Top tips for visiting the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal in Agra may be one of the world’s greatest monuments to love, but as such a popular and overvisited attraction, it may be one you’re tempted to skip entirely. And yet, in all its historic grandeur, it’s still well worth exploring. So, how to tackle it? We share all the necessary tricks and tips for visiting the Taj Mahal, to help you best experience the uniqueness of this Indian icon… without all the fuss.

Essential Taj Mahal travel tips

Preparing your visit: tips to keep in mind before you travel

• Secure your Taj Mahal ticket in advance: Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time to avoid long waiting times at the entrance. The monument attracts a vast number of visitors, especially in the peak season (November to February). However, you won’t have to worry about this when opting for a guided Taj Mahal tour.
• Consider the Taj Mahal visiting hours: You can enter the palace any time between 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset. Midday is usually the busiest time at the Taj Mahal, with tourists pouring in between 10am and 3pm. The palace also opens its gates for night viewing during the full moon and for two days before and after the full moon, between 8.30pm and 12.30am.
• Don’t plan to visit on weekends: If you want to avoid the crowds even more, then visit the Taj during the week and avoid the weekends if possible. That is when the majority of people visit, which means you’ll likely have to push through crowds just to get a clear view.
• Check the weather before you go: It’s always a good idea to check the weather ahead of time to know how to prepare and what to expect. It gets extremely foggy in winter, which may prevent you from taking stunning photos. It’s also rainy during monsoon season, and very hot in summer. The weather can make or break your Taj Mahal experience, so knowing when not to go could save you from enjoying the best possible experience.

Etiquette tips for visiting the Taj Mahal

• Stay vigilant and aware at all times: Petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching are pretty common in India. So, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close. While the city is considered generally safe, avoid walking alone in less-crowded areas, especially in the evenings.
• Consider the entry rules, bag restrictions, and security checkpoints: A few important rules will be in place for the sake of preserving the beautiful Taj Mahal. Firstly, you’re not allowed to enter with food. You’ll be given a complimentary bottle of water and a pair of shoe covers on entry. There will be security checkpoints at the entrances, with metal detectors and bag checking to ensure the safety of all visitors. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside, so it’s best to carry a small bag with essentials like your wallet, phone, camera, and passport.
• Dress modestly: Show your respect for the palace and its history by dressing modestly. Stay away from sleeveless tops, crop tops, tank tops, and other revealing clothing. Instead, wear attire that covers your shoulders, chest, and legs, like scarves, cardigans, long-sleeved breathable shirts, and pants.

Other travel planning tips and tricks

• Travel from Delhi to Agra in the morning: If you’re arriving from Delhi and on the road early enough, you can see the Taj Mahal in the afternoon, then escape and spend the night in the countryside – there are several worthwhile rural destinations to visit within an hour’s drive from Agra.
• Only spend one night in Agra: To avoid feeling overwhelmed during your time in Agra, one night is enough to see the Taj, visit the Agra Fort, and perhaps take a walking tour of the city.
• Treat yourself to a night or two in the lap of luxury: If you’re not able to leave Agra right after seeing the Taj Mahal, consider staying at The Oberoi Amarvilas. It is very expensive, but each room has a view of the Taj, and it’s a hotel you’ll always remember.

Getting to the Taj Mahal

Getting to and from a place in a country you’ve never visited before can seem overwhelming. However, we’ve broken down all your transportation options to make this logistic a bit easier. Keep in mind that our tours include arranged in-trip transportation, tailored to suit your needs.

By car

If you’ve rented a car from Delhi Airport or your Agra hotel, you can drive yourself to the Taj Mahal. However, we recommend this option only if you have experience driving in India and are familiar with local driving laws. It will also take longer than the expected three hours due to the hectic traffic that is common in and around Delhi.

By bus

After arriving in Agra, you can take a bus from one of the city’s two major bus terminals: Idgah Bus Stand (8km from the Taj Mahal) or ISBT (12km). Taking the redBus to and from the Taj Mahal is another option: these buses run from many nearby sites to Agra, such as Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Noida.

By train

Hop on a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) in Delhi to Agra Cantonment (AGC), the closest railway station to the Taj Mahal. From there, you can take a prepaid taxi, rickshaw, or ride-hailing service to complete the last 20-minute leg to the Taj Mahal.

By private taxi

It’s possible to book a private taxi to the Taj Mahal from Delhi, which can include a driver for sightseeing. However, this option sets you back quite a bit. Don’t forget that you’ll have to pay the driver, parking, toll, and state taxes.

Other transport options

Uber is available in Agra and can take you to the Taj Mahal without fuss. Then, you can easily get on a tuk-tuk right outside your hotel and straight to the palace, for a more one-of-a-kind experience.

Taj Mahal travel tips: FAQs

We’ve answered some popular questions asked about the Taj Mahal for your benefit – take a look below, and reach out to our local experts for even more advice and guidance:

When is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?

The key thing about seeing the Taj Mahal in all its glory is getting the timing right. Otherwise, you’ll have fog or rain ruining your plans. Try going from mid-September to October, after the monsoon rains and unbearable summer temperatures have subsided. This period is also right before the big crowds arrive, making it ideal for a less busy experience.

Can you visit the Taj Mahal on Fridays?

No: on Fridays, the Taj closes its doors to visitors for religious reasons.

Where can I buy Taj Mahal tickets?

If you don’t mind waiting in line, you can buy tickets on the day from the on-site ticket office, which opens one hour before sunrise and closes 45 minutes before sunset. It’s also possible to purchase tickets online through the official Archaeological Survey of India website. In order not to miss out on the unique insights, historical facts and enthusiasm provided by seasoned tour guides, we’d recommend arranging a guided excursion with help from a local expert.

Make it happen

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie, certain insights could make or break your experience, and for the Taj Mahal, it’s no different. Speak to our local experts in India if you are thinking of planning a trip to this wonderful country; all trips offered by our local travel companies can be tailored precisely to your wishes – feel free to adjust and change them at any time.