The Taj Mahal is widely regarded as the most beautiful building ever created. Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this ivory-white marble masterpiece took over 20 years and more than 20,000 workers to complete.
Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts over 7 million visitors annually. Its perfect symmetry, intricate pietra dura inlay work, and luminous marble facade make it one of the most recognized structures on Earth.
Google Street View: Walk the Grounds
🕌 Taj Mahal in Google Street View
Stroll through the Mughal gardens, admire the reflecting pool, and stand before the luminous white marble mausoleum — all in immersive 360°.
Enter the Gardens →What You Can Explore
- Main Mausoleum — The building rises 73 meters from base to finial, with the iconic onion dome crowning the structure at 35 meters above its drum, flanked by four minarets. The exterior features stunning calligraphy and floral inlay using 28 types of precious stones.
- Reflecting Pool — The long, narrow pool along the central axis perfectly mirrors the Taj Mahal, creating one of the world's most photographed views.
- Mosque — A red sandstone mosque to the west of the mausoleum, still used for Friday prayers today.
- Jawab — A mirror-image structure opposite the mosque, built purely for architectural symmetry.
- Mughal Gardens (Charbagh) — A 300-meter square formal garden divided into four quadrants by raised walkways and water channels.
💡 Pro Tip
In Street View, position yourself at the far end of the reflecting pool for the classic symmetrical view. Then move closer to appreciate the incredible detail of the pietra dura — semi-precious stone inlays forming flowers, vines, and geometric patterns in the marble.
Fascinating Facts
- Built 1632–1653 — Construction spanned 21 years under the direction of architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
- Changing Colors — The white marble appears to change color depending on sunlight: pinkish at dawn, white during the day, and golden under moonlight
- Materials from Across Asia — Marble from Rajasthan, jade from China, turquoise from Tibet, and sapphires from Sri Lanka were used in the inlay work
- Optical Illusion — The minarets tilt slightly outward so they appear perfectly vertical from the ground and would fall away from the tomb in an earthquake
Enhance Your Virtual Visit
Recommended Gear for Virtual Travel
-
Meta Quest 3S VR Headset
Experience the Taj Mahal's luminous marble and intricate details in immersive VR.
-
"Taj Mahal: Passion and Genius at the Heart of the Moghul Empire"
The captivating story behind the world's most famous monument to love.