Plan Your Next Trip To Taj Mahal , INDIA
Everybody’s top priority when traveling to India is to see the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This magnificent building made of white marble is not only stunning, but it also serves as a reminder of how much Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, loved his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj is a true example of otherworldly beauty and architecture. It was constructed in the mid-1600s over the course of 22 years with the assistance of 20,000 workers. From the Yamuna River banks, the Taj Mahal rises like a fairytale castle. It is the most well-known structure in India . The monument, which was built in 1632, is actually a tomb that houses the remains of Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan’s wife and the Mughal emperor. It was constructed by him as a tribute to his love for her. It took 20 000 workers 22 years to complete this marble structure. The Taj Mahal’s exquisite detail cannot be adequately described in words; it must be seen to be fully understood.
Like your first love, the Taj Mahal in Agra, also known as the city of love, is something you never forget. Nothing compares to the overwhelming sense of bliss you experience when you see something for the first time in your life, no matter how many times you’ve seen it in pictures.
When the Mughals ruled North India, Agra was a very significant city, but its political significance has since declined, and its population has fallen to just 1.7 million. East of the city, close to the banks of the revered Yamuna River, is where you can find the Taj Mahal.
How To Reach
Due to its proximity to both Delhi and Jaipur—200 km apart—Agra is frequently visited by tourists who are making the Golden Triangle circuit. Another option is to travel from Delhi to Agra for the day in order to see the Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi. To visit some of the other World Heritage Sites in Agra, such as the Agra Fort and Baby Taj, we advise staying for one or two days.
Trains run from Delhi to Agra. Between Agra, Delhi, and other cities in Rajasthan, the fast Shatabdi Express has trains. It will probably take an hour and twenty minutes to travel by train from Delhi to Agra.
The Yamuna Expressway connects Delhi and Agra for private vehicle travel. Travel by private car between the three cities is included in the cost of a Golden Triangle tour. The three-hour drive by car from Delhi to Agra is frequently more comfortable and convenient than taking the train.
Once in Agra, it will be simple to get to the Taj Mahal from your hotel by either a private car or rickshaw. In order to prevent scams at the entrance, we advise taking a private car with a guide.
What To Wear
There is no dress code but you should still be respectful. If you want to enter the mosque, you will need to cover your head, shoulders and knees.
It gets hot in Agra and there is very little shade, so wear light clothing and make sure you wear sunscreen. Then again, Agra also gets very cold in winter (Nov-Feb) so layers are your friend too.
If you visit with Intrepid, you’ll be taken there earlier in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat.
Best Season To Visit
It is possible to visit the Taj Mahal any time of year, but November to February are the ideal months. This time period falls within India’s winter season, when the air is clear, cool, and dry.
It is peak season for tourists to visit the Taj Mahal at this time of year, so more people are likely to be present. If you want the perfect sunrise shot, it’s best to visit in November or February because the Taj Mahal is frequently obscured by fog in the mornings of December and January.
From June to October, as well as March to May, you can visit the Taj Mahal. Agra experiences its hottest months in March, April, and May, with highs of up to 40°C (104°F). In order to experience the stunning sunrise and avoid the heat during the hot season, we advise traveling early in the day.
Since the crowds are much smaller and the temperatures are still bearable, March is the best month to travel during the hot season.
Opening Hours
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset, typically at around 6 a.M. M. To 7 p. M. Except on Fridays (when it is closed for prayer), every day. Every full moon, starting at 8:30 p.M., the Taj Mahal is also available for viewing at night. M. Prior to 12:30 am. M. Plus two days before and two days after the full moon, for a total of five days. During the annual holy month of Ramadan, night viewing is prohibited.
Entry Fee / Security Check
Except on Fridays, when it is closed for prayer, the Taj Mahal is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm. Additionally, for four nights around the full moon, The Taj reopens daily from 8:30 p.M. To 12:30 a.M.
For non-Indians, entry tickets to the Taj cost 1,100 rupees ($15). If you pay with a card, you can save 50 rupees. No matter if they are foreigners or Indians, children under 15 can enter for free. A water bottle, shoe covers, and an Agra city map are included with your admission ticket. Within the Taj Mahal’s main structure, shoes must be covered.
The cost of the full moon night viewing tickets is a little less than the daytime prices. Night entry costs 750 rupees ($10) for visitors from outside India.
Tickets for the Taj Mahal can be bought online or at the entrance gates.
South, East, and West are the three gates that lead into the Taj Mahal complex. The main entrance, the West Gate, typically has the day’s longest lines. The South Gate receives the least traffic because it is located in the middle of a busy market and is a little challenging to get to. Because it is close to many nice hotels and frequently has shorter lines, the East Gate is the one that foreign visitors use the most.
India’s most revered landmark, the Taj Mahal, has strict security measures at the entrance. Your bags will be searched as you enter the Taj, and big bags are not permitted.
Gate leading into the Taj MahalThe Taj Mahal’s entrance gate.
Food, cigarettes, lighters, tripods, and lighting gear are a few additional items that are prohibited inside the Taj. In the mausoleum, cameras are not permitted because it is forbidden to take pictures inside.
To cut down on the time spent at the security check, if you are carrying a large bag or backpack, you might want to store it in a locker outside the monument.
Guides
Government-approved AudioCompass offers a reasonably priced official Taj Mahal audio guide on its mobile phone app if you want to admire the Taj Mahal without the distraction of having a tour guide with you. There are many foreign and Indian languages that you can choose from, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese.
Things you should know
No food is permitted inside.
Lighters and cigarettes are also prohibited.
Permission must be obtained in advance to bring tripods and additional lighting equipment. The mausoleum has a strict no-photography policy. The majority of electronics are forbidden, with the exception of cameras and small video cameras.
Beware of shoplifters, touts, and obnoxious employees. It’s a crowded, high-pressure area, but as long as you stay alert, you won’t need to worry!
Where To Stay
Due to Agra’s popularity as a tourist destination in India, the city is brimming with lodging options for every price range, many of which are close to the Taj Mahal and provide rooftop views. Luxury hotels are particularly popular in the city and are great places for fine dining and spa experiences.
The Oberoi Amarvilas is the top hotel in Agra for lavish accommodations. It is located around 600 meters from the Taj Mahal and its architecture was inspired by the monument. Pools, gardens, pavilions, and fountains can be found at the hotel. It also has a magnificent dining room where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while taking in the Taj’s sunset.
Jaypee Palace is a fantastic luxury hotel in the area. This hotel is situated on 25 acres that are crammed with palm trees, gardens, and swimming pools. Nearby to all the main attractions, Jaypee Palace is situated in the city’s center. In addition, they have a restaurant with a patio where live entertainment is presented every evening.
If you are looking to stay in a resort, our favorites are the Trident and ITC Mughal. If you are looking for more affordable options then the DoubleTree by Hilton is a great one that also offers views of the Taj Mahal.