Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal

As a first-time visitor to India, a highlight of my trip had to be nothing less than the world's most fascinating building: the Taj Mahal in Agra. In this post, you will find exciting and important information about this majestic wonder of the world, along with everything you need to know for your visit. I've already been here twice: at sunrise and sunset. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and the moving love story of the Taj Mahal!

History of the Taj Mahal

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in 1632 as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their 14th child. The construction took about 22 years and was completed in 1653. The monument, made of white marble, is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, blending Persian, Indian, and Ottoman styles. It symbolizes the emperor's everlasting love and is one of the world's most famous landmarks.

The Taj Mahal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is considered one of the seven new wonders of the world.

According to the locals in Burhanpur, Shah Jahan chose to build the Taj Mahal in Agra primarily for three reasons. First, the soil in Burhanpur was infested with termites, making it impossible to hold up a magnificent structure for long. The emperor wanted the reflection of the Taj Mahal to mirror in the river. Shah Jahan chose Agra because the Tapti River in Burhanpur was narrower than the Yamuna River in Agra. The third reason was Agra's proximity to Rajasthan, where the white marble originated.

Most visitors only find out that the magnificent Taj Mahal is a mausoleum and not a palace upon arrival. This tomb mosque is a beautifully crafted final resting place and is not only a global symbol of love but also an architectural masterpiece.

The name 'Taj Mahal' translates to 'Crown of the Palace' in English, expressing the royal elegance of this monument. With its radiant white marble, intricate details, and impressive architecture, the Taj Mahal is truly a royal masterpiece. Take your time to inspect the façade closely; the small details are truly remarkable.

Its architecture merges influences from Persian, Islamic, and Indian design, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship by its builders. The entire structure has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world each year and leaving everlasting impressions. On some days, long lines form, where you can spend hours waiting.

The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, a city of 1.7 million inhabitants in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated right on the southern bank of the Yamuna River, this structure is surrounded by a beautiful garden and embodies the region's cultural and historical heritage. The sight of the marble shimmering in the sun is simply unforgettable.

If you're in Agra, you should also visit the Red Fort (also known as Agra Fort). From the fort, you can enjoy another beautiful view of the Taj Mahal.

Tip: Buy your ticket online to avoid long lines. There is also a combined ticket with a guide offered by Get Your Guide, which includes admission to the Taj Mahal and the nearby Agra Fort. Since this ticket comes with a guide, it is more expensive. Note: Get Your Guide also offers tours without tickets. Keep this in mind when booking.

*A regular ticket only includes admission to the Taj Mahal. If you wish to visit the mausoleum inside, you must purchase the 'Taj Mahal with Mausoleum' ticket. Admission to the mausoleum costs 200 rupees. At the entrance, you will receive shoe covers.

There are strict security checks for the Taj Mahal. After entering, you must undergo a security check similar to an airport. The lines are strictly separated by gender, which is good. In general, no large bags and backpacks, electronic devices (except cameras and phones), and food (except water) are allowed.

Respect cultural sensitivities and avoid overly revealing clothing. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing (linen) that can withstand the heat and walking. Before entering the mausoleum, you must wear shoe covers (included in the entrance fee, provided with your ticket).

You are allowed to take photos everywhere except inside the mausoleum at the graves.

The following items are not allowed inside:

It may sound odd, but I photographed the sign. The checks are indeed very strict. Anything not allowed in is consistently disposed of in the trash. We lost a lot of time during our first visit because a fellow traveler had a small microphone with her camera. It took much persuasion from our local guide that she could retrieve the microphone after the visit. This is an exception and not the rule.

The most frequently asked question about visiting the Taj Mahal is: sunrise or sunset? I've been there at both times of day. Both in the early morning and at sunset, when the light bathes the marble in golden and pink tones, you will have stunning views.

The peak season (October to March) is the best time as the weather is cooler and not as oppressive as in the previous months. From July to September, it's monsoon season. While the rain brings a greener environment and fewer tourists, the humidity is extremely high. The off-season is from April to June. It gets very hot then, and visitor numbers are a bit lower.

However, the Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world and is thus always well-visited.

In the morning, you should be here around 5 AM to stand far up in line. Everyone must go through the security check, even with a ticket exempt from the line (I've never even seen an entrance for that, but various platforms do offer tickets).

At sunrise, due to the proximity to the river, there is often a dense fog that creates a mystical atmosphere. The first rays of sunlight result in soft lighting.

What bothered me, however, were the many guides from international groups constantly trying to direct us away. The grounds are, however, enormous and there is space for everyone. However, in the early morning, you can get a photo of the Taj Mahal from the front. This is not possible in the evening because locals love to pose next to you.

At sunset and in the late afternoon, unlike in the morning, you will mainly find local tourists. It gets chaotic; no one stands in line to get a photo with the complex. Locals are more interested in getting a photo with you than the Taj Mahal. It's funny, but it can be tiring when you are asked for a selfie for the 20th time.

At sunset, the white marble of the mausoleum glows in warm orange tones, a truly grand spectacle.

Then you have the Taj almost to yourself right before closing when everyone is streaming out after sunset. Be patient and wait until most are gone. Then you can take the perfect photo from Diana's Bench.

Main Mausoleum

The central structure, made of pure white marble, houses the cenotaphs (replicas or false graves) of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The real graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are located directly in a crypt beneath the main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal. This underground chamber is not accessible to the public. Our guide told us that it would be opened once a year, but I couldn't find any official information on this.

The symmetrically designed Persian garden with fountains and water basins is a great place to linger on the grass or a bench, quietly observing the structure along with its hustle and bustle. Unfortunately, during my visits, the water basins were being cleaned and the fountains were off.

The term 'Diana's Bench' refers to a marble bench in the garden of the Taj Mahal that gained worldwide fame from an iconic photo of Princess Diana taken in 1992. Now everyone tries to recreate this picture or take family photos from the bench with the Taj Mahal in the background.

The bench is located in the garden (Charbagh) directly facing the mausoleum. The perspective makes it a perfect spot for photos with the Taj Mahal in the background. Therefore, you will always find a long line and a crowd here. You can't miss the bench.

On the west side of the mausoleum lies the red sandstone mosque, which is still used for prayers. This is why the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

The mirrored building to the mosque on the east side of the mausoleum, which was used to house guests. This is where most photos with the Taj Mahal and its reflection in a puddle are taken.

Enjoy the view of the river flowing behind the Taj Mahal and take a few photos of this backdrop. On the other side is a garden, which, according to our guide, is not well maintained and now charges an entrance fee. Thanks to social media and the popularity of the photos, this view is no longer free.

The rowboats that many tourists used for social media poses are now banned.

The Taj Mahal is definitely a highlight of a trip to India and a unique experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. With the right planning, you can thoroughly enjoy the splendor of this monument of love. Be aware of the best visiting times, respect local customs, and take the opportunity to discover more highlights of Agra, such as the Agra Fort. Don't travel to India just for this wonder of the world. Take a tour of Rajasthan like I did, as it is very worthwhile.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in answering your questions about one of the most famous buildings in the world. If you have any ideas or questions, we would love to hear your comments here on the travel blog.

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