Last Updated on July 19, 2024 by Leslie Stroud <!– %AUTHOR_NAME% –>
When we first learned of our two friends and staff members planning a wedding in India, we jumped at the idea of visiting this mysterious and challenging country. We’ve been full or part-time traveling for over five years now with five kids in tow, and many fellow travelers have painted a picture of India for us through their own first-hand experiences.
We were told it’s magical and a must-see while also being told to not take small children there (under five years old) due to some common diseases, like tuberculosis, that are still widespread. Of course, the famous “Delhi belly” also kept us wary and at bay.
However, the incredible Taj Mahal, deservedly one of the seven world wonders, called to my travel spirit often. Once the wedding date was set, we decided to take the plunge and bought tickets to Delhi from our home in Lisbon.
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Fun Facts About the Taj Mahal
Famed as one of the greatest love stories in all history, this magnificent building is actually a tomb/mausoleum for one of the wives of a very powerful Mughal Emperor of India, Shan Jahan. Muitas Mahal, his favorite wife, birthed several surviving children as well as many miscarriages and died during her 14th delivery due to loss of blood.
The project was commissioned in 1631 and took 15-22 years to build, depending on who you ask. It involved thousands of laborers over an entire generation and resulted in the founding of many towns and cities around it on the supply routes.
Rumor has it that Shan Jahan wanted to build a matching black mausoleum across the river to mirror his beloved wife’s, but this cannot be fully substantiated. The foundations were laid, but the actual plan is left to history. Some rumors say the emperor’s son didn’t want his father to pay for another massive structure in black marble, which is even more expensive, and imprisoned him over this.
In his last eight years of life, the emperor was imprisoned in the Agra fort where he spent his days gazing at the Taj Mahal. It’s easy to imagine him daydreaming of the day they would be reunited as he sat in the summer palace of the Agra Fort, and soon this tale turned into the ultimate romance. Of course, whether that sentiment was true or not, the Taj Mahal stands as the crown jewel of India, pulling up to 100,000 visitors per day.
The impressive white marble, which is of the finest quality, makes this structure stand out. Rumor has it that 70% of the marble was rejected to allow only the finest quality. Today, the structure, nearly 400 years old, shines like a beacon in the chaotic life of Agra. At different times of day, the sun produces different hues, from soft pink to bright white to golden in the sunset.
Most beautiful of all is the immense inlay of stone, much of it semi-precious or precious, including beautiful coral, ruby, jade, and more. Paired with the detailed carved marble, the entire structure leaves you spinning with amazement.
One of our favorite facts was that the four, perfectly symmetrical minarets actually lean slightly outward. Our guide taught us that not only does this allow the towers to fall away from the main building in an earthquake, but the pressure helps to keep the impressive water-filled foundation intact.
Best Time of Year To Visit the Taj Mahal
The most popular times of year to visit northern India and the Taj Mahal are the months of November to February. The weather is at its best during those months, being cooler (even cold, temps can get down to 2 degrees Celsius) and avoiding the monsoon season of July and August.
However, crowds are also at their peak during these months. We visited in June, which was miserably hot but much less crowded overall. While I can’t recommend the temperatures, I was very pleased that our sunrise visit (we visited twice) was nearly empty, and we captured the amazing pictures I had dreamed of.
The other downside to the winter months is fog, most commonly found at sunrise before the sun burns it off. I read several blogs in anticipation of our visit and noticed fog being a big problem! We didn’t have to fight this in June.
The bottom line is to go when it works for you and deal with the downsides, which exist year-round! Our guide recommended September and April, as they are the “shoulder seasons” but not incredibly hot yet.
Note that June-August is a time when many visitors to the Taj Mahal are Indian citizens on their summer holidays. Lots of families come during this time. We were some of the very few foreign tourists on our two visits.
Also, note that the Taj Mahal is closed Fridays year-round.
Best Time of Day To Visit the Taj Mahal
While sunrise is the most popular time to visit and can be stunning in the pale morning light, it’s not necessarily the best time to visit.
If you are going in the winter months, early afternoon will avoid the very common fog problem. The amount of visitors can also be low in the early afternoon.
We enjoyed the sun glittering off the jewel inlays at sunset. It was extra magical.
There are even moonlight tours of the Taj Mahal.
In the off-season, I would recommend a sunrise visit, as we loved it and fewer crowds made it feel like we had the place to ourselves.
