Everything about visiting the Taj Mahal is incredible. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being, “The jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. And in real life it truly is that breathtaking.
Here is everything you need to know to visit this wonderous icon of India the rich history, architecture, and culture of the Taj Mahal, plus tips for the best visiting experience.
- What is the Taj Mahal?
- Is it worth visiting the Taj Mahal?
- What time of year is best?
- IMPORTANT tip for planning a visit to the Taj Mahal
- What time of day is best?
- Opening hours
- Tickets
- Cost
- Things to see at the Taj Mahal
- Transport from Delhi or Jaipur
- Transport in Agra
- Is there a dress code for visiting the Taj Mahal?
- Tips for visiting the Taj Mahal
- Accommodation in Agra
What is the Taj Mahal and what is it about the Taj that makes it so famous?
The Taj Mahal is famed as one of the greatest love stories of all time. A love story for the ages carved in stone.
The magnificent white marble building is a mausoleum, commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Shah Jahan ordered the building of the Taj Mahal when Mumtaz died in 1631 during childbirth, while delivering their 14th child. Her death had left the emperor completely heartbroken.
It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Wonders of the World and a crown jewel of art and architecture in the world.
But the story of the Taj Mahal is more about love than anything else. Emperor Shah Jahan built the mausoleum to fulfil a promise he made to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal as she laid on her deathbed, “To erect a monument to match her beauty”.
And it is certainly exquisite.
It took 22 years and tens of thousands of workers from all over the Indian subcontinent, Persia and Central Asia to complete it. In today’s dollars, what it cost to build then would equal somewhere about 35 billion.
Physically, it’s a marvel of engineering and art. The Taj Mahal exemplifies the highest achievements of Indo-Islamic art and architecture. A magnificent mausoleum of white marble inlayed with precious and semi-precious stones and intricately carved designs. And depending on the season and what time of day you visit, the colours of the sky will light up the marble in different hues.
Is it worth visiting the Taj Mahal?
It is a powerful site. Everything about visiting the Taj Mahal is intense. There are crowds and heaps of people all around and no matter how early you arrive to beat them to it there will be someone in every photo you try to take.
But it is worth embracing it all. It truly is one of the few places in the world that regardless of how many photos or images you’ve seen of the Taj Mahal before, it is unmatched and breathtaking in real life.
Of course, Agra and India have much more to see than just the Taj Mahal. But the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly an icon of India and even more wonderous to visit in person.
When is the best time of year for visiting the Taj Mahal?
Considering the time of year is an important tip when planning a visit to the Taj Mahal. Obviously, you can’t change the seasons or the weather. And visiting the Taj Mahal is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime trip for most people that come rain, or shine makes missing it implausible.
In the summer months of May and June it can be unbearably hot during the day to travel in India. Weather-wise though, for clarity and photographs and lesser tourist numbers at the Taj Mahal, this is the best time to visit.
July and August are also hot for travel, and it is notoriously the monsoon (wet) season in India and there can sometimes be rain.
The winter months from November to February are the coolest temperature for travel in India and the peak tourist season. The winter months are considered the best time to visit the Taj Mahal with daytime temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F). However, there is often heavy morning fog at sunrise in winter and with the cooler weather comes larger crowds. This is a busy time to visit the Taj Mahal.
We reckon mid-September to October is the optimal season, after the monsoon rains and searing summer temperatures, but before the big crowds arrive. Or at the other end of the season in March and April, with lighter crowds and reasonable temperatures.
This is the MOST IMPORTANT tip for planning a visit to the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is NOT OPEN ON FRIDAYS.
Fridays are reserved for the local Muslim community to conduct prayers at the mosque located within the Taj Mahal complex.
Make sure to double check which day of the week your trip to Agra aligns with for your planned day visiting the Taj Mahal.
Albeit Friday is a good day of the week for exploring the rest of city and other things to do in Agra because it is quieter in town. But in reality, you don’t need more than one day in Agra to see the Taj Mahal and main sights.
- THE TAJ MAHAL IS NOT OPEN ON FRIDAY.
Make sure to check which day of the week you are planning your visit.
What is the best time of day for visiting the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is stunning (obviously) at any time of day. But aside from the warning not to visit on a Friday, the best tip for visiting the Tah Mahal is the recommendation to go at sunrise. There are fewer crowds, the air is cool and pleasant.
- Tip: In winter there is a high chance of fog visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise. It is still magical; just with a hazy atmosphere until the sun rises and the fog clears.
It is still busy in the morning. (It’s not a secret tip for visiting the Taj Mahal at that time of day!). But it does get busier as the day goes on.
