Discover Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2024: Which day Taj Mahal is closed?

Taj Mahal Ticket Price  & Entry Time for Monuments in Agra

Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal, but it’s also home to many other impressive Mughal monuments. Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb are just a few of the grand sites that showcase the architectural brilliance of the Mughal Empire. Here’s a detailed guide to the Taj Mahal Ticket Price along with  entry fees for some of Agra’s most notable monuments:

Which day Taj Mahal is closed?

The Taj Mahal in Agra India is closed for tourists on every Fridays. The Taj Mahal is open every other day, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset

Suggested Read: Sunrise at Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal Sunrise vs Sunset

Taj Mahal Agra Entry Fee and  Taj Mahal Ticket Price

Details for Agra’s Monuments
(Note: To visit the main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal, an additional ticket costing ₹200/- is required along with the regular ticket for Taj Mahal.)

Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2024 List

Sr. No.	Monuments	Indian	Foreigner/NRI	SAARC/BIMSTEC
1	Taj Mahal	₹50/-	₹1100/-	₹540/-
	Friday	Closed	Closed	Closed
2	Agra Fort	₹50/-	₹650/-	₹90/-
	Friday	₹40/-	₹600/-	₹40/-
3	Fatehpur Sikri	₹50/-	₹610/-	₹50/-
	Friday	₹40/-	₹600/-	₹40/-
4	Akbar’s Tomb	₹30/-	₹310/-	₹30/-
	Friday	₹25/-	₹300/-	₹25/-
5	Itimad-Ud-Daulah	₹30/-	₹310/-	₹30/-
	Friday	₹25/-	₹300/-	₹25/-
6	Mehtab Bagh	₹25/-	₹300/-	₹25/-
7	Ram Bagh	₹25/-	₹300/-	₹25/-
8	Mariyam’s Tomb	₹25/-	₹300/-	₹25/-

 

Important Notes: Taj Mahal Ticket Price :

• No entry fee for children under 15 years (both Indian and foreign visitors).
• The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
• All these monuments are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Any ticketing issues should be addressed to ASI.
• Ticket windows for the Taj Mahal open one hour before sunrise and close 45 minutes before sunset.
• Tickets can also be purchased online at www.asiagracircle.in or www.tajmahal.gov.in.
• Drone cameras are prohibited.
• Tourists should follow the guidelines mentioned on tickets or issued by ASI authorities.
• A valid Government ID proof is required for entry.
• Water bottles are allowed, and free services like shoe covers, water bottles, tourist maps, battery buses, and golf carts are included with foreigner tickets for the Taj Mahal.
• Cloakrooms and ticket windows are available at both gates of the Taj Mahal.

For more tourist information, visit www.tajmahal.gov.in, managed by the U.P. Tourism Department.

Key Tips for a Day Trip to Agra from Delhi

If you’re planning a day trip from Delhi to Agra, two key things can make or break your experience:

1. Bring Enough Money to Agra

Agra can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you’re visiting iconic sites like the Taj Mahal. You’ll likely need more cash than you expect, preferably in rupees.

• Why It’s Important: Searching for ATMs or money changers in Agra takes up precious time, especially on a day trip.
• My Experience: I missed visiting the Red Fort of Agra because I wasted time looking for cash.
• Tip: Exchange enough money in Delhi before your trip to avoid this hassle.

2. Eat Breakfast Before Boarding or Pack It

Most day trips to Agra start with an early morning train from Delhi, so breakfast can become tricky.

• Why It’s Important:
  • The Taj Mahal complex doesn’t allow food inside.
  • You don’t want to waste time hunting for breakfast in Agra.
• Options:
  • Bring breakfast from Delhi and eat it on the train.
  • Choose a luxury train with a dining service.
  • Buy snacks from Nizamuddin station platforms or pre-order food online (some train services deliver food to your seat, though I haven’t personally tried this).

Getting Train Tickets as a Foreigner in Delhi

Travelling by train in India is an iconic experience, but booking tickets can be tricky for foreign visitors. Here’s what I learned:

1. Plan Ahead for Tickets

Trains are incredibly popular, and seats get booked quickly. My assumption that I could simply walk up to the ticket counter and get a seat was completely wrong!

2. Use an IRCTC Account

The good news is that it’s now possible for foreigners to register for an IRCTC account using an international mobile number. This makes booking train tickets online much easier. If you’re planning ahead, this is the best option for Delhi to Agra train tickets.

