Taj Mahal: History, Architecture, Tickets, and More
Table of Contents
Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is situated in Uttar Pradesh’s forest colony on the southern bank of the Yamuna River.
Shah Jahan commissioned this white wonder in 1632, which was eventually finished in 1648.
You can visit the main tomb, explore the Mughal gardens, and admire the finest craftsmanship of that time.
As the Taj Mahal welcomes over 8 million visitors annually, its numerous attractions and large crowds can make it an overwhelming experience.
Don’t Worry! This article will explore everything about its history, significance, opening hours, attractions, best tickets, and more.
We will ensure you will have a memorable experience with this symbol of love.
Taj Mahal in a Snapshot
| Opening Hours | 5 am to 6.30 pm; 8.30 pm to 12.30 am (on full moon) |
| Best time to visit | Early Morning and Late Afternoon |
| Location | Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282001 |
| Highlights | Pietra dura inlay work, white marble architecture |
| Tour Duration | 2 to 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | $21 |
| Ticket Link | Taj Mahal Skip-the-line Entry Ticket |
What to Expect at the Taj Mahal?
Upon entering through the grand gate, the first sight of the white marble facade will be enough to take your breath away.
The paths towards the main monument are lined with beautiful fountains and Cyprus trees.
As you reach the main platform, you will notice the centuries-old pietra dura inlay work shimmering in sunlight.
Skillful artisans placed the gems to form delicate floral patterns on the marble walls.
Next comes the central chamber, where the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan can be found.
A marble screen encircles them and produces a surreal glow as sunlight falls over it.
The dome’s interior is 24.5 meters (80 feet) tall and is decorated with motifs and Islamic calligraphy.
When you exit the chamber from the other side, you will notice the symmetrical Mughal architecture and the Yamuna River flowing from afar.
The Taj Mahal’s beauty is amplified in the low-angle sunlight of the morning hours, so plan early.
Taj Mahal Opening Hours
The Taj Mahal opens from 5 am to 6.30 pm on regular days.
It begins operation half an hour before sunrise and continues until half an hour after sunset.
The museum opens from 10 am to 5 pm.
Fridays are closed to the general public, but Muslims can perform prayers.
The Taj also opens for night visits 5 nights a month: on the full moon and two nights before and after the full moon.
The nighttime operating hours are between 8.30 pm and 12.30 am.
However, night visits are not organized on Fridays and Ramadan.
Best Tickets
1. Taj Mahal Skip-the-line Tickets
This affordable option will provide quick access to the Taj Mahal for up to 3 hours.
You will be picked up in a private car and your guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
You will enter the Taj Mahal without waiting in long lines and uncover its history, gardens, and architecture.
After a thorough exploration, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
The ticket can be canceled 24 hours before the visiting date to initiate a full refund.
Inclusions:
- Water bottle
- Shoe cover
- Private car
- Tour guide
- Express Entry
Ticket Price: $21
2. Taj and Mausoleum Guided Tour
If you want an in-depth understanding of the Taj Mahal’s history, consider taking a Taj and Mausoleum guided tour for $37.
The 3-hour tour includes pickup from multiple locations in Agra, such as Agra Airport and Agra Cantt.
You will be transferred to the Taj Mahal in style in a private car, driven by a private driver.
The tour guide will accompany you throughout the journey and inform you about important places.
You will get skip-the-line entrance to the Taj and learn about its secrets.
Finally, you will be dropped back to your preferred location.
You can cancel this ticket up to 24 hours before your visit to get the full refund.
Inclusions:
- Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel
- Personal Tour Guide
- Quick-access tickets
- Water bottle
- Shoe cover
Ticket Price: $37
3. Taj and Agra Fort Sunrise Tour
This early morning tour allows you to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites for up to 5 hours.
Your guide will pick you up in an air-conditioned vehicle by 5.30 am.
Taj Mahal will be your first stop, wherein you can admire its yellow-creamish facade amidst the morning light.
After the sunrise tour, you will get back to your hotel for breakfast.
From there, you will be taken to the Agra Fort, which was commissioned by Akbar the Great.