Plus, it isn’t every day you get up and leave in the dark. It adds to the excitement queueing up to be one of the first inside. And to see that first light of sunrise at the Taj Mahal is magical.
What are the opening hours for visiting the Taj Mahal?
The official opening hours of the ticket entrance for the Taj Mahal is from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
Opening hours for entry to the Taj Mahal are from sunrise to sunset.
- Tip: Note that the sunrise and sunset timing and opening hours of the Taj Mahal changes seasonally in Agra.
For the summer months (May to August) in Agra the sunrise is from 5:20am – 6:00am. In the winter months (November to February) the sunrise in Agra is from 6:30am – 7:00am.
Check with your accommodation host when you arrive for an up-to-date sunrise time in Agra to see the Taj Mahal on opening.
How to get to Agra from Delhi or Jaipur
Delhi, Jaipur and Agra – and the Taj Mahal – are part of India’s popular ‘Golden Triangle’ itinerary. These are India’s most visited tourist destinations and hence the city of Agra is well connected by road, rail and air.
To get from Delhi to Agra by road takes around 3.5 hours. It is common and easy to book a driver or tour from Delhi to Agra and the Taj Mahal and onwards to Jaipur. And there are also options to book a day trip from Delhi to visit the Taj Mahal.
- Delhi to Agra: 3 hr 37 min (242.9 km)
- Jaipur to Agra: 4 hr 12 min (238.1 km)
There are daily trains departing regularly from Delhi to Agra. The local trains take between 3 – 4 hours. The fastest daily train is the Gatimaan Express which departs from Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) Railway Station in New Delhi arriving to Agra Cantt (AGC) in just 1 hour 40 minutes.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
Delhi to Agra
#12050 GATIMAAN EXPRESS
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun*
Departs 8:10am from New Delhi (HZM)
Arrives 9:50am to Agra Cantt (AGC)
*Note the Gatimaan Express does not operate on a Friday.
There are also daily trains departing regularly from Jaipur to Agra.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
Jaipur to Agra
#22987 AII AGRA FORT SF EXPRESS
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Departs 8:10am from Jaipur (JP)
Arrives 12:45pm to Agra Fort (AF)
It is easy to arrange a pick-up from the train station on arrival in Agra and transfer to your accommodation.
- Read about trains in India and taking the train from Jaipur to Agra.
- Book tickets for trains in India through 12GoAsia.com.
How to get to there from Agra
The easiest way to get to the Taj Mahal once you are already in Agra is by rickshaw or taxi. We always stay at Aman Homestay which is just a short ride by rickshaw. It is a friendly and convenient way to get around Agra and can easily be booked through your accommodation host.
- Tip: We organised a rickshaw through our accommodation the night before to take us to the Taj Mahal, wait for us and bring us back for breakfast afterwards.
Tickets for the Taj Mahal. How much does it cost?
There are two options for tickets to the Taj Mahal for foreigners.
- Taj Mahal only
- Taj Mahal with Mausoleum
The ticket for Taj Mahal with Mausoleum includes entrance to the interior of the Taj Mahal building itself.
- Tip: A ticket for the Taj Mahal with Mausoleum costs 1300 INR ($16 USD). Entry for children below 15 years is FREE.
It is also possible to buy a separate ticket for the Mausoleum once inside the Taj Mahal. However, it is much simpler to purchase the Mausoleum-included ticket in advance.
Tickets for the Taj Mahal. Where do you buy tickets?
It is easy to buy tickets for the Taj Mahal online or from your accommodation in Agra.
- Purchase online tickets for the Taj Mahal directly through the Ministry of Culture India Government website link: https://asi.payumoney.com.
Online tickets can be purchased up to seven days in advance. However, it is also fine to arrange with your accommodation host once you arrive in Agra. We have always purchased tickets the day before visiting the Taj Mahal.
Is there a dress code for visiting the Taj Mahal?
There is no dress code for visiting the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is not an active place of worship, so no special clothing rules are upheld. Though as with all public places in India you should dress modestly. In general, India is a conservative country, and it is respectful to dress accordingly.
Wearing modest clothes covering your shoulders and knees is recommended for visiting the Taj Mahal.
But other than some basic rules of modesty, there is no enforced dress code by law.
Things to see on entering the Taj Mahal complex
Walking in through the main entrance to the Taj Mahal is a breathtaking experience.
- East, West and South Entrance Gates
There are three entrances to the Taj Mahal including the East Gate (Fatehabadi Darwaza), West Gate (Fatehpuri Darwaza) and South Gate (Sidhi Darwaza). The three gates lead to Jilaukhana (or the front courtyard). Although their design is simple compared to the main entrance they are elegant in the typical style of Mughal architecture.
