Taj Mahal: Pictures, history, where to stay and how to get tickets
Updated: Apr 7
In the heart of northern India, where the Yamuna River winds its way through the historic city of Agra, stands a testament to love that has transcended centuries. A masterpiece of marble, a symbol of eternal romance, and a jewel in the crown of architectural wonders – the Taj Mahal is more than just a monument; it's a living chronicle etched in white stone.
Taj Mahal beckons visitors from across the globe to immerse themselves in its timeless allure. Join us as we unravel the history, facts, and spellbinding beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A journey into the heart of a monument that needs no introduction, and deserves all the admiration.
Thank you for stopping by, and a warm welcome to our India series here on Jenn & Leon Travel Blog. We had always wanted to visit this country, officially the 7th oldest in the world, and not only was the time finally upon us, but it came with our good friends and fellow Youtuber's Jackson and Marjo.
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Our Taj Mahal highlights
When we initially booked our tickets we had hoped to visit the Taj on the Friday as we were due to take a bus to Jaipur on the Saturday. We then found out that it was closed on Friday's, meaning we would have to see it on Saturday morning, with our bus scheduled for 2pm.
So we were kind of forced into the sunrise slot, of which we did not mind at all. That being said, we could not have possibly foreseen the gastro issues we suffered while in Agra, making that 5am start supremely difficult. We suspect we were being hit by a severe bout of food poisoning, and for those of you who have experienced this, you will know that being close to a bathroom is just about all you can do about that.
Judging by the state of us both on the Friday, the chances of making it to the Taj at 5am on the Saturday was very slim. With no food and only water for company, our energy was low, and our need for consistent bathroom breaks was as infuriating as it was necessary. Most unfortunately, when the time came and our alarms went off, Jenn was still completely incapacitated with severe piercing abdominal pain. The same can be said for Leon, although he was feeling a little stronger.
Despite the pain we knew we could not both miss out. It's the frickin Taj Mahal! One of our biggest reasons for coming to India was to see this famous mausoleum and we just couldn't bail on it. With Jenn's situation looking pretty dire, Leon had to take up the baton and gingerly made it outside to meet a now recovered Jackson and Marjo (Jackson had also been severely sick but got hit a couple of days before us).
In case you did not know, you are able to use Uber in India to call a rickshaw, so we did that, hopped in and headed over to the East Gate. It only took 5 minutes from our hotel (Lucky Guesthouse, we highly recommend it). After saying good morning to a cow (yes, a cow in the road, check that out in our YouTube video) and waiting in line for a few minutes, the gates were opened at precisely 5.30am.
The queue was really small when we arrived at just after 5am but by the time the gate opened it was very, very long. So our first tip is to get there as early as possible if you want to avoid missing the sun as it rises behind the Taj.
The security at the Taj Mahal is pretty intense. Tickets must be presented with a valid ID, and there is a security check that resembles that of what you see at airports. Men and women are separated, all bags scanned and a body search conducted too. There are very strict rules on what can be brought in, with lighters, tripods and bags bigger than a small purse all prohibited. Only one professional camera per group can be brought in, and fortunately for us only Jackson had one of those, as Leon had left our Insta 360 back in the hotel (it is not great in low light so he opted for his phone).
Once through security, we made our way through a long corridor before stepping out into the large walled courtyard, sandwiched between the main gate and the Taj Ganj. It was still pretty dark, and the anticipation was running high. In that moment, it was as if the gastro pains had drifted away. The great Taj was was almost upon us.
Completely surrounded by pink stone walls, the main forecourt is immaculate and is very impressive. It houses the servant quarters and royal tombs, and of course the main gate to the Taj. The gate is another architectural marvel, and is as imposing as it is beautiful. The view of the Taj through its archway is absolutely spectacular, and no doubt you have seen that photo shot before!
It was already getting pretty busy but the Taj is so mesmerizing that none of that matters. As soon as it enters the vision, it is hard to pull away. The allure is intense, and the desire to take photos and videos is almost as natural as breathing!
After spending some time on the main Charbargh (Charbagh is a Persian and Indo-Persian quadrilateral garden layout based on the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Quran), we made our way to the lotus pool, which reflects the Taj in such an amazing way. The symmetry of it is pretty stunning and a huge credit to its builders. For some reason the fountain was not operational, but this did not take anything away.
By this point the time was approaching 6.30am, and sadly the sky was so cloudy that the sun was unable to come through. Rain seemed to be on its way, and thus the hope for that epic sunrise had all but ended. That being said, it did contribute to it being slightly cooler, which was a welcome break from the intense heat we had been experiencing so far in India.
After much filming, photographing and admiring, we made our way to the mausoleum entrance. The closer we got, the more spectacular the Taj Mahal became. Whilst not as sparkly white as it once was (owing to years of intense pollution in the area), it is still pretty phenomenal to look at and we can only imagine what a difference sunlight would have made.
