A Guide to Visiting the Taj Mahal- 10 Tips for a Memorable Trip

Without visiting the Taj Mahal, a journey to India is not complete. Furthermore, this is not an overstated claim. Dubai got the idea to construct a more extensive imitation of the Taj Mahal from its beauty. This spectacular structure is known as a representation of love and has long caused admirers to swoon. In conclusion, whether you are a tourist or a citizen of this country, you must visit Agra and the marvelous Taj Mahal once in your lifetime.

Undoubtedly the most well-known representation of Indian architecture is the Taj Mahal, one of the World's Seven Wonders. The Taj was constructed in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his cherished wife, Mumtaz Mahal, which took more than 22 years and 20,000 men to complete. The historical monument perfectly embodies two human emotions: love and sorrow. It is an icon of endless love, devotion, and proof of pure love. 

There are some things to know before visiting the Taj. It is wise to be aware of a few things to prevent obstacles; you need a Taj Mahal visiting guide. Here are 10 essential tips for the Taj Mahal to have a memorable trip to the Taj; continue reading for more information. 

1. Book tickets for the Express train from Delhi

Reserve a spot on the super-fast express train which is more convenient to drive from Delhi. A 4-hour drive is reduced to just 100 minutes by railway with the Gatimaan Express, which leaves Delhi at 8:10 and gets to Agra at 9:50. At 17:50, returning passengers leave Agra and reach at 19:30 in Delhi. Except for Friday, the Gatimaan Express runs both ways. If you plan to visit in December, avoid taking the train because of the frequent delays caused by the dense fog.

2. Fog and Smog

October to March, when the weather is pleasant during the day and cool at night, is the ideal time to travel through North India. Due to the chances of fog during December and January, your early view of the Taj at Sunrise can be interrupted. Your sightseeing view of the Taj can be interrupted at any time of day by the smog that, in November, blankets Delhi, Agra, and the nearby areas. Though they are challenging to anticipate, take note of these seasonal disruptions. The Taj Mahal sees a disproportionately high number of foreign visitors from December to March, but it is still active all year.

3. Watch out for local "Guides"

Foreigners can be approached by local guides to use their tour services. Many don't even have government licenses, can't speak English very well, and give inaccurate information, so proceed with care. There will often be negotiations and dissatisfaction after the tour because many people won't give an upfront estimate of the guiding costs. Instead, work with a reputable business or genuine Taj Mahal visiting guide company to pre-pay for a guide. Avoid going to the Taj if at all feasible. Lines may become longer due to local groups. 

4. Choose the entry gate wisely

The three entrances you can reach the monument are East, West, and South. You will encounter fewer people if, as a result of your online study, you choose the South Gate. Because it is less frequently used than the other two gates, the South Gate does not require you to stand in a long line. Most local visitors enter through the main West Gate, which is the main gate. Throughout the whole day, it has the busiest line of customers. The ideal time to enter through this gate is at sunrise when fewer people will be present. Due to its proximity to several lodgings, tourists from other countries primarily use the East Gate. This is the best method to enter the Taj if you purchase your ticket in preparation.

5. A view from the Mehtab- Bagh

You may not be aware of this, but outside the complex is where you can see the finest Taj Mahal.  As per Shah Jahan, you can see the Taj Mahal at its finest from flood zones over the River Yamuna. With an octagonal pool and a river reflecting Taj's splendor, Mehtab Bagh, also known as the "Moonlit Garden," was made so the emperor could see his masterpiece at night. Enjoy the best lighting during the evening time.

Bonus tip: The garden provides the most incredible opportunity to take pictures or portraits without other people being in the background of the picture. 

6. Time to visit

When visiting the Taj Mahal, timing is essential; getting there first certainly gives you the advantage. If smog is not there, which the sun can burn off, sometimes sunrise is typically the ideal time to come because it has fewer tourists and soft light for photography. Moreover, at dawn, it is much busier. Sunset is another excellent choice for the same reasons. Avoid early visits in December and January due to the heavy fog. Keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is closed on Friday. Try not to get disheartened by the crowds, particularly on weekends, as this monument is famous among India and foreign tourists. 

