Best Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal, India in 2025 (From a Local!): Everything to Know Before You Go

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Visiting the Taj Mahal is pretty much on everyone’s bucket list. I am sure the fascinating stories of the Mughals and learning all about the beauty of the monuments in India might have made you think how cool it would be to see them for yourself.

The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and India’s most popular tourist destination. It was built in the 1630s by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as an ode to love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

If you have found yourself on this page, it’s probably because you are planning to visit the Taj Mahal! Woohoo!

So here’s the thing. Soaking in the beauty of the Taj Mahal is an amazing experience. The first time you get a glimpse of it in real life, you will be awed by how spectacular it is.

It’s built of white marble and took about 20,000 people and  22 years to complete and every minute invested in it can be seen on the walls, the floors, the gardens, the fountains everything.

The art on the marble is amazingly crafted with beautiful patterns and floral designs. Its beautiful architecture combines the elements of Islamic, Indian, Persian, Ottoman, and Turkish styles of art.

Having been here several times, I am going to arm you with all the knowledge you need so you can thoroughly enjoy your visit to one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Behold, everything you need to know before visiting the Taj Mahal in India.

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When To Visit The Taj Mahal

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during winters which fall between October to March. If you are planning to go during the summer, I would suggest you visit early which would be around 6 AM-9 AM, avoid the afternoon time as it can be unbearably hot and humid.

There are three entrances: the West, South and East gates. The West and East gates open at 6 AM while the South gate opens until 8 AM.

If possible make a visit in the early morning and see the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. The sunrise most amazingly unfolds the beauty of this mausoleum. Your getting up early and reaching there on time would be totally worth it.

Taj Mahal Opening Hours

Daytime: 6 AM to 7 PM every day except Fridays (when it’s closed for prayer).

Night Time: 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM.

Taj Mahal Entrance Fees

For foreign nationals, the ticket is priced at 1100 rupees (14 USD) which includes a bottle of water, shoe covers, golf cart services and a tourist map of Agra.

For Indian nationals, the ticket is priced at 50 rupees. You will need to purchase shoe covers separately.

During your visit, you will be allowed to carry your camera and mobile phone with you. Edibles, torches and sharp objects are not allowed inside.

Entrance into the Beautiful Layout of Taj Mahal

Further, when you pass the grand entrance gate you will see a perfect symmetrically styled garden with lawns and waterways divided by wide paths. Ahead will be the white marble mausoleum- The Taj Mahal. You will be left in awe of the perfectly fine layout.

Take your time to enjoy the place and its beauty. Take as many pictures as you can, also there are photographers available there who can help you get those perfect and memorable pictures.

After walking through the gardens you will enter into the mausoleum. From here you will have to put on your shoe covers and walk towards the top deck of the Taj Mahal that faces towards the banks of the Yamuna River.

What’s inside the Taj Mahal?

Inside are the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz surrounded by carved marble screens.  You can see the finely detailed stone works and designed carvings on the walls.

Taking pictures is strictly prohibited in this part of the mausoleum. You will have to keep moving with the crowd which can be sometimes overbearing and beware of pickpockets too.

Below is a picture of one of the mosques outside the mausoleum.

You can take your car or an auto rickshaw across the Yamuna River to the Mehtabh Bagh gardens on the opposite bank for another great view of the Taj.

I took many beautiful pictures with the help of a professional photographer and below is one of them.

Where To Stay In Agra To See The Taj Mahal

I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the Taj Mahal for one night so you can get the true Taj Mahal experience. It’s magical to be able to see the sun rise and set over the Taj Mahal and it means you won’t have to wake up quite as early as you would if you were staying in Agra. I have narrowed down your options with my recommendations below.

Budget Hostel: Joey’s Hostel

Mid – Range Hotel: Hotel Taj Resorts

Luxury Hotel:  The Oberoi Amarvilas

Visiting the Taj Mahal is an incredibly amazing experience. Its grandeur cannot be described through pictures or words. You must visit and witness its mesmerizing beauty and magnificence for yourself.

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• 10 Incredible Hotels in Agra with Taj Mahal View
• Must Visit Attractions In Agra
• Best Restaurants In Agra | What To Eat In Agra
• The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary For Agra Mathura Vrindavan

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