Features of the complex 
Tomb viewed through gateway entrance
The Taj complex covers an area of approximately 580 m × 300 m, comprised of five main components. Shah Jahan sited the complex on the river Yamuna where it bends west to east, about 1.6 kilometers from the imperial palace at Agra Fort. (Coordinates: 27°10′30″N, 78°02′33″E)
Schematic plan of Taj complex
The complex was designed to be accessed from both the north (from the river Yamuna) as well as by land from the south. In modern times, the complex is entered from the south, through the darwaza, a monumental gateway, which visually frames the tomb.
Walkways then lead the viewer north through the charbagh (a formal Mughal garden divided into four parts). Measuring 300 m × 300 m, the garden has sunken parterres or flower-beds, raised pathways, avenues of trees, fountains, water courses, and pools that reflect the Taj.
The entire width of the north end of the garden abuts a rectangular red sandstone platform (the chamelifarsh), which extends about 120 m to the edge of the river. To the west side of the platform is a mosque, to the east an identical building. These serve to frame the tomb. Two stairways descend from the chamelifarsh to the river entranceway.
The focus of the complex is the raised marble plinth in the center of the chamelifarsh platform, which supports the main building, the white marble mausoleum or tomb of Mumtaz. The importance of this building is emphasized by its raised foundation, and by the wide walkway and long reflecting pool which lead there from the entrance gateway.