Discover Taj Mahal Hours: explore the visiting hours and timings

Taj Mahal Opening Hours

The Taj Mahal is open for visitors from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day except Fridays, when it is closed for prayers at the mosque inside the complex.

  • Opening Time: 30 minutes before sunrise
  • Closing Time: 30 minutes before sunset
  • Fridays: Closed for general viewing (Open in the afternoon for mosque prayers)

Night Viewing Taj Mahal

Night Viewing: The Taj Mahal offers a magical experience of night viewing during the full moon. It remains open from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM for five nights each month – the night of the full moon and two nights before and after the full moon (excluding Fridays). To visit during night viewing, tickets must be reserved 24 hours in advance.

Agra Taj Mahal Closing Day

  • The Taj Mahal remains closed for general public on Fridays but it is open on all other days. The opening Hours Taj Mahal is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
  • The Taj Mahal’s visiting hours are strictly regulated. While Fridays are closed and reserved for afternoon prayers.

Taj Mahal Closing Time

    • Taj Mahal closing time 30 minutes before sunset on regular days except for Friday  While Fridays are reserved for afternoon prayers at the Taj Mosque, the monument welcomes visitors every other day of the week.
Taj Mahal Inside Decoration & Pictures
Taj Mahal Inside Decoration & Pictures

Taj Mahal Timings and Entry Information (2024-2025)

The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic monuments, has specific visiting hours and ticket prices that travelers should be aware of before planning their visit. Here’s everything you need to know:

Ticket Counters and Entry Gates

  • Western Gate (near Saheli Burj): Tickets are available here starting from one hour before sunrise until 45 minutes before sunset.
  • Eastern Gate: Also open for ticket purchases from one hour before sunrise until 45 minutes before sunset.
  • Southern Gate: Currently only available for exit; no entry allowed.
Agra Taj Mahal
Agra Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal Ticket Prices (2024-2025)

The ticket prices for entering the Taj Mahal vary for different categories of visitors. Here’s a breakdown of the entry fees:

Category Entry Fee (INR) Main Mausoleum Access
Indian Citizens/OCI Cardholders ₹50 + ₹200 ₹200 (optional)
Foreign Tourists ₹1100 + ₹200 ₹200 (optional)
SAARC/BIMSTEC Citizens ₹540 + ₹200 ₹200 (optional)

Note:

  • Children under the age of 15 (both domestic and foreign) can enter free of charge.
  • The main mausoleum requires an additional ₹200 fee if you wish to explore this specific section.

Night Viewing Tickets Price

Night viewing tickets are available at the ASI office on Mall Road. Prices for night viewing tickets are as follows:

  • Indian Citizens: ₹510
  • Foreign Tourists: ₹750
  • Children (3-15 years): ₹500

Tips for Visitors

  • Arrive early in the morning for a sunrise view of the Taj Mahal, which is less crowded and offers a serene experience.
  • Plan ahead if you want to experience the night view; tickets must be booked one day in advance.
  • Foreign tourists and domestic visitors have separate queues at the entry gates, so follow the signage accordingly.

Make sure to check the official website or with local authorities before your visit for any changes in timings or ticket availability.

Suggested Read: Best time to visit the Taj Mahal: tips for tour of the taj mahal
Taj Mahal City Agra India
Taj Mahal City Agra India

Online Booking Discount:

Visiting the Taj Mahal

  • A visit to the Taj Mahal offers a journey through history and romance. The Agra Walks tour provides a unique perspective on Agra, including its lesser-known sites. The Kalakriti Cultural Center presents a show depicting the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
  • For a deep dive into Agra’s rich heritage and the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, these experiences offer an unforgettable glimpse into one of India’s greatest treasures.  Hours

Sunrise at Taj Mahal

Sunrise at Taj Mahal

Ticket Counters  Time

  • Western Gate: Tickets are available near Saheli Burj, starting one hour before sunrise and until 45 minutes before sunset.  Taj Mahal Hours
  • Eastern Gate: Tickets are sold at the Eastern Gate during the same Opening Hours Taj Mahal.
  • Southern Gate: Currently, no entry is allowed from this gate, but visitors can exit from here.

Separate lines for foreign and Indian tourists are marked at the entry point of Taj Mahal Agra India.

Suggested Read: Sunrise at Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal Sunrise vs Sunset
Ticket To Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal Agra Inia

Taj Mahal: Agra’s Iconic Mausoleum

The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. This stunning mausoleum was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away in 1631. The Taj Mahal is a quintessential example of Mughal architecture and represents the pinnacle of Islamic funerary art.

The Taj Mahal: A Stunning Monument of Love

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, located in Agra, northern India. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor, as a monument and tomb for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After her death in 1631, construction began in 1632.

Location and Design

The Taj Mahal sits on the banks of the Yamuna River and is surrounded by beautifully designed gardens and reflecting pools. The monument rests on a square marble base that stands 23 feet (7 meters) high, with a roughly square shape. Each of its four sides features a large arch that rises to 108 feet (33 meters), topped with a stunning onion-shaped dome.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The exterior of the Taj Mahal is made of pure white marble, adorned with gemstones like lapis lazuli, jade, crystal, turquoise, and amethyst. These colorful stones are arranged into intricate geometric and floral designs.

Interior Features

Inside, there is a grand room that houses the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, surrounded by a beautifully carved marble screen. Beneath the ornate monuments lie their actual graves.