How To Get to the Taj Mahal
Agra as a city doesn’t necessarily demand a visit amid the vast options of India. While the Agra Fort and other options are fun, the city is rough around the edges. I read this before our visit and would agree that without the draw of the Taj Mahal, I wouldn’t go back. It’s surprising, with the millions of visitors annually, that it doesn’t employ more infrastructure and options for tourists.
The easiest way to get to Agra is a drive from Delhi of about three hours. We flew into Delhi, landed around 4:30 am, exited the airport around 6 am after customs and baggage, and left immediately for Agra.
There are many day trip options from Delhi to see the Taj Mahal, even at sunrise leaving Delhi in the middle of the night. They are affordable and easy to find. Any hotel in the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) will happily arrange a driver for you at various premiums.
If you are wondering how I can get to the Taj Mahal, here are some ways that you can consider:
Hop on the Gatimaan Express
Picture this – you’re zooming through the Indian countryside on the fastest train in the country! The Gatimaan Express is your ticket to a quick and comfy ride from New Delhi to Agra. Offers a swift and comfortable journey from New Delhi to Agra. This package includes:
- Pickup and drop-off in Delhi
- Round-trip transportation on the Gatimaan Express train
- Sightseeing in Agra by private air-conditioned car
- Services of a tour guide
- Mineral water
- Breakfast and dinner on the train
With all these inclusions, you’re set for a full day of exploration without worrying about logistics.
This comprehensive package takes care of transportation and meals, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey and the magnificent Taj Mahal. It’s a convenient option, especially if you’re traveling with family and want to minimize planning hassles.
Other Train Options
If you’re feeling fancy, check out the Palace on Wheels. For a more budget-friendly ride, there’s the Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express. Pro tip: Book through 12Go Asia four months in advance. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
Fly
For those of you who’d rather soar than chug along, flights to Agra’s airport (just 7 km from the city center) are your best bet. Indian Airlines has daily flights, and if you’re coming from Jaipur, you can snag a flight from $85USD. Not bad for a 55-minute trip!
Hit the Road
Road trip, anyone? Regular buses run from Delhi, Jaipur, and other cities to Agra’s Idgah bus stand. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous (and have nerves of steel), try an Uber! It’s surprisingly affordable at around $40 from Delhi to Agra.
Local Transportation
Once you’re in Agra, you’ve got options galore! Taxis for comfort, shuttles for budget-friendly rides, or my personal favorite – the Tuk Tuk (Auto Rickshaw). These three-wheeled wonders are your ticket to a truly local experience. It’s part rollercoaster, part city tour, and 100% adventure! Just remember to haggle for your fare – it’s all part of the fun. No matter what you choose, you’re in for a uniquely Indian ride.
Remember, getting there is half the fun! Whether you choose the speedy train, a flight with a view, or a road trip adventure, each option has its own flavor of Indian chaos and charm. Just be prepared for a bit of sensory overload – it’s all part of the experience!
And here’s a little secret: no matter how you get there, that first glimpse of the Taj Mahal will make it all worth it. Trust me, seeing that gleaming white marble against the Indian sky… it’s a moment you will never forget!
What Are the Opening Hours of the Taj Mahal?
While the attraction itself is open from 6 am to 7 pm (roughly sunrise to sunset), the ticket window is open as early as 5:30 am.
For select moonlight visits, the Taj is open 8:30 pm to 12:30 am.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit the Taj Mahal?
There are a surprising number of ticket options when entering the Taj Mahal, but you probably want tickets that allow entrance to everything and include bottled water, shoe covers, and a map. This ticket price is around 1300 INR, or roughly $13 USD depending on conversion rate.
Children under 15 are free.
What Your Visit to the Taj Mahal Looks Like
We visited the Taj Mahal twice, which I would 100% recommend. Our first visit was near sunset, around 5-7 pm, and we visited with a guide. While the crowds were decently large (still small compared to high season), we were able to take our time to learn about this amazing piece of history and architecture. We enjoyed seeing the sparkle from the sunset.
We then went back the next morning at 4:45 am to see the Taj by ourselves without a guide and take pictures. I felt very satisfied with our visits. It also gave us some leeway for potential weather or other disruptions.
