All You Need to Know About Taj Mahal in India

Known as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is worth a visit for anyone. Located in the city of Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is a palatial mausoleum built entirely of white marble, a work of art that blends Islamic and Indian architectural styles. Tagore once praised it as "one tear-drop glisten spotlessly bright on the cheek of time." Anyone who sees this saintly mausoleum will be overwhelmed by its whiteness and sanctity. This article will offer you a complete guide to visiting the Taj Mahal.

Why Is the Taj Mahal Worth Visiting

Although photos of the Taj Mahal have been widely circulated on the Internet, you can only feel its purity and beauty when you are standing in front of it. Marveled by her magnificent marble exterior, you will know how much wealth, ingenuity, and years of hard work have gone into it. Taj Mahal, a gem of architecture, will definitely leave an indelible impression on you.

Witness the Purity and Beauty of the Taj Mahal

Legend of the Taj Mahal

The Indian empire's Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his late consort, Arjumand Banu, who died in 1631 after giving birth to their fourteenth child. The king was so distraught that he resolved to build an earthly replica of paradise in the ancient city of Agra to commemorate their perfect love and symbolize the supreme power of the Mughal kingdom. Thus, the Taj Mahal, one of the most spectacular complexes in the world, was completed.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal

By Month

The peak season to visit the Taj Mahal is from October to March. During this time, the sun is warm during the day, and the temperature is comfortable for outdoor visiting. From April to June, the summer in India is a little hotter. But the advantage is fewer tourists compared to the high season, allowing for a better view of the Taj Mahal. There will be a bit of rain in India from July to September when you can enjoy the low price and the empty background for your memorial photo taking.

By Day

One of the best times of the day to visit the Taj Mahal is in the morning, a lovely period with fewer tourists, which means it is easier to take pictures, with perfect photo backdrops everywhere. In addition, in the morning, you can enjoy the Taj Mahal under the sunrise, a white, sacred mosque veiled by golden sunlight. Of course, if you don't like getting up early, you can come in the afternoon and wait for the sunset. There will be more people than in the morning, but it won't be overcrowded.

Note for Taj Mahal opening Time: 6:00 am~8:00 pm every day except Friday when it is closed.

Sunset of the Taj Mahal

Also, if your schedule allows, you can visit at night, bringing another unique view. Only in the five days of a month, which are on full moon night and two nights before and after the full moon, the Taj Mahal will be open at night from 8:30 pm to 12:30 am, allowing each visitor to visit for half an hour. You can see the Taj Mahal glistening in the moonlight. Unlike the golden mosque in sunlight, it radiates a soft glow in the moonlight, white and pure under the gentle night, as if it were a castle from Fairyland.

How Long Does It Take to Visit

It takes at least half a day to see the full beauty of the Taj Mahal. You arrive there early in the morning to see the splendid sunrise or a tranquil afternoon to catch the beauty of the Taj Mahal with sunset, or even spend one day exploring this ancient building to enjoy its full charm. If you want to see both the gorgeous beauty of the Taj Mahal during the day and its tranquil beauty at night, you can book a nearby hotel in Agra on a full moon day, then take both sides of the Taj Mahal.

How to Explore the Taj Mahal

The main body of the Taj Mahal is a white mausoleum, with a red mosque on the western side and a guest house on the eastern. In front of the mausoleum are lush gardens.

Enjoy the Full Beauty of the Mausoleum

The Taj Mahal is a vast white mosque with a classic Islamic-style dome and a perfectly symmetrical structure. Stand in front of the building, and you will find it is so magnificent that it almost covers half of the blue canopy of the sky. You can take one day for a detailed visit to catch the white marble emitting a different glow. In the early morning, it presents a soft, divine gold, while at sunset, it becomes as gorgeous as red roses, mesmerizing to behold. There are shallow pools in front of the Taj Mahal, where its silhouette is perfectly reflected in the water. The nearby green trees, the red avenue, the blue sky, and the white mosque together form a stunning picture.

Taking a Stunning Picture of the White Mausoleum

Marvel at the Inside of Taj Mahal

Take off your shoes and walk up the steps on the base to enter the Mausoleum. The interior of the Mausoleum is a vast octagonal room surrounded by arched doors and hollowed-out windows, allowing light to filter in and illuminate the white dome. Wherever your eyes fall, there are exquisite reliefs, colorful gems, and onyxes on the walls. Many white marbles are covered with delicate floral designs, like real flowers clinging to the wall. Upon closer inspection, you will notice that the designs are actually carefully set with semi-precious stones.

