Nothing compares to the view of the Taj Mahal from the red sandstone gateway for the first time, but there are plenty of first-time traps that could leave you fuming at your own naïveté, like getting tickets on a Friday (or at the wrong gate, for that matter) or falling victim to the much-ballyhooed Friday closure.
But fear not, because there are 15 sure-fire tips – compiled from the combined wisdom of guides, taxi drivers, and repeat visitors who have been there dozens of times – that will help you get it right the first time.
1. Avoid Fridays at All Costs (Unless You’re Willing to Miss
Out)
The Taj Mahal is closed for regular visiting every Friday for the upkeep and prayer rituals of the mosque. It is therefore best to avoid planning a Taj visit around Fridays if you are touring from Delhi or are doing the Golden Triangle circuit with limited days in hand.
2. Go at Sunrise, Not Sunset
Arriving 15-30 minutes before the gates open gets you the best, most uncrowded slot. Temperatures are at their most comfortable, and the marble changes color from pale grey to gold to brilliant white during the first hour, which you simply cannot miss.
It is truly a spectacle entirely different from witnessing the Taj at midday when the marble is scorched pink.
3. Buy Tickets Online in
Advance
In case you have to buy tickets from the official site in advance, you get a discount on the cash price at the counter, and you save invaluable time if you are trying to beat the crowds at sunrise.
4. Know the Difference Between Entry Ticket and Mausoleum Ticket
The base entry ticket and the ticket for exploring the mausoleum (which allows a close visit to the cenotaphs) are two different things.
Prices are approximately INR 50 (for Indian/OCI) and INR 1,100 (for foreign nationals) for entry tickets. INR 200 is an additional charge for the mausoleum ticket. Children below 15 years of age visit for free.
Unless you have been to the Taj before, it is money well spent. The inlay work and acoustics are simply magical up close.
5. Know Which Gate to Use
There are 3 entry gates at the Taj Mahal, and the one you should pick depends on what time of the day you are visiting:
East Gate (Shilpagram Gate): Ideal for sunrise visits, this is the easiest gate to get to during early morning hours with fewer crowds.
West Gate: Most domestic tour groups enter from this gate, so it can get busy at mid-morning.
South Gate: This is an exit-only gate, so you must not try entering from here.
6. Keep Your Footwear Simple, or Be Prepared to Go Barefoot
You are not allowed to keep footwear on the main marble platform, so you can either go barefoot or use the shoe cover provided as part of the mausoleum ticket.
You might want to keep your socks thick in winter, as the marble is freezing-cold. Similarly, it can get unbearably hot on the platform in summer, which is a good reason to stick to an early morning visit.
A lot of people I’ve met wish they had worn something easy to slip off when walking up to the gates.
7. Dress Modestly and Cover Shoulders/Knees
It is not just a monument but a mausoleum built by a grieving emperor, so dressing decently is a must. You should cover your shoulders to avoid drawing unwanted attention at the main gate.
It is also a good idea to stick to cotton
clothes in a loose fit to avoid sweating too much in the summer heat. Dress in layers if you are visiting in winter, as mornings can be quite chilly despite the daytime heat.
8. Ditch the Drone (And Most Other Electronic Gadgets)
Drone cameras are strictly prohibited inside the premises. While personal cameras are allowed, there are restrictions on other gadgets, so it is best to carry minimal gear.
9. Don’t Pack Any Food, and Keep Bags as Simple as Possible
You are not allowed to carry food inside the complex. Large bags and some electronic gadgets are also seized at the security check, so it is best to carry
minimal carry-on luggage if you are trying to beat the crowds at sunrise.
10. Follow Signs for Indian Nationals and Foreign Visitors
Security check queues are segregated for Indian Nationals and Foreign Visitors, so it is best to follow signs for the correct queues.
11. Consider Visiting the Taj at Night on Full-Moon Dates
The Taj Mahal opens its gates to visitors for night viewing during the full moon and two days preceding and following it (except on Fridays).
Night visits to the Taj Mahal are held in small batches of 30-minute slots between 8 PM and midnight. Make sure to reserve your slot in advance to witness the magic of moonlight over the marble dome.
12. Visit Mehtab Bagh for Sunset and Reflections
Mehtab Bagh, located across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal, offers a beautiful view of the monument, especially around sunset.
The garden is particularly popular for its reflections and views of the Taj Mahal from across the river.
13. Time Your Visit According to Seasons, Not Just Dates
October to March is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal, with pleasant daytime temperatures and chilly nights. However, it is important to note that October, November, and February are better than December, January, and March, which can be particularly foggy.
If you visit on a cloudy or foggy day and
are planning to take photos of the monument, it is best to reach later in the day after 10 AM, as the clouds tend to part ways by then.
Visiting the monument between April and September can be both hot and less rewarding in terms of photographic opportunities. However, there are fewer crowds and cheaper hotel rates during this period.
14. Keep in Mind How Long Ticket Counters Are Open For
The ticket counters and gates are not shut at the same time. The counters are usually closed 45 minutes before sunset, even if the gates are open until sunset.
It is best to factor this in when you are trying to beat the crowds at sunrise.
15. Combine Your Visit With
Agra Fort
If you are visiting the Taj Mahal from Delhi, make sure to also include Agra Fort in your itinerary.
Only a short drive from the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is a World Heritage Site that showcases the lives of Mughal emperors. An inside view from Agra Fort also provides spectacular long-distance views of the Taj Mahal, which is an excellent complement to the already awe-inspiring experience of standing in front of the mausoleum.
Final Word
#Tip1Avoid Fridays – the Taj is closed2Go at sunrise for light, crowds, and comfort3Buy tickets online in advance4Pay for the mausoleum add-on ticket5Use the East Gate for sunrise visits6Wear easily removable
shoes7Dress modestly8No drones, ever9No food, pack light for security10Follow separate lines for Indians vs. foreigners11Consider a full-moon night viewing12Visit Mehtab Bagh for sunset and reflections13Travel October-March for best weather14Arrive well before the ticket counter cutoff15Combine your visit with Agra Fort
Ticket prices, timings, and entry rules are subject to change as per the guidelines set out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and should be verified from the ASI website or ticket confirmation prior to departure.