There are many incredible sights in North India, but none quite as magical or moving as the Taj. The magnificent Taj Mahal, a mausoleum made of nearly-white marble, an everlasting memorial built in remembrance of Mumtaz Mahal, wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631 and 1648, is nothing short of an architectural miracle. This incredible World Wonder is a symbol of eternal love and romance and has been gracefully described as “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity” by Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. Or even more apt and poignant to his love story, the Taj is said to “make the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes”, according to its maker, Emperor Shah Jahan.
Taj Mahal, Agra India
As many as seven to eight million people visit the Taj yearly, but this isn’t just a big tourist attraction with no soul. As well as overseas tourists, many who visit are locals, but all come to admire the splendid architecture and to walk the path of true lovers before us. For travellers to India, the Taj Mahal is very much a bucket list must. And if you’re planning on exploring this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site soon, read on for everything you need to know before you visit.
The Taj Mahal is located in the spectacular city of Agra in North India’s state of Uttar Pradesh. Although the marble mausoleum dominates the skyline and is very much the city’s iconic landmark, Agra also features several other interesting sights and architecture for those who wish to spend extended time here. Some of these sights include the Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, Mehtab Bagh Gardens, Jama Mosque, Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, Guru ka Tal, the Chini Ka Rauza mausoleum, Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, Moti Mosque and the Musamman Burj.
Built for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and loss. The Emperor’s wife died giving birth to their 14th child, and it is said by many that his hair turned grey virtually overnight after being overwhelmed with sadness and grief. Emperor Shah Jahan was heartbroken, and he ordered the construction of an incredible memorial in 1632, a year following his wife’s tragic passing. It took some 20,000 workers from India and Central Asia to complete the building, and although the main building was finished in just eight years, it took more than 20 years for the entire complex to be done. Set within an elegant courtyard with a reflecting pool, the Taj features a giant dome and intricately carved white marble pietra dura with thousands of semi-precious stones. Specialists were brought in from around the world so that the Taj Mahal could include the most extravagant and opulent materials for its construction. Today, the mausoleum remains one of the most expensive architectural creations in India.
Located in the Western part of the Uttar Pradesh state and bordering the state of Rajasthan, Agra can be reached from Jaipur or New Delhi by car or train. The city of Agra also has an airport, which serves visitors from several cities in India. Within the city, you can get to the Taj by several means of public transport, including by taxi, Tempo three-wheeler, auto-rickshaw or cycle rickshaw. For those who want to save money on transportation or get a little exercise, there is no better way to see the city than on two wheels. Bicycle hire is available by the hour in various areas of the town, and it’s a great way to get to the Taj Mahal from the popular hotel areas around Fatehabad Road or Eastgate.
Tuk tuks, India
You can cover all the major sites in Agra in one day. Two, if you want to enjoy a more relaxed pace. But it depends on your priorities and how long you want to spend at each place. To get to know the ins and outs of Agra, to learn more about its rich history and to attune yourself to the local vibe and culture, we’d recommend at least two nights like our Signature Luxury Rajasthan tour has, or if you have other North India destinations on your bucket list, just one night like on our Luxury India with Oberoi Hotels holiday could be just right for you to see the Taj in daylight and also at sunset.
If you’ve got time, the Taj looks spectacular at sunrise and during the brief twilight moments before the night sets in. Make sure you leave ample time to go inside to look at the tomb and explore the Taj Museum, which is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm daily (except for Fridays). The entry fee is included in the main ticket price.
Taj Mahal, Agra India
The beautiful city of Agra is a great place to stay, and you’ll be ideally located to explore numerous sights and attractions and impressive architectural gems such as the Jama Mosque, the Agra Fort, the Musamman Burj or the Chini Ka Rauza mausoleum – and not forgetting, the Taj. Some of the most popular areas to stay if you are looking for luxury hotels include Fatehabad Road or Eastgate. Our tailor-made tours include overnight stops in the most opulent hotels and resorts (with breakfast included), private chauffeurs, and expert guides. These are some of the best places to stay in Agra to visit the Taj Mahal.
The Oberoi Amarvilas
The lavishly appointed Oberoi Amarvilas is just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal. The hotel features beautiful gardens, elegant pavilions with reflecting pools, and cascading fountains. It has 102 luxurious rooms and suites elegantly decorated using natural colours and featuring teak and marble flooring. Amarvilas is our preferred choice of hotel when visiting the Taj.
Taj Hotel & Convention Centre
The Taj Hotel & Convention Centre is a modern and contemporary hotel with easy access to the majestic Taj Mahal. It provides affordable comfort and sits within 4.5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The hotel has 239 rooms and suites decorated in a contemporary style with warm and neutral colours that create a sophisticated ambience.
ITC Mughal
ITC Mughal is a convenient and affordable base for exploring Agra. Built using white marble and red sandstone, the interiors of this modern property feature subtle Mughal designs of Agra’s princely era. Accommodation comprises elegantly furnished 233 rooms and suites overlooking the lush gardens or the pool.
India’s climate can be extreme and highly varied across the year. The best time of year to visit is usually during the cool, dry season between the months of November and March when rainfall is at its lowest, humidity is not as much of a problem, and the high temperatures are much more manageable. Agra has a semi-arid climate, and the city is known for its mild winters and hot summers. The region is also hit by the monsoon season between July and September, but the rain, although heavy, is not as intense as it is in other parts of India, so travelling at this time is still possible.
The Taj Mahal is open Sunday to Thursday throughout the year (closed on Friday). The opening and closing times vary depending on sunrise and sunset. It opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset during regular operating days. So opening hours are approximately 7 am to 5.30 pm in the winter and 5.30 am to 7 pm mid-summer.
