Complete Information for visiting the Taj Mahal

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.