Overall, the process for visiting runs roughly as follows:
Other Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal
- The price for a foreign visitor at many Indian monuments is many multiples more than the price for a local. For the Taj Mahal, it is around 14x more expensive. However, this makes sense as the Indian economy is not strong. Don’t get too hung up on this, as it’s still very affordable for visitors. A lot of the fees go towards the upkeep of the site itself.
- The north gate is the main gate into the Taj Mahal.
- As previously mentioned, fog can be a real issue in the winter months, especially in December and January. Be sure to have a couple of days as options to visit in case of bad weather.
- Not only can you find a guide on-site, but there are licensed professional photographers as well. They can get some decent photos for you! However, negotiate HARD and be very clear on your terms. Some might charge you per photom and this can add up quickly to $50 or more! They also are going to push hard for you to give them more money than agreed upon. Lay out your terms very quickly, bartering a lot, or don’t do it at all. It can sour your experience to have someone be pushy with you about an inflated tip.
- In the busy season, the wait to get inside the tomb can be 2 hours or more. Plan accordingly.
- Note that the Taj is closed on Fridays! The mosque on the side of the tomb is open to Muslims (not tourists) on Fridays. Saturdays can be busier as a result. Plan your visit around this. We went on a Monday.
- There is free water for ticket holders. However, I would personally only open water bottles I brought myself. Our local friends recommended Bisleri and Aquafina brands. I brought my Stanley (Amazon link here) to refill with bottled water and keep it cooler in the intense heat. Our driver for Agra was also amazing and had cold water any time we entered the car. We loved him.
- Any of the souvenirs you see outside the Taj Mahal will also be found in other locations for cheaper. Warn the kids not to engage with the vendors!
- Having a guide helps keep other vendors at bay. This is true in all of India. If you negotiate well, you can get a guide for as low as 150 INR (about $1.50 USD).
- Access to the real tombs of the emperor and queen is allowed once a year in June. However, the tombs are maintained daily by the staff.
- Mosquito spray is recommended for the gardens. I bought a natural version (link one here) and didn’t get any bites. However, it’s worse in the monsoon season when the river fills and there is more standing water. Malaria is not generally a concern in the Golden Triangle, but it is present in India.
- There are MANY things not allowed inside the Taj Mahal, including:
- Tripods or selfie sticks
- Large backpacks
- Food of any kind. This includes gum, baby food, candy, or any edibles of any kind. Any drinks other than water are also prohibited.
- Pens or writing utensils. Sadly, many have tried to deface the monument with these items.
- Weapons of any kind
- Smoking/tobacco items of any kind
- Most electronic equipment. This includes drones, battery packs, laptops, headphones, handheld video recorders, etc. Mobile phones and DSLR cameras are basically the only electronics allowed in. We did bring in an Insta 360 (link from Amazon), likely because they didn’t know what it was.
- No pets, luggage, charging cords/wires, or anything else out of the ordinary.
- Note there is a locker room/safe room for any prohibited items, but I’m not sure how “safe” it actually is. Best to leave things in your hotel room or private car.
- Avoid the monkeys. They can be aggressive. You may even want to arm yourself with rocks when walking by them.
- Bring a hat or umbrella for the sun, as there is little shade.
Where To Stay Near the Taj Mahal
Just 600 meters from the monument, every room boasts a Taj view – talk about waking up to a postcard! It’s definitely a splurge, but after a day of battling crowds and heat, this luxurious oasis feels like striking gold. Not exactly backpacker-budget, but for a once-in-a-lifetime Taj experience? It might just be worth it!
This is your budget-friendly neighbor to the Taj Mahal. Right by the Eastern Gate, it’s perfect for early birds catching that sunrise view. Comfy rooms, decent amenities, and a location that can’t be beat – it’s a great home base for your Taj adventures without breaking the bank. After a day of exploring Agra (trust me, it’s a workout!), you’ll appreciate being just a hop and skip from your bed!
Planning for your next trip to India?
Catch great fare deals from Booking.com, Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, or Expedia
Find a nice hotel near the Taj Mahal from
The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra , Hotel Taj Resorts
Discover more of India while having fun through exciting activities from GetYourGuide,
Need to rent a car to navigate the city?
Visit Europcar Get insured while traveling with SafetyWing
Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!
Capture your best memories in Great Pyramid as we do with a Insta360 , Go Pro Mini , Sony A7iii
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
Additional Reading
Visiting the Great Wall of China With Kids
