Discover Taj Mahal Agra Uttar Pradesh India: Tips to visit | Quick Facts
When you think of beautiful buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal Agra Uttar Pradesh India, is one of the most stunning. It’s not just any building—it’s a symbol of love built by a king for his queen. This amazing structure attracts millions of visitors who come to admire its beauty and learn about its history. Let’s take a quick tour of this incredible place!
What You Will See at the Taj Mahal Agra:
The Amazing Architecture
As you enter through a giant, beautiful gateway, you’ll see the Taj Mahal slowly appear in front of you. The whole complex covers 22 acres, and at its heart is the ivory-white marble building. You can’t miss its big central dome and the four tall minarets (those are tall, thin towers) around it.
The white marble isn’t just plain—it’s decorated with beautiful inlays, calligraphy, and patterns that show off the amazing work of the people who built it. The entire place is surrounded by Persian-style gardens with fountains and a reflecting pool that mirrors the Taj, making it look even more magical. And nearby, the Yamuna River flows peacefully, adding to the beauty.
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A Love Story in Stone
The Taj Mahal is more than just a pretty building. It’s a love story turned into stone. A long time ago, a king named Shah Jahan built it for his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away too soon. Inside the main chamber, you’ll find the cenotaphs (fancy memorials) of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. The story goes that Shah Jahan fell in love with Mumtaz when he saw her selling beads in the market.
They got married in 1612, but sadly, Mumtaz died while giving birth to their 14th child. To honor her, Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, which took 22 years and 20,000 workers to complete! Afterward, Shah Jahan’s son took the throne and imprisoned him, but at least he could still see the Taj from his room, always reminding him of Mumtaz.
Art in Every Detail
The Taj Mahal isn’t just about big structures—it’s about the tiny details too. When you get closer, you’ll notice the delicate work of the pietra dura technique, where workers inlaid the marble with precious stones like jasper, onyx, and lapis lazuli. These form flowers and geometric designs all over the building, and it’s truly amazing to see.
This kind of craftsmanship was inspired by Persian, Islamic, and Indian cultures, making the Taj Mahal a perfect example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Breathtaking Views
The Taj Mahal is perfectly positioned on the curve of the Yamuna River, and it looks different depending on when you visit. At sunrise, the Taj glows with soft golden light; at sunset, it reflects the pink skies. And if you’re lucky enough to see it during a full moon, it shines with a magical glow.
There are so many viewpoints around the Taj where you can snap incredible pictures and admire the building’s beauty from different angles. Whether it’s morning, afternoon, or night, the Taj Mahal will always leave you speechless.
Some Useful Tips for visiting Taj Mahal:
- Best Time to Visit
To avoid the heat and crowds, it’s best to visit the Taj Mahal in the cooler months from October to March. Summers can be super hot, and the monsoon season can bring heavy rains. Also, try to visit early in the morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds. - How Long to Stay
You’ll need about 2-3 hours to fully explore the Taj Mahal, its gardens, and the surrounding areas. If you’re there during a full moon, you can stay for a special 30-minute visit to see the monument glowing in the night. - Where to Stay
If you want easy access to the Taj, stay in Taj Ganj, which is close to the monument. For a luxury stay, check out The Oberoi Amarvilas, where you can enjoy views of the Taj Mahal from your room and dine by the pool with the Taj as your backdrop.
Other Things to do at Taj Mahal:
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- Visit Agra Fort
Just 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is another stunning place to explore. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1573, it was once the royal residence and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the fort, you’ll also get a beautiful view of the Yamuna River and the Taj Mahal. - Watch the Story of the Taj Mahal
For something fun in the evening, watch the Mohabbat – The Taj Mahal Story at the Cultural and Convention Centre. It’s an 80-minute show filled with dance, drama, and colorful costumes, telling the romantic tale of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. - Explore Agra’s Food Scene
Agra’s bazaars are filled with delicious street food and Mughal-era recipes that you can try. Take a food tour to taste some of the best dishes and learn more about the city’s culinary history.
- Visit Agra Fort
My Visit: Taj Mahal Agra Uttar Pradesh India
In October 2018, I finally got the chance to visit the breathtaking Taj Mahal in India.
Ever since I was young, the Taj Mahal had been on my bucket list, so I was thrilled when Bradley and I planned our trip to India. It felt surreal to know I’d finally see this iconic monument in person.
You know when you’ve seen something in so many pictures and on TV, you worry it might not live up to the hype? Well, the Taj Mahal is absolutely not one of those places! It’s even more beautiful and awe-inspiring in real life than I could have imagined.
