Made of red sandstone, this 150 ft. wide and nearly 100 ft. high, gateway consists of a lofty central arch with double storeyed wings on either side. Octagonal towers are attached to its corners which are surmounted by broad impressive open domed kiosks. The most important feature of the gateway however is the introduction of a series of eleven attached chhatris (umbrellas) with marble cupolas, flanked by pinnacles, above the central portal on the north and south sides. A heavy door at the base is made from eight different metals and studded with knobs. Inside are countless rooms with hallways that wind and divide in such apparent abandon that they seem intentionally built to confuse; perhaps they were, for they have remained unused for three centuries and their purpose has long confounded the experts. Within the archway of this majestic entrance, there is a large chamber with a vaulted roof.

(full image) Main entrance	(full image) The courtyard
(full image) Neat tree	(full image) Main entrance
(full image) The main entrance	(full image) Top of the main entrance
(full image) Roof of the main gate	(full image) Entrance to the Taj grounds
(full image) Mike, Sheila, Chee, and Ashish in front of the main gate	(full image) The whole gang in front of the gate