The Marble and Inlaid Details

Walk in the Pleasing Char Bagh

After visiting the Mausoleum, see the rectangular garden called Char Bagh. Covering an area of about 300 square meters, the garden is paved with a plush green lawn. Four waterways divide the garden into four sections, representing the sea of water, wine, milk, and honey, symbolizing paradise in the Quran. Take a pleasant stroll through the gardens, admire the splashes of the fountains, and hear the chirping of small birds.

Explore the Mosque on the Western Side

Located on the west side of the mausoleum is a beautiful mosque. It is built mainly of red sandstone inlaid with white marble. Like the Taj Mahal, it has a white dome and elaborate floral designs. The mosque is used for prayer. From here, you can see the holy city of Mecca.

Mosque on the Western Side

Visit the Guest House on the Eastern Side

The guest house, Naqqar Khana or Mihman Khana, is on the east side of the Taj Mahal. Similar to the mosque, it is also built of red sandstone. Two red buildings stand solemnly on either side of the white mausoleum, representing harmony. It is said to be built to balance the architectural symmetry of the entire structure. It is often used as a rest house for pilgrims. Sitting here, you can rest well and admire the Taj Mahal from a different angle.

Where to Stay During the Taj Mahal Sightseeing

If you want to see a sunrise or sunset at the Taj Mahal, it is recommended to stay in Agra. Many Agra hotels are less than 3 kilometers away from the Taj Mahal, including budget hotels, mid-priced hotels, and luxury hotels.

The Taj Mahal opens half an hour before sunrise. Sunrise is usually around 5:15 to 5:45, depending on the season you are visiting. If you want a less crowded experience, you can reach the gates before they open.

How to Get There

If you are traveling to the Taj Mahal from another country, you can fly to Agra Kheria Airport and take a cab to the Taj Mahal. It takes about an hour to get from Agra Kheria airport to the Taj Mahal.

To catch some great views of the Taj Mahal, staying in Agra is quite convenient. You can take a UBER or a Rickshaw to the Taj Mahal, which takes about 15 minutes. If your hotel is very close to the Taj Mahal, you can even walk to the gate and enjoy a refreshing morning walk.

Looking at the Taj Mahal from the Red Fort

Taj Mahal Travel Tips

About Taking Photos

Girls can buy a bright saree in local shops. The saree is a traditional Indian dress made from light and beautiful yarn, which goes well with the white mosque. The magnificent mosque gate, white archways, and octagonal towers are all great places to take pictures. If you are worried about too many tourists when taking photos, and it is difficult to achieve the best results, you can come there earlier. It's recommended to get great photo ops at sunrise and sunset!

Bargain for Your Purchases

Many souvenir stores near the Taj Mahal sell sculptures, postcards, etc. If you want souvenirs near the Taj Mahal, remember to bargain for your purchases. Souvenirs there usually sell for a much higher price, and some of them may be able to cut at least half of the price.

Watch Out for the Crowds

The Taj Mahal is a world-famous attraction, and there are a large number of tourists year-round. So when you visit, take care of your safety and protect your valuables. Our travel experts can plan your trip to avoid crowds and get the best view.

Watch Out for the Crowds

Pay Attention to Security Checks

Security checks at the Taj Mahal are strict. Many items are not allowed to be brought into the Taj Mahal, such as food, water, rechargeable batteries, tripods, etc. Cameras and phones can be brought in, but you can't take pictures with a flash. Know these things in advance to avoid queuing up again when going through the security check.

Dress Modestly

Although there is no explicit dress code for the Taj Mahal, it is best to dress modestly and not show your shoulders and thighs. This will demonstrate respect for the halal religion. In addition, when walking up the steps into the Taj Mahal, it is necessary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect.

Pay Attention to Sun Protection in Summer

If you visit in the summer, pay attention to sun protection. Summer in India can be quite sunny. For example, bring some sunscreen and a parasol, which are allowed by security check.

Conclusion

The construction of the exquisite Taj Mahal complex brought together the wisdom of thousands of skilled craftsmen and countless wealth, and its glory continues through time. From a distance, it's pure and elegant; upon closer inspection, it's an endless luxury. To see something once is better than to hear about it a hundred times. If you want to see all its beauty, consult our experts to make a perfect plan!