3. Visit the International Tourist Bureau

If you need to book tickets offline, head to the International Tourist Bureau at the New Delhi Railway Station. This office is specifically for tourists and can help you with reservations.

Beware of Train Station Scams in Delhi

If you’re arriving at New Delhi Railway Station, be extra cautious—this station is notorious for scams targeting tourists. Here’s what I experienced and what you need to know:

1. Scams Start Immediately

The moment I stepped outside the station, I fell for the classic “taxi stand is closed” scam. Even with prior experience at major train stations in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi was a completely different level.

2. Types of Scams to Watch Out For

• Fake Taxi Stands: These look official, complete with brick kiosks and signage.
• Fake Officials: People inside the station may approach you, claiming to lead you to the ticket booking office. They even dress like railway staff!

3. Official Warnings Inside the Station

There’s a detailed sign by the Delhi Police warning tourists about these scams, which gives you an idea of how common they are.

4. How to Stay Safe

• Ignore Everyone: Adopt your best resting unapproachable face (RBF) and avoid engaging with anyone who approaches you.
• Go Directly to the Official Office: The legitimate ticketing office for foreigners is the International Tourist Bureau. Look for this name exactly—it’s the only office you should trust.
• Stay Alert: Even if something looks official, verify carefully before proceeding.

How to Find the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi Railway Station

The International Tourist Bureau is located near Platform 1 of the New Delhi train station, but finding it can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the layout. Here’s how to make your search easier:

1. Enter from the Pahar Ganj Side

The simplest way to reach Platform 1 is to enter the station from the Pahar Ganj side.

• This entrance brings you closest to the Bureau and avoids the hassle of crossing multiple platforms.
• If you enter from the opposite side, you’ll have to traverse another building and several platforms, which increases your chances of encountering scammers.

2. Look for Signs Near Platform 1

Once you’re near Platform 1, look for signs pointing to the International Tourist Bureau. Unfortunately, these signs are only visible when you’re relatively close.

Getting Train Tickets at the International Tourist Bureau

When you find the office, here’s what to expect:

1. The Process

• Fill out a form with your personal details and trip information.
• Submit it at the appropriate counter (though finding the correct counter can take some patience).
• Service may be slow, so don’t expect urgency.

2. Time Taken

• It took me about two hours to get tickets on a day with moderate activity and around half a dozen other travelers waiting.

3. Train Options

• There are many trains between Delhi and Agra, but availability depends on your preferred time and station.
• If one station’s tickets are sold out, try for another station.

Train Travel from Delhi to Agra

When I planned my day trip to Agra, I chose to depart from Hazrat Nizamuddin Station instead of the New Delhi Railway Station. Here’s a breakdown of my experience:

Hazrat Nizamuddin Station Overview

 

• Location: Near Humayun’s Tomb, in a different part of New Delhi.
• Size: Smaller than New Delhi station, but its popularity has clearly outgrown its capacity.
• Entrance Confusion: Morning crowds made finding the entrance tricky. If you’re catching an early train, give yourself extra time.

 

Pros and Cons

 

Pros:

• Platforms are spacious and less chaotic for waiting.
• Offers a reasonably organized environment once you’re inside.

Cons:

• Congested approaches to the station.
• Some parts of the station are cramped and less clean compared to others.

Train Journey on the Taj Express

• Comfort: Indian trains are clean and functional for the price, though not luxurious.
• Class Recommendation:
• I travelled in Second Class AC (2AC) as advised by friends.
• Benefits: Less crowded, reasonably comfortable, and typically filled with families, women, and business commuters.

The Train Experience

• Chai Walla Calls: A quintessential part of Indian train journeys—vendors selling sweet tea on the platforms and in the coaches.
• Reservation Charts: Before boarding, you can verify your name and seat assignment on the reservation charts posted on the platform.

Key Tip

If you’re departing from Nizamuddin Station, plan ahead for the morning rush, allow time to navigate the entrance, and stick to your reserved class for comfort and safety. The experience is worth the effort, especially for the scenic ride to Agra!

Arriving in Agra by Train

The Taj Express journey from Delhi’s Nizamuddin Station to Agra Cantonment Station took about 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed that the Agra station had a distinct charm compared to other stations I’d passed through.

Agra Cantonment Station Overview

• Ambiance:
  • Brighter and more inviting than stations in Delhi.
  • Decorated with Mughal-style mosaics and well-maintained walls that reflect Agra’s rich heritage.
• Size:
  • Smaller than Delhi’s stations but better organized.