One of the most romantic sights in India is the sublime silhouette of the Taj Mahal illuminated by a rising full moon. This experience, known as the Taj Mahal by Moonlight, is best enjoyed from October to mid-November and late February to May. Visitors should be aware that entry is restricted, and each group of up to 50 guests will have a 30-minute time slot to admire the Taj Mahal from the red sandstone platform (Darwaza-i-rauza) near the entrance.
Night viewing timings are from 8.30 pm to 12.30 am and are divided into eight sessions, with a maximum of 50 people in each group. Each batch has a duration of 30 minutes.
Enquire about our private tour; India’s Golden Triangle and Taj by Moonlight to experience this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
Full moon at the Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Ticket prices for the Taj Mahal are around 1,100 Indian Rupees for foreign tourists, 540 Rupees for Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries and 50 Rupees for Domestic/Indian residents. There’s an additional 200 Rupee for visiting the main mausoleum and a separate pricing system for evening viewing tickets, which are only available five days out of the month during the full moon week.
All tickets can be purchased from the following places:
* Taj Mahal Western Gate (near Saheli Burj) from one hour before sunrise until 45 minutes before sunset
* Taj Mahal Eastern Gate (750 metres away at Shilpgram) from one hour before sunrise until 45 minutes before sunset
* Taj Mahal Southern Gate – currently, there is no entry from this gate; exit is only allowed.
For all-inclusive tours with luxury accommodation, private chauffeurs, transport and expert guides included, please look at Corinthian Travel’s North India tailor-made holidays.
India is a conservative country, and women are expected to dress modestly when visiting the Taj Mahal. Covering arms, legs, cleavage, and shoulders is an important sign of respect for visitors to the country, and inappropriate clothing should be avoided. Please be respectful to the local people and pack trousers, tops, shawls and scarves that cover your body. But other than some basic rules of modesty, there is no enforced dress code by law. As a general rule, it’s recommended that women who visit the Taj Mahal cover their knees; if you’re worried about the heat, maxi skirts, loose-fitting maxi dresses, or floaty linen trousers are a great option. As there is no official dress code, men may find it comfortable to dress for the climate, but shirts or t-shirts with sleeves (rather than tank tops) and trousers or long shorts may be a more respectful choice for visiting sites such as the Taj.
There is much to see at the Taj Mahal, including the various Taj exteriors that shouldn’t be missed. See the intricately designed Plinth on which the mausoleum is built, the Marble Platform which houses the tomb chamber, the Pishtaqs and Monumental Porches, the Four Minarets which are displayed in the front courtyard, the Riverfront Terrace (Chabutra), which is the most ambitious terrace ever built in a Mughal riverfront garden scheme, the Roof Terrace and the Main Finial. Inside, you will get a chance to explore the Rauza-i-Munauwara décor, The Tomb and The Tomb Chamber, which is the domed hall which is paved with marble inlaid octagonal stars on the floor, The Lower Tomb Chamber plus The Screen and Cenotaphs.
You also don’t want to miss the stunning Taj Gardens and the Taj Museum, which are open all day and do not require additional ticket purchases.
Taj Mahal, Agra India
From the Taj Mahal, you are less than 20 minutes away from the heart of the city centre. Or just a bit further south from the Taj Protected Forest adjacent to the Taj Mahal, you’ll come across the neighbourhoods of Dalihai, Bansal Nagar, Basai and Taj Negari, where several restaurants exist. Go to the popular Fatehabad Road, and you will find many different restaurants to choose from, including some fine dining establishments.
If you’re after some traditional street food, try Pratap Pura MG Road, which serves food from the early hours of breakfast to late evening. Or head over to the streets surrounding Crystal Tower on Fatehabad, where you’ll see some food carts and vendors dotted around the tourist areas.
Like any other popular tourist destination, the Taj Mahal is not without its hawkers, hasslers and sometimes scammers! And whilst most people are just friendly everyday people trying to make a living or curious family excited to see a foreigner in their midst, some people out there will try to scam you and steal your money. Photo scams are the most common when you arrive, and it’s not uncommon for scammers to usher you into position and take a photograph without your consent or without explaining what he’s doing before charging you a price at the end of it. Other common scams, often conducted by local, unregistered tour guides, involve fake souvenirs such as semi-precious stones and gems just like the ones used to adorn the mausoleum being sold to tourists.
Here are some insider tips to ensure you avoid the scams when visiting the Taj Mahal:
Pre-book your taxi
Always pre-book your taxi when possible. This will ensure that you do not get overcharged. Or negotiate with your taxi driver beforehand.
Be prepared to get hassled
Vendors and hawkers will approach you (especially if you have blonde hair and blue eyes!), so beware of scammers trying to charge you for photos they have taken.
Don’t bring food or flammables
There are strict rules about what you can take in, so please check with your guide before you go. Men and women will be searched in separate lines, and food and flammable liquids will be confiscated.
Keep hydrated
There’s not much shade from the sun outside the building, so make the most of the chai tea sellers who walk up and down the queue at the entrance and on your way into the tomb.
Travel with a trusted guide
To avoid possible scams and transport issues, book a tour with Corinthian Travel and have private drivers, registered guides and luxury accommodation included in the price.
Visiting the Taj Mahal is an unforgettable experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. This iconic monument is a testament to the enduring power of love and the incredible architectural achievements of the Mughal Empire. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and serene surroundings, the Taj Mahal is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone travelling to North India.
Whether you plan to spend a day or two exploring Agra and its many sights independently or take a more comprehensive approach with a luxury tailor-made tour, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
We hope this guide to everything you need to know about visiting the Taj Mahal has been helpful, and we encourage you to start planning your trip to this incredible world wonder today!
Contact us to start planning your luxury tailor-made holiday to India.
Taj Mahal, Agra India