One thing that was quite surprising was the Masjid Mosque and Mehman Khana (library), which are built on either side of the Taj. Most of the photos that we have ever seen just show the Taj itself, and these structures, made of vibrant red brick are a wonder to look at themselves. The riverfront terrace on the Yamuna River behind the Taj is also incredible and perhaps these are the lesser talked about elements of the Taj that make for a very nice surprise.
The mausoleum was also very interesting as prior to going in, we did not expect there to be Arabic writing adorning the walls of the tomb chamber. It was also quite small; much smaller than we anticipated. When going inside you are able to walk around the tomb area, which is hidden by ornate barriers, and then through a short passageway and out of the rear entrance overlooking the Yamuna River.
As short as it is we would still recommend doing this, as stepping foot inside this mausoleum has to be one of the most surreal things any traveler can do! It is too good an opportunity to miss, just bear in mind you must book tickets in advance for this and cannot buy them on-site.
All in all, even with stomach issues, no sun, and rain that started as we were leaving, this whole experience was brilliant and we would not change anything about it. If anything it made us appreciate being there even more. The Taj Mahal certainly has that wow factor and it is a true blessing to have ticked this one off the list!
Read on for more on the history of the Taj Mahal, some interesting facts about it, how to get there, plus opening times and ticket information.
The history of the Taj Mahal
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, and it took approximately 22 years to complete. The main mausoleum was completed in 1643, but the entire complex, including the gardens and other structures, was finished in 1653. The construction involved the efforts of over 20,000 workers and craftsmen from across the Mughal Empire and beyond.
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal died during childbirth in 1631, and Shah Jahan was devastated by her death. In her memory, he decided to build a magnificent mausoleum.The Taj Mahal is often regarded as a symbol of eternal love for this reason. The story of Shah Jahan's love for Mumtaz Mahal and the exquisite beauty of the monument have contributed to its romantic reputation.
The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. The principal architect is believed to be Ustad Ahmad Lahori. The white marble used in its construction was brought from the quarries of Makrana in Rajasthan.
Shah Jahan ruled the Mughal Empire from 1628 to 1658. However, in his later years, he faced internal strife and was eventually deposed by his son Aurangzeb. Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life under house arrest in Agra Fort, where he could see the Taj Mahal from a distance.
The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is recognized not only for its architectural beauty but also for its cultural and historical significance. Over the years, the Taj Mahal has faced challenges such as pollution, environmental degradation, and the effects of time. Conservation efforts, including restoration projects, have been undertaken to preserve this iconic monument.
Just a five minute rickshaw ride away from the Taj, this is a very convenient location. But is it worth it? Our full review and highlights!
Some Taj Mahal facts
The Taj Mahal is a unique structure in so many ways, and much of the facts and interesting things about it have been well-documented over time. We have put together a few of them here for you; do you know them all?
⪢ Symmetrical Design: The Taj Mahal is renowned for its perfect symmetry. The four minarets surrounding the main dome are tilted slightly outward to prevent them from falling on the main structure in case of an earthquake. As a result, if you draw a line down the center of the monument, the Taj Mahal's components on one side mirror those on the other.
⪢ Changing Colors: The color of the Taj Mahal appears to change at different times of the day. It can appear pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden when the moon shines. This phenomenon is due to the reflection of the sunlight on the white marble and the varying atmospheric conditions.
⪢ Inscribed Verses: The Taj Mahal is adorned with intricate calligraphy from the Quran, and the inscriptions include passages that speak of judgment and the afterlife. The calligraphy is skillfully integrated into the design, with the size of the letters appearing larger at the top and smaller at the bottom to create a uniform look to the viewer.
⪢ Mumtaz Mahal's Tomb: Contrary to the typical Mughal tradition, the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal is placed at the center of the Taj Mahal complex, whereas the tomb of Shah Jahan is later added next to hers. This departure from tradition highlights the extraordinary importance Shah Jahan placed on his beloved wife's memory.
⪢ Black Taj Mahal Myth: There is a popular myth that Shah Jahan planned to build a black marble Taj Mahal as his own tomb, located on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River. However, this claim lacks credible historical evidence. It is likely a romanticized addition to the Taj Mahal's story, adding an element of tragedy and symmetry. No substantial remains or archaeological evidence of a "Black Taj" have been found.
⪢ A tourist phenomenon: The Taj Mahal attracts over 10 million visitors annually, with more than 1 million visitors coming from overseas. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
⪢ A religious divide: Many people believe that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple, despite it being built by a Muslim emperor. It underscores India’s polarization between Hindus and Muslims, and at one point a petition was filed seeking an inquiry from a fact-finding panel into the “real history” of the monument. The petitioner also urged the opening of 22 sealed rooms inside the Taj, for the possible presence of idols of Hindu gods inside. That being said, Islamic symbols adorn the inside of the mausoleum.
Did you know them all? Let us know in the comments, or indeed if there are any other interesting facts you think we should add!
Read on for details on how to get there, opening times and ticket prices, our experience rating, and our YouTube video!