I truly believe that everyone should add the Taj Mahal to their India travel plans. To help you out, here’s a Taj Mahal travel guide with everything you need to know, from prices to the best times to visit. (Yes, you can even get that perfect picture without crowds in the background!)
Quick Facts About the Taj Mahal:
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- It’s an ivory-white marble mausoleum.
- There were plans to build another black marble Taj Mahal opposite the original (which would have been amazing!).
- The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan for his third wife, and his tomb still lies inside the monument.
- There are replicas of the Taj Mahal in Dubai and Bangladesh.
- Sadly, due to structural concerns, the Taj Mahal may not last forever – so it’s best to visit soon!
- It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
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Taj Mahal Location
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India, which is part of the famous Golden Triangle, a popular tourist route that includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. It’s just a few hours’ drive from Delhi, making it an easy day trip for many visitors.
However, I highly recommend staying overnight in Agra. Despite its reputation as a bit of a “tourist trap,” it’s not expensive by Western standards, and spending a night here allows you to fully experience the Taj Mahal without rushing.
We stayed at the Radisson East Gate, Taj Mahal, Agra, and it was fantastic! We got an amazing deal – £120 for 2 nights in this 5-star hotel, including a buffet breakfast. The rooftop infinity pool offered stunning views of the Taj Mahal, which was a real treat.
Plus, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the Taj East Gate entrance, which is perfect if you want that uninterrupted photo of you with the Taj before the crowds arrive.
We booked this hotel on booking.com, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a special place to stay during their visit to the Taj Mahal. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Taj Mahal Entrance Fees
The price of tickets to the Taj Mahal varies for locals and foreigners:
- Foreigners: ₹1100 (plus ₹200 for entrance to the main mausoleum), which is around £14 or $17.
- Locals: ₹250, which is about £3.
You can buy tickets at both the East Gate and West Gate entrances up to one hour before sunrise and 45 minutes before sunset. However, it’s highly recommended to purchase tickets online for a smoother experience.
By doing so, you avoid the queues and even get a discount of ₹50! Just have your hotel print the tickets, and you’ll be able to scan the barcode at the entrance.
Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal
To get that iconic photo of the Taj Mahal without the crowds, you’ll need to arrive at least an hour before sunrise. The doors open early, and if you’re quick, you can make it to the famous bench in front of the Taj before the place fills up. Within about 10-15 minutes, the area becomes crowded, so getting there early is key.
October to March is the peak season for visiting, as the weather is more pleasant. However, remember that sunrise in these months can be chilly, so pack light, warm clothing for the early mornings.
Best Days to Visit the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so avoid planning your visit on that day. Saturdays tend to be the busiest, with large crowds gathering even before the opening time.
If possible, opt for a Monday, as it’s often the quietest day of the week, and you’ll have a better chance of enjoying a peaceful visit. Some visitors have reported having the place nearly to themselves for the first hour on weekdays during sunrise.
How Long Does It Take to Visit the Taj Mahal?
A visit to the Taj Mahal can take about one to two hours, depending on how much you explore.
- If you’re just admiring the gardens, visiting the main mausoleum, and checking out the nearby buildings, you can comfortably tour the entire complex in about an hour.
- However, if you opt for a guide, it might take a bit longer—up to two hours—as they share stories and fascinating historical details, making the experience richer.
Additional Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal
- Guides: Hiring a guide can enhance your visit by giving you insights into the history, architecture, and symbolism of the Taj Mahal. You can either arrange a tour beforehand or find a guide at the entrance.
- Security: Be prepared for bag and body searches at the security checkpoint. Avoid bringing items like playing cards, as they may be confiscated.
- Shoes: You’ll need to remove your shoes to walk inside the Taj Mahal or use the shoe covers provided with your ticket. You can also leave your shoes with the designated shoe attendant for free (but it’s nice to tip them ₹50).
- Photos: Photography inside the main mausoleum is not allowed, and the interior might not be as visually stunning as the exterior, but it’s still worth seeing for its historical significance.
- Dress for Photos: If you want your photos to stand out, consider wearing bright colors like red, blue, or green, which contrast beautifully with the white marble.
- Separate Queues: Men and women queue separately, so if you’re visiting as a couple, you’ll have to queue separately.
- Souvenirs: Be wary of souvenir prices near the Taj Mahal, as they are often highly inflated due to its touristy location. It’s best to bargain or shop elsewhere.
With these tips, you can enjoy a smooth, memorable visit to the Taj Mahal!
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