Hiring a Tuk-Tuk for Agra Tours

As soon as you exit the station, you’ll likely be approached by tuk-tuk drivers offering full-day hire services.

• Legit Services:
  • Look for kiosks operated by the Prepaid Association, which display fixed prices for various tour packages.
  • Rates vary depending on the attractions included.

Tuk-Tuk Tour Options

Agra’s tours are typically grouped into packages, allowing you to customize your stops. Popular options include:

1. The Taj Mahal (a must-visit).
2. Agra Fort.
3. Fatehpur Sikri (a UNESCO World Heritage Site located outside the city).
4. The Baby Taj (Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daula).

My Experience

I opted for a customized day tour with a tuk-tuk for 600 INR, allowing me to visit:

1. The Taj Mahal.
2. The Baby Taj.
3. A marble artisan workshop in Agra.

Instead of cramming multiple attractions, I chose to spend more time at each stop, which felt more rewarding.

Key Tips for a One-Day Agra Visit

1. Limit Stops: Aim for 3-4 attractions max if you’re on a day trip.
2. Prepaid Tuk-Tuks: Use the railway-associated kiosks for a transparent and fair experience.
3. Extended Trips: If you want to see everything Agra has to offer, consider staying overnight.

A more relaxed approach to exploring Agra’s iconic sites ensures a memorable experience!

Returning to Delhi on the Last Train from Agra

The Taj Express from Agra Cantonment back to Nizamuddin Station in Delhi at night is an experience worth preparing for—especially if it’s the last train of the day.

Challenges on the Last Train

1. Crowded Coaches:
   • The train was packed far beyond capacity, with many freeloaders without tickets occupying reserved seats.
   • Overhead luggage racks were even being used as makeshift sleeping areas.
2. Seat Confusion:
   • Despite having a valid ticket, I found my seat occupied. It was only through the intervention of a fellow traveller that the freeloaders vacated.
3. No Ticket Checks:
   • There were no conductors on the train, which seemed to encourage the crowding.
   • Many locals take advantage of this situation, turning it into an unofficial “free train.”
4. Boarding Chaos:
   • The platform was overcrowded, making it difficult to board safely.
   • For solo female travellers, the rush to get on can feel intimidating.

Tips for Solo Female Travellers

1. Assertiveness:
   • Be firm yet polite if you find someone in your seat. In most cases, freeloaders will vacate for ticket holders, especially women.
2. Safety First:
   • Stick to 2nd Class AC coaches, which are generally safer and less crowded than lower-class compartments.
   • Keep your belongings close and secure at all times.
3. Travel Companion:
   • If possible, make a temporary connection with another traveller, especially for late-night trips.

Arriving at Nizamuddin Station

1. Crowded Exit:
   • Upon arrival, it was a hectic rush to disembark, with large crowds surging toward the exits.
   • Be patient and take care navigating through the throngs.
2. Transport Options:
   • Late at night, options can feel limited. Tuk-tuks were the only available mode of transport when I arrived.
   • If you’re uncomfortable hiring one alone, try to share a ride with someone else, even if it’s just a temporary arrangement.

Reflections on the Journey

While the last train from Agra to Delhi can be an overwhelming experience, the people I encountered were generally courteous and accommodating, despite the chaotic environment. For solo female travellers, a little assertiveness and planning can go a long way in making this a safe and manageable trip.

Yes or No: Doing Agra as a Day Trip from Delhi

Yes, you can do Agra as a day trip. The train and transportation options make it logistically feasible. However, No, it’s not the ideal way to experience Agra fully.

Agra’s UNESCO World Heritage monuments, particularly the Taj Mahal, deserve more time than a rushed itinerary allows. Spending at least one or two nights would let you:

• Witness the Taj Mahal’s beauty at sunrise and sunset.
• Explore other key sites like Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daula.
• Delve into the city’s craft markets and Mughal heritage without feeling pressed for time.

For a deeper appreciation, staying longer is worth the extra cost.

Yes or No: Travelling from Delhi to Agra by Train

Yes, the train is an excellent choice. It is affordable, comfortable (especially if you opt for an express train in AC classes), and faster than driving.

However, avoid the last train out of Agra, as it can be overly crowded and stressful. Opt for an earlier return to ensure a more pleasant and secure journey.

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