Top Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal
Date Posted: 21/11/2024
A mausoleum, shrouded in a legend of endless love and eternal promises, the Taj Mahal is a must-see when planning your holiday to India. For most of us, visiting this wonder of the world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, it’s important to plan your visit well. From what to wear to the best time to visit- these tried and tested top tips will help make your visit as memorable as the monument itself!
1. Don’t visit the Taj Mahal on a Friday
The question everyone wants to know… when is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal? The key thing to remember when visiting the Taj Mahal is that crowds are inevitable. After all, it is one of the most visited monuments in the world. But that doesn’t take away from its magic. And it doesn’t mean you can’t capture those “crowd-free” moments. But, if there is one thing you remember from these top tips, let it be DO NOT visit on a Friday! The site is closed to the public.
2. Visit at Sunrise
To avoid the larger crowds, the best time to visit the Taj Mahal is sunrise. Plus, it is the most beautiful. Watching the misty morning hue break like a mirage and the first rays of morning light cascade over the white marble casting a warm ethereal glow over the compound- it is totally worth the early wake-up call! Gates open 30 minutes before sunrise, typically around 5:30-6 am. Aim to be in the security queue at least 20 minutes before for a good spot in line.
3. Choose Your Entry Gate Wisely
Often overlooked by most first-time visitors, the Taj Mahal actually has three entry points. We advise using the East Gate, which is often less crowded than the West Gate and is located closer to Agra’s popular hotels. The East Gate also provides a scenic route that takes you through the gardens, giving you a chance to appreciate the Taj Mahal from various angles.
4. Buy Tickets in Advance
To save time, we highly recommend you buy your Taj Mahal tickets in advance online. This will help you avoid the long queues and make your visit smoother. Be sure to select the “foreigner ticket”, which grants access to the main monument as well as the surrounding gardens. You may also want to purchase an additional ticket for the Tomb Chamber if you wish to enter the mausoleum itself.
5. Dress Appropriately
While the Taj Mahal doesn’t have a strict dress code, as a rule of thumb, it’s always better to dress modestly in India and respect the country's culture. So, covering shoulders and knees is always welcomed. It’s also good to know that you can wear shoes at the Taj Mahal. However, you will get shoe covers to visit the interior of the mausoleum.
6. Know the Dos & Don’ts
One of the most important tips for the Taj Mahal is knowing the dos and don’ts. Like everywhere, there are prohibited items. Of course, predictable objects like weapons and ammunition make an appearance on the ban list. But also, more surprising ones like food, cigarettes and tobacco, headphones, tripods, and mobile chargers. During my visit, we were advised to take our phone/camera and a bottle of water- that’s it. The less you have the easier security is. Another tip, the Taj Mahal is home to some wild monkey friends. So, if you want to snap a photo, don’t use flash and respect their space.
7. Be Aware of Photo Etiquette
One of the most photographed monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal does have a few photography rules to be mindful of. Inside the main mausoleum, where the emperor and his wife lay to rest, photography is prohibited to preserve the sacredness of the site. Outside, you’re free to snap as many photos as you like, but avoid carrying tripods or drones, as these are restricted in the area.
8. Hire a Guide
Nothing compares to the knowledge and expertise of a local guide. They can share the story of Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, explain the symbolic architectural features, and point out intricate details that you may overlook alone. You can book a licensed guide in advance through a reputable travel agency or at most hotels. There are guides at the entrance of the Taj Mahal, but it can be hard to work out the official government-approved guides from the fakes- so it’s always best to book in advance.
9. Don’t Rush— Absorb the Beauty
It can be easy to get caught up in the flurry of taking photos or trying to check off all the must-see spots, but the biggest mistake you can make is not sitting back, looking up, and taking in the true majesty of the monument. Spend a few quiet moments just absorbing the ambience and reflecting on its story. The Taj Mahal was built as a testament to eternal love and trust us- you can feel it in waves if you take a moment to open up.
10. Book a Tour with a Travel Agent
Visiting the Taj Mahal is just one part of your India holiday. But for many- it is the ultimate highlight. Want to make sure you get everything right? The easiest thing you can do is book your experience or tour through a trusted travel agent like Hays Travel. With access to dozens of tour providers and itineraries including India’s iconic Golden Triangle, they can take the stress out of your trip and make sure everything is organised- right down to your entry into the Taj Mahal.
Want to know more about our specialised tours to India? Keep an eye out for our First-time Guide to India: 10 Days in the Golden Triangle Blog!