One of the 7 wonders of the earth, the symbol of love, the Taj Mahal is a massive structure of white-coloured marble in Agra. It is among the most well-known buildings worldwide, toured by millions of visitors from all over the world annually.
A glance at the tremendous historical ventures of the Mughal period, this building was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in remembrance of his dear spouse, Mumtaz Mahal.
The emperor employed nearly 20,000 stone carvers, artists, craftspersons from various parts of the nation, and artists from Turkey and Iraq. They laboured for about 17 years to provide a shape to this marvel.
Ultimately, it’s art. And, of course, it’s an excellent opportunity to grab a few phenomenal pictures. So, to help tourists prepare for their Taj Mahal tour, we’ve made a short guide to cover all the bases.
Taj Mahal Timings And Entry Fee
Taj Mahal timing is not fixed, and it opens 30-40 minutes before sunrise and shuts its entrances almost 30 minutes before sundown every day. Furthermore, the site remains closed on Fridays for tourists.
The entrance fee for this memorial varies for the residents of various countries, and the standard fee format is such:
Foreigners: ₹1100/- Per Head
SAARC and BIMSTEC Nationals: ₹540/- Per Head
Indians: ₹50/- per head
Main Mausoleum: ₹200/- Per Head
Note: Videography and photography are allowed inside the premises but not inside the mausoleum. Tripods are rigidly prohibited.
What to wear to the Taj Mahal?
There is no dress regulation, but one should still be obedient. If you desire to access the mausoleum, you’ll be required to cover your head, knees, and shoulders.
Agra receives extreme heat and has minimal shade, so wear suitable clothes and don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Further, the city also becomes incredibly cold in winter (November-February), so layers are your buddy too.
It’s best to take the Taj Mahal tour during sunrise or later in the afternoon to skip the most severe of the heat.
Other things you need to know
- No food is permitted inside.
- Lighters and cigarettes are also not permitted.
- Tripods and other lighting gear require prior approval to be carried with.
- Photography inside the structure is restricted. Most electronics (excluding cameras) are not permitted.
- Be careful of thieves, touts, and rude shopkeepers. It’s a bustling, high-pressure location, just be quick-witted, and you won’t need to fear!
Best Time To Visit Taj Mahal
One is suggested to tour the Taj Mahal either during sunrise or sunset as these two periods in the day offer stunning vistas of this memorial against the shades of the sky.
Also, it would be best to visit Agra from October to March as the weather is ideal for touring, and the extreme heat won’t upset tourists who visit the Taj.
8 Places To Visit Near Taj Mahal
Though the Taj is everything required to ease your eyes, below are some attractions that you may desire to think about on your journey to Agra:
1. Agra Fort
A well-known visitor site near the Taj, Agra Fort, where Aurangzeb imprisoned his father Shahjahan for the rest of his life. A charm to marvel, Emperor Akbar created the fort in 1565. It is formed of red sandstone and is also considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
2. Akbar’s Tomb
Found in Sikandra, Akbar’s Tomb is the relaxing site of Akbar. It is just 13 km from the Agra Fort, and it was finished by Akbar’s son Jahangir. The architecture is diverse from other Mughal structures yet pretty charming, so it is among the must-visit attractions in Agra.
3. Mankameshwar Temple
Found at a fair distance of nearly 3km from the Taj Mahal, you’ll find one of those four well-known and untouched temples that are devoted to Lord Shiva. Each one lasts on each of the four corners of the city and is a must-visit part of a tourist’s journey.
4. Ram Bagh
Babur made Ram Bagh in 1528, and it’s believed to be the oldest Mughal Garden in the country. It is found on the bank of Yamuna, no more than 3 km away from the Taj. A trip to Ram Bagh is relaxing and unmissable if you visit the Taj.
5. Vrindavan
The sacred city of Vrindavan awaits your visit as it is among the holiest trips in India. If you’re a firm believer of Lord Krishna, this site is your paradise on the planet as there are many temples in Vrindavan.
It houses about 4,000 temples, each expressing legendary tales of Lord Krishna.
6. Fatehpur Sikri
Indeed, a tour to the town calls for a journey to the majestic city of the Mughal rule, that is, Fatehpur Sikri. You can notice the incredible chemistry of various architectural designs and the idea of Islamic designs in the structures, mausoleums, columns, and arches.
There are various sites to explore in Fatehpur Sikri, and the most excellent ones are Diwan-I-Khas, Panch Mahal, Diwan-I-Aam, and Jodha Bai’s Palace.
7. Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb
It is Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, considered the Taj Mahal forerunner for its elaborate carvings and inlay work. It features octagonal-shaped minarets that assist the structure, inlay work, arched entries, and flowery designs carved all over the network.
Because of close marbled screen-work, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb has drawn the focus of many visitors and historians. Some individuals are aware of the fact that this burial place was the motivation behind the building of the Taj Mahal.
8. Dayal Bagh
Agra is loaded with architectural wonders to witness, and one such site is Dayal Bagh. It is a construction of 110ft in height and was made with fine marble.
While touring the site, you can catch the well-known pietra-dura inlay work that sweetens the true magnificence of this site. The devotees of Radha Swami must be aware of this site as it holds the samadhi of Swamiji Maharaj.
How To Reach Taj Mahal?
As Agra is well-linked with the country’s main cities through various transports, it has never been challenging to arrive at the Taj Mahal. So, below are the major ways to get to the Taj Mahal:
1. By Air
Agra has its own airport, around 7 km from the city centre. It is the quickest way to arrive at Agra from any corner of India or the earth. You can employ a taxi from the terminal to reach the Taj Mahal.
2. By Rail
The Taj mahal tour by train is another best way to travel as Agra links quite nicely with the rest of India through railway. The major railhead here is Agra Cantonment.
Rajdhani, Taj Express, Palace on Wheels, and Shatabdi Express are the most well-known trains running to nearby cities. There are taxi or cab services readily available to reach Taj.
3. By Road
If you are touring from any nearby town, the most excellent choice is to plan a fantastic road journey to Agra. Furthermore, non-A/C, A/C, and state buses run between nearby places like Delhi, Mathura, and Jaipur. So, you can go for bus service or drive yourself to Agra.