The Taj Mahal is a famous landmark and a must see when you are visiting India. The ivory-white marble mausoleum is located in Agra on the south bank of the Yamuna river. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan started building the mausoleum for his third and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. She died while giving birth to their 14th child. Next to Mumtaz tomb is the tomb of Shah Jahan. The mausoleum is the centerpiece of complex, which includes a mosque, gardens, guest house and now also a small museum. In this post you will find useful tips on how to get there, when to go, what to wear and what NOT to bring.
Table of Contents
Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra as a daytrip from Delhi
Most international leisure travellers arrive in Delhi. From here it’s easy to go Agra if you catch the right train. The fastest train to Agra takes two hours so plan and book ahead if you plan a daytrip to Agra.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is at sunrise. In the early morning it’s less busy but don’t expect to be there alone. It will surprise you how many people are walking around at that time. I have visited the Taj Mahal twice. Once at sunrise and the second time in the afternoon. In the afternoon it can be crowded and there is a chance you have to wait in line to go inside the mausoleum. Another good reason beside the crowds is the cool temperature in the early morning.
Do you like to make photo’s? It’s an unique experience to see the changes in colour of the Taj Mahal before, during and after the sunrise. Before the sunrise the marble exterior of the masoleum has a grey overlay, during sunrise the marble reflects a pink-orange colour and after the sunrise it’s turns into a golden-yellow colour.
Visiting hours
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. The ticket office are open one hour before sunrise and 45 minutes before sunset. There are two tickets offices, at the west and east gate. The south gate is only used as an exit. When I visited the Taj Mahal the first time in October 2017 the east-gate ticket office was located one kilometer from the east gate. When I visited the second time in February 2019 they moved the east-gate ticket office and is now located opposite of the eastern gate.
Taj Mahal is closed on Friday
The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday and only accessible for prayers at the mosque. If your time is limited it’s good to plan ahead. Sometimes the Taj Mahal is closed for events or for special occasions. The first time I was in Agra the Taj Mahal was closed for a few hours because the Belgian Royal Family was visiting. So check the official website before you go.
Night tour
It’s possible to visit the Taj Mahal at night during the full moon. It’s open to public two nights before the full moon, the night of the full moon and the two nights after. The available tickets are limited so book the tickets one day in advance. Night tour tickets can be booked via the official website.
Taj Museum
There is a small but interesting Taj museum. The museum is located at the west side of the gardens. It opens at 9am, so when you visit early you might have to wait a bit. In the gardens are benches were you can sit and relax while watching the crowds passingby.
What not to bring
Don’t bring any big bag/ backpacks. Big packs are not allowed in and it’s possible they ask you to put in a locker at the ticket offices. Books are also not allowed. I have seen tourists inside the complex carring a Lonely Planet but it’s also possible you have to leave it with the security officer where you can pick it up later. Your choice whether you bring one or not. Drones are not allowed in and around the complex.
What to wear
There is no enforced dress code when visiting the Taj Mahal. While travelling in India I can recommend to dress modestly. For women it is a good idea to cover your shoulders and knees. You don’t have to cover head, not even when going inside the mausoleum. Wear loose and light clothing because it can be incredible hot when the sun is shining on the marble floors and walls.
Find out more
Find out more about the Taj Mahal on the official government website. Are you ready to go back to the middle ages? Visit Varanasi and go see the macabre burning ghats. Or read my personal story when I almost entered India illegally!
