated the following represent the most outstanding hill stations reachable within proximity to Vadodara for cooling down during summer vacations. 1. Pavagadh People mostly consider Pavagadh as one of the top hill stations near Vadodara due to its location which is about 45 kilometers distant. A volcanic formation raises this UNESCO World Heritage Site to overlook scenic views while combining historical sites with religious centers and natural surroundings. Pavagadh draws its biggest stream of visitors to see the Kalika Mata Temple which welcomes tens of thousands of pilgrims each year. The cable car ride lets visitors reach the temple while the hike leads visitors through the hilltop path that provides scenic views encompassing the plains below. Visitors find pleasure and charm in the ancient Maratha stronghold that remains at Pavagadh Fort. 2. Champaner Champaner which shares its boundaries with Pavagadh stands as the second UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the area. A mountainous area with cooler elevations than the plains exists close to this location despite its non-hill station classification. Champaner stands out for its collection of historical monuments starting from the 15th century, which contains mosques, tombs and stepwells. Nature enthusiasts can find much pleasure in this location due to its scenic paths through lush green landscapes. Travelers who visit this area can search for the Jami Masjid and Kevada Masjid and the Helical Stepwell among the peaceful environment. 3. Dabhoi Located about 30 kilometers away from Vadodara stands the charming town of Dabhoi which offers visitors an appealing day trip experience. Situated on elevated terrain Dabhoi offers mild temperature diminishments although it does not carry the traditional designation of a hill station. Visitors come to Dabhoi because of its beautifully preserved defensive walls which showcase elegant gateways together with temples in the area. Dabhoi possesses a story dating to the Solanki dynasty where its traditional tiny streets maintain the traditional charm of ancient times. The town provides an ideal environment to relax and experience Gujarat's cultural history. 4. Saputara Situated 160 kilometers outside Vadodara, Saputara stands as the only officially recognized hill station within Gujarat which forms the mandatory stop for vacationers looking for cooler weather. Found within the Western Ghats region Saputara provides breathtaking views of forests together with waterfalls and spectacular scenery. Saputara Lake features boating facilities and serves as a destination to enjoy and visitors can also visit the Tribal Museum to see displays of local tribal cultures. Trekking fans will find enjoyment in outdoor hikes and sunset enthusiasts can admire scenic views from the Sunset Point. Saputara provides its visitors a pleasant climate combined with many recreation options making it an ideal summer vacation destination. 5. Malshej Ghat The natural scenery of Malshej Ghat makes it noteworthy despite its official location in Maharashtra because it remains easily accessible (approx. 200 kilometers) from Vadodara. Malshej Ghat in India remains encompassed by Sahyadri Mountains and draws visitors because of its thick woods and foggy hilltops with numerous wild animal sightings. When monsoon arrives the region becomes an enchanting green paradise because multiple cascades rush down the mountain slopes. The birdwatching community will appreciate viewing the flamingo and quail together with other exotic species. Nature enthusiasts appreciate Malshej Ghat because they can enjoy its lovely scenic treks and roads. Why Choose These Hill Stations? Vadodara residents can access these nearby hill stations which offer diverse experiences such as adventure adventures, historical landmarks and spiritual landmarks as well as laid-back relaxation. This area provides convenient access for weekend trips and extended vacations since it sits neatly close to the city. These hill stations provide residents from Vadodara with a delightful escape during summer months because their mountainous environment produces cooler temperatures while showing beautiful natural vistas. Tips for Planning Your Trip Periods between October through March present the best opportunity to explore these hill stations since conditions remain pleasing. Public transport along with private cars enables easy access to the various destinations because they are connected through well-maintained roads. Different vacationers can choose either low-cost guesthouses or luxury resorts since various accommodation options suit every visitor. You should take light woolens for evening wear and bring comfortable walking shoes together with sunscreen and a camera to record the awe-inspiring scenery. Final Thoughts Tourists can find various experiences throughout the hill stations surrounding Vadodara which appeal to people who want to study history and appreciate nature while they explore or discover spirituality and enjoy outdoor exploration. All visitors have distinct preferences to choose between the historical interest of Pavagadh or tribal experience of Saputara and the tranquil environment of Wilson Hills. Make your summer memories at these refreshing getaways because they promise unbelievable experiences.
