Planning a trip to India? Then Taj Mahal is a must on your travel bucket list with top priority. But if you are a first-time traveller in India or a first-time visitor to Taj, you must be known of some essential tips before visiting Taj.
Background
and history of Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is a UNESCO protected
world heritage site and an important piece of architecture in India. Located in the city of Agra, it is a striking testament to love and devotion. Taj Mahal was
built in the 1630s by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaj
mahal. The emperor had 14 children with Mumtaz Mahal, and she sadly died at the
age of 39 whilst giving birth to their final child.
Such were Shah Jahan’s acute
feelings of loss and deep sadness that he thought for the Taj Mahal to be built
in honour of Mumtaz Mahal. Her body was moved from its original burial place to
the mausoleum upon its completion. On the other hand, Shah Jahan’s other wives
are buried in mausoleums outside of the main walls.
It is made of
pure white marble and took about 22 years to complete. More than 20,000 workers
were employed to construct the Taj and it is said that their thumbs were chopped
later so that no such monument could be built again. Combining elements from
Mughal and Persian architecture and using materials obtained from all across
Asia, ornamentation includes semi-precious gems, carvings, paint, and stone. Taj mahal tour is famous for
intricating grand columns, soaring minerals, attractive arches, and lovely
gateways.
Best Time to visit Taj Mahal, Agra
The best time to
visit Agra is from February to April and September to November. You can visit in all
months but you will face extreme north India weather conditions. The best time
to go see the Taj Mahal is early in the morning when it is comparatively less
crowded and you also won’t have to bear the scorching heat.
Visiting hours
at Taj Mahal: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm for day visits (and 8:30 pm to 12:30 pm for
night visits, two days before and after every full moon).
Taj Mahal opens
30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. It is closed for
general viewing to all visitors on Fridays.
Entry Fee
There are different entry fees for local and foreign
tourists. Foreign tourists have to pay 1100 INR + 200 INR. There is an
additional fee for visiting the mausoleum, which is optional. There is a
separate fee for those wanting to visit the memorial. Indian tourists have to
pay 50 INR + 200 INR (for those wanting to visit the mausoleum).
Things that
you are not allowed to carry:
You have to cross through various checkpoints at entrance
gates. Food, smoking items, other tobacco products and drinks, mobile phone
chargers, and tripods are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal. All you’re
allowed to carry is your phone, camera and the water bottle. Vehicles are also
not permitted within 500 meters of the Taj Mahal. So if you are executing Delhi to Agra tour by car, then you’ll have to leave it 500 meters away and walk all
the way to the entrance.
Taj Mahal at
time of Sunrise and sunset
For sunrise, get there early in the morning
around 5:30am in summers and 6:15 am in winters so you can comfortably check-in
by the time the Taj Mahal opens. Sunset takes place around 6:30pm in summers
and 5:30 pm in winters so makes sure you reach well in time to see that.
