For one-and-half months, people in Bengaluru can have the Taj Mahal experience (sans the Yamuna), thanks to an artist who created a replica of the historical monument in the city. 

Built at a much lower cost than the original white marble structure, the replica stands outside the National Consumer Fair organized near Jayadeva Hospital on Bannerghatta Road in the city, and its next stop is Hyderabad.

The 40-foot tall 70-foot wide wooden structure has been built by Chennai-born Malaysian artist Shekar and 150 others.

Shekar has previously created replicas of the Red Fort and the White House. Besides creating replicas, 56-year old Shekar enjoys painting and photography. Shekar is now doing the same project in Mangaluru. 

“Shekar has given a lot of importance to the details while creating the replica. He went to Agra and observed the monument from every angle,” says Gautam Agarwal, the event organizer.

What has emerged is a good resemblance, but needless to say, the Yamuna cannot be taken to another city. After the fair winds up in Bengaluru, it will travel to Hyderabad.

Unlike the original Taj, this replica cost Rs 1 crore and can be dismantled and shifted to another city.