Taj Mahal

State : Uttar pradesh
City : Agra
Best Time To Visit : Sunrise to sunset
Spend Time : 1 - 2 Hours

Itinerary

The Timeless Wonder: Exploring the Taj Mahal, Agra

The Taj Mahal India, an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra, stands as an eternal testament to love. Its breathtaking beauty and rich history draw millions of visitors each year, making it a must-see destination on any India Taj Mahal itinerary. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site is an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into Mughal artistry and a poignant love story.

Highlights of Taj Mahal:

Category	Highlights
Name	Taj Mahal
Location	Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Significance	Ivory-white marble mausoleum, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Symbol of Love, Mughal Architecture
History	Built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal (1632-1653)
Key Facts	One of the Seven Wonders of the World, intricate pietra dura work, tilted minarets, changing colors with light
Nearby Luxury Hotels	The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra, ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra, Radisson Blu Agra Taj East Gate
Nearby Budget Hotels	Hotel Atulyaa Taj, Hotel Taj Vilas, Joey's Hostel Agra
Best Time to Visit	October to March (cooler months)
Spend Time	2-3 hours recommended
How to Reach	Air (limited), Train (major junction), Road (well-connected by highways and expressways)
Keywords	taj mahal india, taj mahal sightseeing, visit taj mahal agra, india taj mahal, taj mahal to see

History:

The story of the Taj Mahal is one of profound love and loss. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned its construction in 1632 to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth. It took approximately 22 years and the labor of around 20,000 artisans from India, Persia, and beyond to complete this architectural masterpiece. The mausoleum was completed in 1648, while the surrounding complex finished around 1653. Shah Jahan himself was later entombed beside his wife. The Taj Mahal to see today is a symbol of enduring love and a pinnacle of Mughal architecture.

Location:

The Taj Mahal is strategically located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, its pristine white facade reflects beautifully in the water, especially during sunrise and sunset. The precise address for those planning to visit Taj Mahal Agra is Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India.

Timings and Ticket Fee:

Timings:
- Open daily from sunrise to sunset (approximately 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM).
- Closed on Fridays for general viewing.
- Night Viewing: Available on five nights a month (full moon night, two days before, and two days after) from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM in batches (book 24 hours in advance).
Ticket Fee (Day Visit):
- Indian Nationals: ₹ 50 per person (+ ₹ 200 optional for visiting the main mausoleum).
- Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries: ₹ 540 per person (+ ₹ 200 optional for visiting the main mausoleum).
- Foreign Tourists: ₹ 1100 per person (+ ₹ 200 optional for visiting the main mausoleum).
- Children below 15 years: Free entry.
Ticket Fee (Night Viewing):
- Indian Adults: ₹ 510 per person.
- Foreign Adults: ₹ 750 per person.
- Children (3-15 years): ₹ 500 per person.
- Children below 3 years: Free entry.

Note: Ticket prices and timings are subject to change. It's always recommended to check the official website (www.tajmahal.gov.in or asiagracircle.in) for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Online booking often offers a small discount.

Facts:

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Its construction involved the use of white marble sourced from Makrana, Rajasthan, and precious and semi-precious stones from various parts of Asia.
The intricate pietra dura inlay work on the marble is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the era.
The four minarets surrounding the main tomb are slightly tilted outwards to protect the main structure from earthquakes.
The complex includes a mosque and a guest house, both built in red sandstone.
The cenotaphs inside the main chamber are decorative; the actual tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are located in a lower, less ornate chamber.
The color of the Taj Mahal appears to change at different times of the day due to the varying light conditions.

Nearby Hotels:

Agra offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget:

Luxury Hotels:
- The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra: Offers unparalleled views of the Taj Mahal from every room.
- ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra: Sprawling property with Mughal-inspired architecture and world-class amenities.
- Radisson Blu Agra Taj East Gate: Modern hotel with excellent Taj Mahal views and facilities.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Atulyaa Taj: Clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price, close to the Taj Mahal.
- Hotel Taj Vilas: Offers decent amenities and a convenient location for Taj Mahal sightseeing by car.
- Joey's Hostel Agra: A popular choice for backpackers and budget travelers.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Taj Mahal Agra is during the cooler months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the monument and¹ the city. Avoid the scorching heat of summer (April to June) and the monsoon season (July to September) which can bring heavy rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to witness the Taj Mahal's beauty.

Spend Time in Taj Mahal:

To fully appreciate the grandeur and intricate details of the Taj Mahal, allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit. This allows ample time to explore the main mausoleum, the surrounding gardens, the mosque, and the guest house. Consider spending extra time to soak in the atmosphere and capture memorable photographs.

How to Reach Taj Mahal:

Agra is well-connected by various modes of transport:

By Air: Agra has its own airport (Kheria Airport), but it has limited connectivity. The nearest major international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, about 200 km away. From Delhi, you can take a train or hire a car.
By Train: Agra is a major railway junction with several stations, including Agra Cantt (AGC), Agra Fort (AF), and Raja Ki Mandi (RKM). Numerous trains connect Agra to major cities across India.
By Road: Agra is well-connected by a network of national highways. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Delhi, Jaipur, and other nearby cities. The Yamuna Expressway provides a faster route from Delhi. For local Taj Mahal sightseeing, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are readily available.

The Taj Mahal, a timeless symbol of love and architectural brilliance, awaits your visit. Plan your India Taj Mahal trip to witness this iconic wonder firsthand.