Situated in Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal sits on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its cultural and architectural brilliance. The monument also remains one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a title awarded in 2007 through a global poll.
History of the Taj Mahal
What is unique
about the Taj Mahal in Agra, built in 1632, is that its marble changes color
depending on the time of day. Pinkish in the morning, milky white during the
day, and golden under moonlight. It is one of the finest examples of Mughal
architecture, combining Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles.
Construction
took about 21 years, finishing around 1653, and involved around 20,000
artisans, stonecutters, and craftsmen from across India and Central Asia. The
main tomb is made almost entirely of white Makrana marble, decorated with semi-precious
stones such as jade, crystal, turquoise, and lapis lazuli, forming intricate
floral and geometric patterns using the pietra dura technique.
Though
generally known as a tomb, the Taj Mahal complex is more than that. It includes
Charbagh gardens, a mosque, guest houses, and gateways, all arranged
symmetrically. Shah Jahan’s tomb was later added beside Mumtaz Mahal, creating
a slight asymmetry in the original plan.
Historic,
legendary, and spectacular, the Taj Mahal remains one of the top sites in
India, admired by people from around the world.
Entry Tickets
to Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal entry
tickets in Agra are mandatory, and it’s best to book online in advance. While
tickets can be purchased at the gate, booking online ensures a stress-free
visit, especially for early morning or sunset entry. Tickets can be booked
online through the official Taj Mahal Website.
Ticket Prices:
Foreign
tourists: ₹1,100 (~USD 14)
Domestic
tourists (Indian citizens): ₹50
Children under
15: Free
Tickets include
access to the main mausoleum and surrounding gardens. The museum inside the
complex has a separate fee.
On-the-Spot
Purchases:
Long queues,
especially during peak season (October–March).
Limited
availability on busy days or holidays.
Online tickets
allow skipping the queue and choosing a specific entry time.
Opening Hours:
Open daily 6:00
AM to 6:30 PM, except Fridays.
Night viewing on full moon nights and two days before and after, 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM (separate tickets required).
Queuing for entry can be tiring, especially in scorching Agra heat and with large crowds. Make sure to use the restroom before lining up, or you may have to join the queue again. Stepping out mid-queue can also be inconvenient.
Rules inside
the complex:
No large bags
or luggage; only small handbags or camera bags allowed.
Food and drinks
are not permitted inside.
Tripods,
drones, and selfie sticks require prior permission.
Footwear:
Remove shoes before entering the main mausoleum; shoe covers are provided.
Security checks
are mandatory, so allow extra time.
Heading to the
Taj Mahal
After passing
through the entry gates, make sure no belongings are left behind.
Decide whether
to walk the long path or take an auto-rickshaw. Paying and taking a ride is
recommended, as the complex is very large and walking the entire distance can
be tiring.
(The Forecourt, Taj Mahal, Agra, India)
The Forecourt,
Taj Mahal, Agra
Once inside the
forecourt, a spacious area offers the classic view of the Taj Mahal. People
pause here to admire the full facade and take photos with the monument as a
backdrop.
Professional photographers are also available for a small fee. This area can get crowded, especially during peak hours, so finding a good spot may take some patience.
Charbagh Gardens (Main Gardens)
Formal Mughal-style gardens with symmetrical pathways, fountains, and reflecting pools leading up to the main mausoleum. The central water channels create the famous mirrored reflections.
The Main
Mausoleum
The iconic white
marble building houses the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The mausoleum
features intricate carvings, pietra dura inlays with semi-precious stones, and
Quranic inscriptions, making it the central highlight. Its 73-meter-high dome
and craftsmanship exemplify Mughal architectural brilliance. From the rear of
the mausoleum and surrounding gardens, the Yamuna River can be seen, providing
a tranquil backdrop.
Flanking
Structures
The mosque on the west side and the guesthouse (jawab) on the east side provide architectural balance and showcase the Mughal style. While largely symmetrical, Shah Jahan’s tomb slightly disrupts the original symmetry, adding historical significance.
Gateways and
Perimeter Paths
The Great Gate
(Darwaza-i-Rauza) at the entrance welcomes people. Smaller perimeter paths
offer different perspectives and photography opportunities, including views of
the Yamuna River.
Once past the
forecourt, the crowds disperse, giving more space for photos and quiet moments.
It is possible to spend several hours wandering around the Taj Mahal, but food
and drinks are not available inside the complex.
Walking back
toward the main entrance feels surprisingly leisurely, unlike the busy approach
when entering, which may have required an auto-rickshaw.
Despite the regulations and the crowds, visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra remains an unforgettable experience. For some, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime visit, while others may return. Either way, the monument leaves a lasting impression and is truly a historical and legendary site in Agra.
(Auto-Rickshaw Ride into Taj Mahal Complex, Agra, India)