- Jilaukhana / Ceremonial Forecourt
The two bazaar streets and the three gates lead into the great ceremonial forecourt, referred to as ‘Jilaukhana’ which translates literally as ‘in front of the house’.
- Drawaza –e – Rauza / The Great Gate
This is the very grand North Gate of the site translating literally to ‘the gate of the mausoleum’. The main gateway of the Taj Mahal is one of the most impressive features of the monument complex.
- Charbagh / Paradise Gardens
The Taj Mahal garden is designed with in a typical style derived from ancient Islamic texts that describes paradise as a beautiful garden. There are numerous manicured trees, flowering plants and the element of water is of great significance in this style of garden.
- Princess Diana’s famous seat
There is a famous photograph of the late, Diana, Princess of Wales seated in front of the Taj Mahal in 1992 on an official state visit. Diana sat on a bench seat that is now affectionately named after her and one that is the most popular spots for photographs at the Taj Mahal.
Other things to see inside the Taj Mahal complex
The mausoleum is undoubtedly the star of the Taj Mahal complex, but there are other things to look out for too.
- The Mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal
You can go inside the mausoleum to see the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. One of the highlights is the intricate marble inlay throughout the structure. There is no photography allowed inside. But it is well worth it to see the exquisite carvings and delicate floral and geometric patterns in marble inlaid along with precious and semi-precious stones.
- Four Minarets
Four towers flank the main building. They are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall and are symmetrically arranged on the corners to lean slightly outwards. This was done to protect the main building from natural calamities like earthquakes.
- Quranic inscriptions
Above the entrance to the mausoleum and on the North Gate are calligraphic inscriptions containing verses from the holy book of Quran inlayed into the stone. The calligraphy on the North Gate reads, “O SOUL, THOU ART AT REST. RETURN TO THE LORD AT PEACE WITH HIM, AND HE AT PEACE WITH YOU.”
- Yamuna River
The Taj Mahal complex is situated on the southern bank of the Yamuna River, a major tributary of the Ganges.
- Masjid / Mosque
The mosque is the building located to the west (left, when facing the river) of the mausoleum. It is almost identical to Mihman Khana (the building to the east) and is actively used today for worship.
- Mihman Khana / Guesthouse
This is the second building to the east of the mausoleum (right, when facing the river). It was originally used to accommodate guests and served as a gathering place for those who came to pray in the mosque.
How long do you need to visit?
Allow two or three hours to explore the mausoleum, gardens and surrounding buildings. If you are visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise this usually means you will be perfectly in time to return to your accommodation for breakfast.
Other tips for visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra
Up to 40,000 people per day visit the site! You will not be alone and you will be crowded. Pack your patience.
- The Western Gate is the main entrance, but it is by far the busiest, attracting both locals and large busloads of tourists, so queues can be long.
- The Eastern Gate is near several hotels, making it a convenient entrance if you are staying nearby, however it is farther away from the Taj Mahal’s building complex. We always enter through the Eastern Gate.
- Men and women queue separately. So, if you are traveling as a couple, you’ll be queueing solo.
- You go through a security screening check, so expect a bag check, metal detection walk-through and a pat-down body check.
- The screening is very strict on what is allowed into the Taj Mahal site. No food, no tripods, no selfie sticks, no cigarettes or lighters and no electrical items allowed.
- You cannot bring toys, playing cards or any representation of religious or symbolic icons. Oscar had a small toy monkey taken from my bag which we had to collect after our visit.
- The Taj Mahal houses the tombs of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan. Although the large domed chamber has a false representation of the graves, it’s still the core of the building.
- You can’t take photographs inside the main mausoleum.
- You have to take your shoes off to walk around and inside the Taj Mahal. You will be given shoe covers with your ticket, but these are not necessary (and not good for the environment). You can walk around in socks or bare feet on the marble.
- When visiting the Taj Mahal, dress modestly. Avoid wearing clothes that expose your arms, legs, cleavage and shoulders.
Final thoughts?
However you choose to get there, however long you stay, and for as many selfie-requests that you get swarmed with, the Taj Mahal is beyond beautiful and worth any effort!
I hope this guide and tips for visiting the Taj Mahal was helpful. Please let me know if you went and what you thought!
Where to stay in Agra near the Taj Mahal
These are the hotels in Agra near the Taj Mahal that we use and can recommend for your stay in Agra and visiting the Taj Mahal.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: Aman Homestay
Very friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals. We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj
Located only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel and comfortable common areas. A great dinner and breakfast option. We really enjoyed staying here.
- Agra / Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- Local desert cuisine and the food to try in Jaisalmer
- Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer
About travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!