The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It stands in Agra, India, as a symbol of love and beauty. Millions of travelers visit it every year to see its white marble walls, intricate designs, and beautiful gardens. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is not only a historical monument but also an architectural marvel.
This travel guide will help you plan your Taj Mahal trip. You will learn about the best time to visit, entry tickets, budget, travel routes, nearby attractions, and tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
Quick Facts About the Taj Mahal
Here are some quick facts to know about the Taj Mahal:
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Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Built by: Shah Jahan
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Year of completion: 1653
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Material used: White marble
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UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes (since 1983)
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Main attractions: Main dome, gardens, reflecting pool, mosque, and guest house
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Visiting hours: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Fridays)
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Entry fees: Vary for Indian and foreign tourists
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Best photo spots: Main gate, reflecting pool, and river view
Knowing these facts will help you appreciate the monument more during your visit.
Also Read: Best Countries to Visit in 2026 for First-Time Travelers
Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal looks beautiful all year, but some months are better for visiting.
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Winter (October to March): This is the best time. The weather is cool, ranging from 8°C to 25°C. You can enjoy long walks in the gardens and take clear photos.
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Summer (April to June): It gets very hot in Agra, with temperatures reaching 40°C. Visiting early morning is better.
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Monsoon (July to September): The weather is rainy, and the gardens look green and fresh. But heavy rain may spoil outdoor activities.
Tip: Try to visit early in the morning. The sunrise view of the Taj Mahal is magical, and it is less crowded.
Taj Mahal Entry Tickets & Charges
The Taj Mahal charges different ticket prices for Indian and foreign tourists.
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Indians: ₹50 per person
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Foreign tourists: ₹1300 per person (including the main monument and gardens)
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Children below 15: Free entry
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Additional charges:
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Camera or video charges may apply.
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Entry to the main dome has a separate ticket.
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Tip: Buy tickets online to avoid long queues. Many trusted websites allow you to book in advance.
Budget Guide for Taj Mahal Trip
Visiting the Taj Mahal does not have to be expensive. Here is a simple budget guide for a one-day or two-day trip from Delhi or nearby cities.
1. Travel Cost
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Train: ₹500–₹1500 per person (Delhi to Agra Shatabdi Express)
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Bus: ₹300–₹600 per person (from Delhi or nearby towns)
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Car/Taxi: ₹2500–₹4000 (one way, private hire)
2. Accommodation
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Budget hotels: ₹800–₹1500 per night
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Mid-range hotels: ₹2000–₹4000 per night
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Luxury hotels: ₹5000+ per night
3. Food Expenses
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Local restaurants: ₹150–₹400 per meal
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Cafes or hotel restaurants: ₹500–₹1000 per meal
4. Sightseeing and Local Travel
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Rickshaw or taxi for local travel: ₹500–₹1000 per day
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Guides or tour packages: ₹500–₹1500 depending on services
Estimated Budget for One Person (1 Day Trip): ₹2000–₹3500
Estimated Budget for Two Days Trip: ₹4000–₹6000
This budget can vary depending on travel style and choice of hotels.
How to Reach the Taj Mahal
Agra is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the main ways to reach the Taj Mahal:
1. By Train
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Agra has multiple train connections from Delhi, Jaipur, and other cities.
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Popular trains: Shatabdi Express, Gatimaan Express, and Taj Express.
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Duration from Delhi: 2–3 hours by fast train.
2. By Road
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Delhi to Agra is about 230 km.
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You can hire a taxi or self-drive.
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Buses are also available from Delhi ISBT and other towns.
3. By Air
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The nearest airport is Agra Airport (AGC), mainly connected to domestic flights.
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Delhi Airport (DEL) is a better option for international flights. From Delhi, you can reach Agra by road or train.
Tip: If you want a smooth trip, travel by Shatabdi Express from Delhi. It is fast, comfortable, and reaches Agra in about 2 hours.
Taj Mahal Visiting Rules & Guidelines
To preserve the Taj Mahal, the authorities have set some rules. Following these will make your visit smooth:
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Entry is not allowed on Fridays.
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Do not carry large bags, food, or drinks inside.
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Use shoe covers or remove shoes in some areas.
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Do not touch the walls or marble.
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Photography is allowed in the gardens, but drones are banned.
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Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the premises.
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Avoid loud music or disturbances.
Following these rules helps maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the monument.
Suggested Sightseeing Itinerary
Here is a simple itinerary for your Taj Mahal trip:
Day 1: Arrival and Taj Mahal Visit
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Early morning: Reach Taj Mahal main gate before sunrise.
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Morning: Explore the main dome, reflecting pool, mosque, and gardens.
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Afternoon: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
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Evening: Walk near the Yamuna River to take photos of the Taj Mahal from a distance.
Day 2: Agra Fort and Local Market
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Morning: Visit Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Afternoon: Explore local markets like Sadar Bazaar or Kinari Bazaar.
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Evening: Return or explore Fatehpur Sikri (optional)
Tip: Hiring a local guide for 1–2 hours at the Taj Mahal can help you understand the history, architecture, and stories behind it.
Nearby Attractions to Explore
Agra has several attractions besides the Taj Mahal. You can include them in your trip:
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Agra Fort – Historic fort with palaces, mosques, and gardens.
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Fatehpur Sikri – Ancient city built by Emperor Akbar, 40 km from Agra.
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Mehtab Bagh – Garden with a perfect view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.
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Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) – Smaller marble monument with delicate carvings.
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Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra – Beautiful mausoleum of Emperor Akbar.
Exploring these nearby attractions will give you a complete Agra experience.
Taj Mahal Travel Tips
Here are some practical tips to make your Taj Mahal visit more enjoyable:
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Visit Early Morning or Late Afternoon – Avoid crowds and enjoy beautiful sunlight for photography.
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Book Tickets Online – Skip long queues and save time.
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Wear Comfortable Shoes – You will walk a lot inside the gardens.
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Carry Water and Snacks – Small bottles of water are allowed, but large bags are not.
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Use Local Transport – Auto-rickshaws and taxis are cheaper and convenient.
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Hire a Guide – Guides explain stories and history that you cannot find on boards.
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Check Weather – Avoid visiting during extremely hot days in summer.
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Respect Rules – Maintain cleanliness, don’t touch marble, and follow photography guidelines.
Following these tips will make your trip stress-free and memorable.
Conclusion
The Taj Mahal is more than just a monument; it is a symbol of love, history, and architectural excellence. Visiting it is a must for anyone traveling to India. With proper planning, you can enjoy the monument without stress, manage your budget, and explore nearby attractions.
Remember to plan your visit during the best time of the year, book tickets online, follow the guidelines, and hire a guide if possible. Explore Agra beyond the Taj Mahal to make your trip complete. Whether you are a local traveler or a foreign tourist, the Taj Mahal promises an unforgettable experience.
A well-planned visit will give you not just memories, but also a deeper appreciation of India’s rich culture and history.