You can explore several attractions, such as Diwan-e-Aam, Khas Mahal, Pearl Mosque, and Musamman Burj.
The guide will keep on informing you about the importance of these places.
Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel or any other desired place in the city.
This activity can also be canceled up to 24 hours before the visiting date to claim the full refund.
Inclusions:
- Pickup and drop-off at the desired location
- Private Sunrise tour
- Fuel, parking, taxes
- Access to the Taj Mahal
- Access to the Agra Fort
- An informative guide
Ticket Price:
Adult ticket (3+ years): $52
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
How to Reach Taj Mahal?
Agra has great connectivity through air, rail, and road, which makes it possible to visit the Taj through various means:
By Flight:
Agra airport is 13 km from the Taj, and you can take a taxi or a bus to the Taj from there.
However, as the Agra Airport has limited flights, you can also land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi).
From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to get to the Taj Mahal.
By Train:
India has an extensive train network, and you can choose among several options to reach the Taj Mahal.
You can board popular trains like the Gatiman, Shatabdi, and Taj Express and get off at the Agra Cantt (AGC) station.
It is 6 km from the Taj Mahal, and you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the Taj from there.
By Car:
You can always drive to the Taj from Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior or Lucknow.
From Delhi to Agra (230 km)
It will take 3 to 4 hours to reach Agra from Delhi through the Yamuna Expressway.
This 6-lane, controlled highway will ensure a smooth and fast journey.
From Jaipur to Agra (240 km)
The NH-21 Agra-Jaipur highway will take you to Agra within 4 to 5 hours.
Although it is 4-lane, it is recommended to start early if you want to escape truck traffic.
From Gwalior to Agra (120 km)
Take the NH-44 Agra-Gwalior highway if you are coming from Gwalior.
It is a 4-lane highway, and you will reach Agra within 2 to 3 hours.
From Lucknow to Agra (335 km)
NH-27 and NH-19 are the best routes when coming from Lucknow.
These are one of the best highways in India, and you will get to Agra within 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Insider Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal
A visit to the majestic Taj Mahal can get overwhelming due to large crowds and lack of planning.
Remember these visiting tips for a seamless experience and thank us later.
- Keep your passport handy because of the security checks
- Dress modestly because of the cultural and spiritual relevance of the Taj
- Arrive early to have breathtaking views with fewer crowds
- Wear comfortable footwear, as there will be some walking involved
- Purchase online tickets to avoid last-minute disappointments
- Sharp objects, flash photography, and smoking are strictly prohibited
People Also Ask…
Why was the Taj Mahal built?
Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth.
Where is the Taj Mahal located?
The Taj is situated on the southern bank of the Yamuna River, 2.5 km southeast of the Agra Fort, and 6 km from the Agra Cantonment railway station.
When was the Taj Mahal built?
Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1632 and took over 21 years to build completely.
How was the Taj Mahal built?
Gemstones were imported from Persia, Afghanistan, and China, while marble was brought from Rajasthan.
Architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri supervised the construction, which involved thousands of elephants and workers over 21 years.
Which Station is close to Taj Mahal?
Agra Cantonment railway station (6 km) is the closest to the Taj Mahal
Can we buy online tickets for the Taj Mahal?
Yes, the tickets for the Taj can be purchased through online means.
Can we buy Taj Mahal tickets on the same day?
Yes, you can purchase tickets on the same day of your visit.
However, there will be large crowds, and tickets for your favorite slot may sell out.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to buy online tickets to avoid any unnecessary disappointments.
Do we need to bring printouts for Taj Mahal online tickets?
No, your online ticket will be e-mailed to you upon successful reservation.
You can simply show it on your mobile device while entering the Taj Mahal.
Are Taj Mahal online tickets refundable?
Yes, online Taj Mahal tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours before the visiting date to initiate a full refund.
Why should I buy online tickets from Our Travel Tickets?
At our travel tickets, we provide the most affordable and customizable tickets to you.
Our online Taj Mahal tickets come at discounted rates and 25 percent of our profits go into animal welfare.
Therefore, if you purchase from us, you will have a hassle-free experience and contribute towards a bigger cause.