How to get to the Taj Mahal in Agra
Getting to the Taj Mahal involves traveling to the city of Agra in the northern part of India. Here are the general steps to reach the Taj Mahal:
⪢ By Air
The closest airport to Agra is the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi. From there, you can either take a direct flight to Agra's Kheria Airport (AGR), which is a domestic airport, or you can choose to travel by road or train from Delhi to Agra.
⪢ By Train
Agra is well-connected by train. The city has four railway stations, with Agra Cantt being the main one. Trains from major cities across India, including Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai, connect to Agra. The train journey provides scenic views and is a popular mode of transportation.
⪢ By Road
Agra is well-connected by road, and you can reach the city by bus, car, or taxi. The Yamuna Expressway connects Agra to Delhi, making it a convenient option for those traveling from the capital city. You can also hire a taxi or use intercity buses that operate from various nearby cities.
⪢ Local Transportation in Agra
Once you reach Agra, you can hire local transportation options like auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, or taxis to get to the Taj Mahal. The monument is located near the city center, and transportation is readily available.
Address: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India
Official contact no: +91 562-2226431 (10am to 5pm) / 0562-2421204 (6.30am to 9.30pm)
Website: tajmahal.gov.in
Taj Mahal ticket information, opening times and entry requirements
⪢ Ticket outlets
If you choose not to buy online, you can get tickets at the Taj Mahal Western and Eastern Gates. The ticket counters are open one hour before sunrise, and up to 45 Minutes before Sunset.
⪢ Admission
● Domestic / Indian: ₹50
● Foreigners: ₹1100 / £10.78 / $18.20 CAD / $13.19
● Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries: ₹ 540
● Mausoleum standard fee: ₹200 (all visitors)
Prices are accurate at time of writing (April 2024) and are subject to change at any time. Please check the official website of the Taj Mahal for the most up-to-date information.
⪢ Book tickets online: asi.payumoney.com or asiagracircle.in
⪢ Opening hours
The Taj Mahal opens 30 Minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. It is open to tourists every day except for Friday's.
⪢ Best time to visit
The number of visitors to the Taj Mahal can vary depending on the time of year, with the peak season being during the cooler months of October, November, and February. On busy days, the Taj Mahal can receive up to 40,000 visitors. Avoiding these months, going on a weekday, or attending at sunrise can be the best time to avoid crowds.
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Things to know before you visit the Taj Mahal
Here are some important things to bear in mind before you visit. Note that there is no dress code as such, but it is advised to dress conservatively.
● Tickets bought online are not transferable.
● Entry Fee's are not refundable.
● E-ticket cancellations are not permitted.
● The Monument is open for visitors between sunrise and sunset only and is closed on Fridays for Islamic prayer.
● Visitors are required to show photo identity proof at the entry to the monument. A passport, driving licence or identity card is sufficient.
● Food and drinks are not allowed inside the monument.
● Inflammable/dangerous/explosive articles such as lighters and power banks are not permitted inside.
● The entry gates to the Taj Mahal are closed 30 minutes prior to the official closing time.
● Tickets are booked via morning or afternoon slots and are valid for only 3 hours from the time of entry.
● Searches are conducted on all visitors with strict restrictions on what is allowed inside.
● Selfie sticks with tripods are not permitted and only one camera / device is allowed per person or group. Bags larger than a small purse are required to be stored in lockers.
● If you have booked the mausoleum and would like to go inside you will be required to wear shoe covers, which are available at a small recess area outside the library building. This is directly opposite the mausoleum entrance gate.
Save for later: Humayun's Tomb highlights, history and HI-FIVES in New Delhi
The first ever garden tomb in India, this near 400 year old UNESCO Heritage site is the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. It was also said to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. We also share hi-fives with a literal train of children!
Our Taj Mahal experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
What is there to critique about a wonder of the world? Certainly not much if anything at all. This is certainly one of the most spectacular places one can ever visit, and simply must be on any India tour or bucket list. Our time here in Agra was deeply affected by our gastro issues though which does take the gloss of a bit, especially as Jenn was unable to go at all.
Thankfully in our world of photos and videos she was able to see it, at the very least, through Leon's eyes. And even with such misfortune, she was still able to catch a glimpse from the top of our hotel too, which in the end, is far better than nothing.
Coming up: Taking the bus from Agra to an incredible homestay in the heart of Jaipur
With Jenn sadly missing a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra due to stomach issues (travellers diarrhea), we then had to embark on a FIVE HOUR bus ride to get to Jaipur. We share the experience and some information on India bus travel, along with the process of buying the bus tickets and where to go to get it.
We will then review the incredible All Seasons Homestay, our first ever stay in this type of accommodation. Even with our bowel struggles, we try to make the best of it! This was actually one of our favorite places in all of our India travels, and we are sure you will agree!
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Check out all of the places we visited in India courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!
The Taj Mahal on YouTube
Watch Leon's full Taj Mahal experience on our YouTube channel, Jenn and Leon Travel. With Jenn still bed-ridden, Leon heads to the Taj with Jackson and Marjo at 5am to see the sunrise, despite still feeling ill himself. Sadly the sunrise did not materialize due to the weather, but regardless this monument is still as spectacular as ever.
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