when to go
The Taj Mahal is the best known building in the world and arguably the most beautiful. The architecture is sublime but it is the history embodied in the stones that attract seven million visitors each year.
For that very reason, and because the site attracts so many visitors – from old tourists in carriages getting off a five-star hotel near the entrance to young day-trippers arriving for a couple of hours from New Delhi – you’d think it might be destined to disappoint.
But with a little careful planning and the right approach, you’ll find the site as enchanting and engaging as any on the planet.
When to travel?
The best time is from November to February, otherwise it can be unbearably hot or rainy. You’ll still be able to get some great off-season discounts.
The Taj Mahal seems to gradually alter its color in the changing light of the day. It’s worth the effort to get up early and spend the sunrise there, as majestically it reveals itself. Visiting at sunrise will also allow you to beat the huge crowds that start arriving later in the morning.
Position
Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Delhi. It is part of the famous Golden Triangle tourist circuit of India.
What to bring to the Taj Mahal
Always leave your valuables in the hotel. There are lockers available at the Taj but it’s best to have a minimum of items on you so you don’t spend too much time checking in.
You just need to carry the following in a small bag:
- Passport
- Money
- water
- Medicine
- camera
- Telephone
What to wear to the Taj Mahal
There is no dress code, but you should still be respectful. If you want to enter the mosque, you will need to cover your head, shoulders and knees.
It is hot in Agra and there is very little shade, so dress lightly and be sure to wear sunscreen. Also, Agra gets very cold even in winter (Nov-Feb) so your layers are your friend too.
It’s a good idea to wear shoes that are easy to remove. You need to take your shoes off when you go inside and the easier they are to slip on and off the better. This actually applies to much of India – shoes with lots of laces are tough!
Other things you need to know
- No food is allowed inside
- Cigarettes and lighters are not allowed.
- Tripods and additional lighting equipment require prior authorization. Photography inside the mausoleum is prohibited. Most electronics (except small cameras and camcorders) are not allowed.
- Beware of thieves, thieves and rude shopkeepers. It’s a busy, high-pressure area, but keep your wits about you and you won’t have to worry!
When you are at the Taj Mahal
Go early, have space to explore and photograph, and get away from the crowds (if possible).
Tips for taking photos of the Taj Mahal
Everyone wants that iconic shot of themselves at the Taj Mahal. You know the one – where you sit on the bench and the majesty of the marble mausoleum is the backdrop.
But if you’re feeling creative and want to mix things up, there are tons of different angles worth seeking out.
Below are some photo tips from Intrepid India General Manager, Pravin Tamang. (His photography is amazing – check it out!)
- Shot from the main door arch
- Catch the reflection of the fountains that line the path to the main platform of the Taj Mahal
- Shot of the Taj Mahal from the riverside with its reflection in the river
- Shot from the other side of the river, ‘Mehtab Bagh’, where Taj can be seen
- The Taj Mahal can also be killed from some parts of the Red Fort
You can also take great photos from the many restaurant rooftops near the Taj Mahal. Unfortunately, Agra gets quite dull, so winter can often have poor visibility early in the day and around sunset. That said, this can make for very atmospheric shots!
Security at the Taj Mahal
There is strict security in place at the Taj Mahal and there are checkpoints at the entrances. Your bag will be scanned and searched. Large bags and day packs are not allowed inside. Only small envelopes containing essential items are permitted. This includes a mobile phone, camera and bottle of water per person. No edibles, tobacco products or lighters, electrical items (including phone chargers, headphones, iPads, torches), knives or camera tripods may be brought inside. Cell phones are also prohibited during night vision sessions, although cameras are still permitted. Baggage lockers are provided at the entrance gates.
Guides and audio guides
If you want to marvel at the Taj Mahal without the distraction of having a tour guide with you, government-approved AudioCompass provides an official, inexpensive Taj Mahal audio guide on its mobile phone app. It is available in many foreign and Indian languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.
See the Taj Mahal without going inside
If you don’t want to pay the expensive admission fee or fight the crowds, you can get a great view of the Taj from across the river bank. This is ideal for sunset. Once this place is Mehtab Bagh – a 25-acre Mughal garden complex directly opposite the monument. The entrance fee is 200 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Indians, and it is open until sunset. Unfortunately, an unsightly barbed wire fence has been erected beside the river to prevent tourists from wandering along the river.
You can take a rowboat on the river. Walk down the path along the eastern wall of the Taj Mahal to the riverside temple, where you’ll find the boatmen.
There is also a little-known abandoned watchtower on a sandy field on the eastern side of the Taj Mahal. It’s an ideal spot for a great sunset view of the monument. Reach by heading east of the East Gate and turning right at the fork. Pay the official 50 rupees to enter.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism’s Taj Khema hotel also offers remarkable glimpses of the Taj Mahal from its gardens. In early 2015, a new marble bench was installed on a mound, especially for visitors. Sip tea and watch the sunset! The hotel is located about 200 meters from the monument, on the eastern side. It’s a government run establishment, so don’t expect great service.
Another option is the rooftop of the Saniya Palace hotel, on the southern side of the Taj Mahal.