Taj Mahal

The basics

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for every traveler to northern India. Taj Mahal tours of its impressive exterior and interior are available year-round and at all times of the day, and can be customized to your interests and the timing of your visit. The easiest and most popular option for travelers wanting to see the Taj Mahal complex is to visit on a full-day group tour or in a private car with an English-speaking tour guide and driver, plus roundtrip transportation.

Guided tours from both Jaipur and New Delhi abound and often also visit other interesting sights and attractions around Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, such as Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden), the “Baby Taj” (Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah), Agra Fort, the Red Fort (Lal Qila), Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra, and Fatehpur Sikri. Photography tours at sunset or sunrise offer the best view of the Taj and red sandstone mosque and guesthouse. Other excursions, known as Golden Triangle tours, visit Jaipur, New Delhi, and Agra all in one go.

Things to know before you go

• This treasure of Mughal architecture is incredibly popular; it’s best to purchase Taj Mahal tickets in advance to save time.

• There is no formal dress code, though it is recommended to dress respectfully.

• The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors every Friday, except for those attending prayers.

How to get there

Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is easily accessible from New Delhi on a journey of about three hours by road. Agra also has its own airport set just four miles (6.4 kilometers) from the city center that receives domestic flights on a regular basis. The city can be reached from New Delhi by train, but you will need additional local transportation to reach the Taj Mahal from the train station.

When to get there

The Taj Mahal is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Both sunrise and sunset Taj Mahal tours are extremely popular, given that at these times of day, the sun creates an exquisite reflection upon the palace’s white marble structure. It’s even possible to see the palace at both sunrise and sunset as part of a full-day tour of Agra that starts and ends at the Taj.

Photographing the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a popular spot for photography. Raised on a platform, the octagonal marble monument’s only backdrop is the sky, and white minarets flank each of its corners, giving it a three-dimensional effect from each of its perfectly symmetrical sides. Surrounded by a pristine Mughal garden, the central reflecting pool is positioned on a north-south axis to reflect the building in its waters. Head to the banks of the Yamuna River for a unique shot of the water in the palace’s foreground.

What is the best month to visit the Taj Mahal?

October to March are the best months to visit the Taj Mahal. It's peak tourist season in North India because the weather is dry and warm but not too hot. The Taj Mahal can be visited year-round, although winters in Agra can be cold and foggy and the summer monsoon season hot and wet.

Is one day enough to visit the Taj Mahal?

Yes, one day is enough to visit this gem dating from the Mughal Empire. The complex containing the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal and the formal gardens can be seen at a leisurely pace in several hours. Many travelers like to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and then spend the rest of the day touring Agra’s other attractions.

Is there a dress code for the Taj Mahal?

No, there is no official dress code for the Taj Mahal. However, it’s important to dress appropriately for the season as much of the complex is outdoors. In general, travelers in India are advised to dress “modestly,” with shoulders, knees, and chests covered, although this is not enforced everywhere.

What can you not bring to the Taj Mahal?

There are a long list of things cannot be taken into the Taj Mahal, including food, cigarettes, alcohol, weapons, ammunition, headphones, phone chargers, electronics (except cameras), wire, tripods, and drones. Large bags and books are also discouraged as they can slow down security checks.

Are camera tripods allowed inside the Taj Mahal?

No, camera tripods are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal unless you have arranged permission in advance from the Archaeological Survey of India.

Do you have to buy tickets for the Taj Mahal in advance?

Yes, Taj Mahal tickets should be bought online in advance. Separate tickets for the grounds and the main mausoleum are required, as well as tickets for night tours.

Ways to explore

The easiest and most popular option for visits to the Taj Mahal complex is a full-day group tour or a private tour with an English-speaking tour guide and driver, plus round-trip transportation. Guided tours from both Jaipur and New Delhi abound and typically visit other key Agra attractions, such as the Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden), the “Baby Taj” (Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah), the Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra, and Fatehpur Sikri. Other excursions, known as Golden Triangle tours, visit Jaipur, New Delhi, and Agra all in one go.

Accessibility

The bulk of the monument is accessible to wheelchair users, but the main mausoleum and surrounding marble floor are not. Wheelchairs are available for rent.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small handheld bag, hat and sun protection, camera (photography is allowed everywhere except the mausoleum)

What to wear

There is no formal dress code, though it is recommended to dress respectfully. Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads and shoulders to visit the complex’s mosque.

Not allowed

Shoes (racks or covers provided), drones, food, headphones, smoking, tripods

Amenities

Maps, golf cart and bus shuttle services, water bottles

Address

The Taj Mahal is located overlooking the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It’s easy to reach Agra via other cities in India by train, and the city also has an international airport. Once in Agra, you can use taxis or rickshaws to reach the Taj, while many guided tours have transportation included.

Driving

If driving to the Taj Mahal from central Agra, take Mahatma Gandhi Road to The Mall before transferring to Taj Road, after which signs should point to the monument. Parking is available at Shilpgram for East Gate entry and at Amrood ka Teela for West Gate entry. Free shuttles are offered between the lots and the Taj Mahal.

Public transportation

To get to Agra from other cities in India, you can take train services to one of three city stations, including the main station of Agra Cantonment as well as Raja-ki-Mandi and Agra Fort stations. Once in Agra, it’s best to get around using taxis or rickshaws

Best times to visit

Sunrise and sunset are by far the most popular times at the Taj Mahal, as the sun creates an exquisite reflection upon the palace’s white marble structure.

Best days to visit

The Taj Mahal is always crowded, and particularly so on weekends. Aim to visit between Tuesday and Thursday for your best chance of a calmer experience. The site is closed on Fridays.

Best months to visit

The best months to visit the Taj Mahal are during spring and autumn. The summer can bring heavy rains, and fog is typical during the winter.

Special events

Night visits are offered at the Taj Mahal each month during the full moon (plus two nights before and after).