7. Choose to clothe wisely

Although there is no official clothing code, modesty standards do apply. Visitors to the Taj Mahal are advised to cover their legs. If you're concerned about the humidity, maxi skirts, flowy linen pants, or loose-fitting dresses are excellent choices. Men may feel more comfortable dressing for the temperature, but longer-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, pants, or shorts are better than tank tops. Some visitors set up official photo shoots within the complex, replete with regional attire and accents. Taj Mahal, as a tourist attraction, is very much popular. So it's crowded with tourists all year long. At the entrance, each visitor gets a set of covers for shoes. For the sake of Taj's ivory marble. You need to put them on if you plan to go further to get a closer look. There's more to know in our Taj Mahal visiting guide to make your trip memorable. 

8. It's Prohibited 

Before approaching the monument, there is a security checkpoint with two separate lines for males and females. Shoulder Bags and large backpacks are not allowed inside. It is better to have a tinier bag because lines at the security check can get very lengthy. Lighters, Tobacco products, knives or other weapons, idols (including stuffed animals), photo tripods, food and snacks, and electrical items are prohibited. (including charging cables, headphones, and batteries). The memorial forbids eating, smoking, or communal activities like meditation or Yoga.

9. Charging Fees

Entry is presently INR 1050 ($15) for foreign visitors and accessible for visitors under 15—an additional INR 200 ($3) cost to enter the primary mausoleum. The foreigner entrance charge includes a golf cart, battery-operated bus transportation, covers for shoes, a water bottle, and a tourist map. It is much more time- and space-efficient than purchasing a ticket at the landmark. (Note: You must carry your passport to the entry gate).

Additionally, foreign visitors are permitted entry before Indian ticket users. Just below the main mausoleum, there are complimentary shoe racks for use. The entrance ticket is only suitable for three hours, so remember. If the allotted time gets over, you must pay fees totaling INR 600 ($9).

10. View the Taj in Moonlight 

Every full moon, as well as two days prior and two days afterward, the Taj Mahal is accessible for nighttime watching. Only a day before the full moon, you book your tickets so that you can experience this mind-blowing, and the visibility of the landmark is greatly influenced by the weather. Visitors can only see the Taj Mahal from a distance of 500 meters and are not allowed inside the premises. The Taj compound only permits 400 visitors inside at once. Eight groups of 50 people each make up the remaining categorization of these 400 people. Between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., the night call lasts for 30 minutes.  Please note that Fridays and the holy month of Ramadan do not permit moonlight viewing. 

If you are considering visiting the Taj Mahal, consider these suggestions by our Taj Mahal visiting guide. These should make it easier for you to get around the monument and better prepare for your journey.

FAQS

What is the most memorable thing about the Taj Mahal?

Regarding Indo-Islamic buildings, the Taj Mahal is regarded as the pinnacle of all architectural accomplishments. Its famous architectural beauty has a rhythmic mix of solids and voids, concave and convex, and the light shade is the most memorable part. Additional architectural features like arches and domes heighten the aesthetic quality. 

Why is the Taj Mahal considered an excellent place to visit?

Aside from its historical value, the Taj Mahal is also a work of stunning design that you should see. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an important and renowned location. The Taj Mahal should be seen if you're in India.

Are shorts allowed to wear in Taj?

Although the Taj Mahal doesn't indeed have a dress code, it is still advisable to dress respectfully everywhere in India by covering your shoulders and legs. You can go for loose pants or trousers, flared flowy dresses too. 

What time of day is the best to visit the Taj Mahal?

On all days but Friday, the Taj Mahal is accessible from sunrise to sunset, but the best time to visit is at dawn(sunrise).

Go back to main blog page