A closer look at the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, India’s architectural crown jewel, was built over 350 years ago by a powerful ruler in honor of his beloved wife. This monument is recognizable to people around the world because of its symmetry, white marble, and the love story that brought it to life. There is an unspoken beauty about this building that has captured hearts for generations, and is captivating people still. Millions of people around the world come to Google to learn more about the Taj Mahal, even if they may never have the chance to get there.

Now, the whole world can experience the Taj Mahal on Street View. From the comfort of your computer, tablet or phone, take a 360-degree journey around the Taj Mahal as if you were walking around the building itself. Enjoy postcard views or discover rarely-seen perspectives; get up close to the hand-carved details and explore expansive landscapes. The Taj Mahal is just one of many locations in India collected by the Street View Trekker. Now people around the world can take a virtual journey to visit historical monuments like the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb. Experience the beauty and wonder of India’s world-renowned treasures, now on Google Maps.

Take a stroll around the Taj Mahal

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Tour the grounds of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a precisely designed complex of buildings and gardens, intricately arranged in a symmetrical plan.

The most familiar element of the Taj Mahal complex is the mausoleum, built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum is recognized around the world for its domed profile, brilliant white marble construction, and architectural symmetry.

The Taj Mahal took approximately 20 years to build and more than 20,000 craftsmen and artisans worked to create what we see today. Stone inlays using yellow marble, jasper, and jade adorn the mausoleum in floral motifs, symbolizing a bountiful afterlife.

Adjacent to the mausoleum are two red sandstone buildings, flanking the east and west sides of the complex. One is a mosque. The other was built to preserve the symmetry of the site and was at one time used as a guest house.

The mausoleum is situated at the north end of an idyllic charbagh garden. Persian "paradise garden" designs were the inspiration at the Taj Mahal, combining flowerbeds, reflecting pools, and criss-crossing pathways, seen in Street View.

The symmetry of the Taj Mahal is accentuated by the water basin at the center of the garden and by the famous reflecting pool directly in front of the mausoleum. These tranquil waters reflect iconic views of the surrounding buildings and gardens.

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