Preservation Efforts

Over the years, the Taj Mahal has suffered from pollution caused by nearby factories and vehicles. To combat this, measures are being taken to protect and preserve this iconic site for future generations.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Taj Mahal is so special that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning it’s protected and respected by people all over the world. Taj Mahal Hours

The Taj Mahal is made of white marble and is located in Agra, India. It was built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631.

The Taj Mahal sits in a large 17-hectare garden by the Yamuna River. The whole complex has the tomb, a mosque, a guest house, the main gate, and four tall towers called minarets.

History and Construction

The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and took 17 years to complete, employing around 20,000 workers and over 1,000 elephants. Ustad Ahmad Lahori is credited with its design, although many skilled artisans from across Asia contributed.

Ismail Afandi from Turkey built the dome, while jewelers from Lahore and mosaic artists from Delhi enhanced its grandeur. The mausoleum features a massive white marble dome, set in an expansive charbagh (four-part garden) layout, with minarets at each corner.

Agra Fort India

Agra Fort India

Architectural Highlights

The Taj Mahal stands in a large, square garden, symbolizing divine beauty. Key features include:

  • Red sandstone gateway adorned with intricate carvings and Quranic inscriptions.
  • Symmetrical layout with water channels and large fountains.
  • Two mosques: one to the west, used for prayer, and a matching structure to the east, likely built for symmetry.
  • Main mausoleum with a 26-meter high dome and a central octagonal chamber housing the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.

Legends and Symbolism

The name Taj Mahal means Crown of the Palace. Legend says Shah Jahan promised Mumtaz Mahal a monument of unparalleled beauty and vowed not to remarry.

His grief over her death is said to have turned his hair white. The mausoleum is adorned with precious stones and once featured golden railings and pearl-encrusted drapery, though these were lost over time.

The Facts About Taj Mahal Agra India

1. A Labour of Love – Why Was the Taj Mahal Built?

The Taj Mahal was built as a tribute to Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, who died during childbirth in 1631. To honor her memory, Shah Jahan commissioned this magnificent marble mausoleum, which serves as their final resting place.

2. Who Built the Taj Mahal and How Long Did It Take?

Construction of the Taj Mahal took 22 years, finishing in 1653. Over 22,000 laborers and nearly 1,000 elephants helped with the project. The main architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahori, was renowned for his skills, also contributing to the Red Fort and Jama Mosque in Delhi.

3. What Architectural Style Is the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is a prime example of Mughal architecture, blending Ottoman, Indian, and Persian styles with intricate Islamic designs. Its gardens feature flowers and neatly trimmed grass, designed to reflect the Garden of Eden.

4. What’s Inside the Taj Mahal?

Inside, the Taj Mahal houses the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Their cenotaphs are decorated with inscriptions from the Quran, but their actual graves lie below, unadorned, in line with Islamic customs.

5. An Ever-Changing Persian Palette

The Taj Mahal appears to change color throughout the day due to the high-quality white marble used in its construction. In the morning, it glows pink; at noon, it shines white; and at sunset, it takes on a golden hue.

6. Solid Foundations – How Has the Taj Mahal Lasted So Long?

The Taj Mahal is built on timber pillars, and the Yamuna River provides a shock-absorbing foundation. Its minarets lean outward to protect the dome during earthquakes, ensuring the structure’s durability.

7. How Many People Visit the Taj Mahal Each Year?

The Taj Mahal attracts approximately 4 million visitors annually, with daily entries limited to 40,000 people. It’s open from dawn to dusk, except on Fridays, and additional hours are available during full moons.

8. Why the Taj Mahal Was Built in Uttar Pradesh

Originally, the Taj Mahal was to be built in Burhanpur, Mumtaz’s hometown. However, the marble was sourced from Makrana, Rajasthan, making Agra a more convenient location for construction.

9. How Much Did the Taj Mahal Cost to Build?

The Taj Mahal cost around 32 million Indian Rupees (about £305,000) in the 17th century. In today’s currency, it’s estimated at 35 billion Indian Rupees or £400 million.

10. The Taj Mahal Was Hidden During the War

To protect the Taj Mahal during World War II, it was camouflaged with bamboo scaffolding. This strategy was repeated in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War to shield it from aerial threats.

FAQ

Q. Who Taj Mahal Built Taj Mahal Hours

A Symbol of Love The Taj Mahal is a special monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan to show his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after she passed away. It’s a beautiful symbol of love that people from all over the world admire.

  • A Masterpiece of Architecture Taj Mahal Hours

The Taj Mahal is famous for its stunning design. It’s a perfect example of Indo-Islamic architecture, and it’s considered one of the most amazing buildings in the world!

  • A Message of Peace

The Taj Mahal sends a message to everyone about how love and peace are important in life. People visit it not just for its beauty, but for the feeling of peace it brings.

Q. How much is Taj Mahal Worth: Taj Mahal Hours

The Taj Mahal’s construction cost was indeed significant, and adjusting it for inflation to modern currency values shows its immense historical and architectural value.

At the time of its completion in 1653, the estimated cost was around ₹5 million (equivalent to about US$827,000 at that time).

When adjusted for 2023, using inflation and other economic factors, that cost would be approximately ₹35 billion (US$77.8 million).

 Q. How Much Taj Mahal Cost: Taj Mahal Hours

Foreign tourists: ₹1100 + ₹200 (optional for mausoleum entry)/  Indian citizens/OCI cardholders: ₹50 + ₹200 (optional for mausoleum entry) Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours

Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours Taj Mahal Hours

Author

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

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