Did you ever build a monument in the Air? Here is one, brought down to earth and fixed for the wonder of ages
The Taj Mahal, a symbol of India’s rich history is one among the seven new world wonders. Standing on the southern bank of the river Yamuna, this 42-acre complex was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
There are enough blogs on the internet to describe the beauty and history of the Taj Mahal. So, I will make that part short and post more useful content.
Blog Contents
Taj Mahal amazing facts
- The stunning monument was built by Shah Jahan, a Mughal emperor, for his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died during childbirth. It is a blend of Indian, Persian and Islamic architecture.
- This 17th-century masterpiece involved around 22,000 laborers, artists, painters, stonecutter over a span of 17 years
- Over 1000 elephants were used to carry the necessary materials.
- The total amount spent was 32 million ₹. Today, this will cost over a billion US$.
Taj Mahal entrance fee
The entry price for an Indian adult is 45 Indian rupee (₹) and a whopping 1100 ₹ for a foreigner. If you wish to enter the main mausoleum, everyone has to pay 200 ₹ extra. That makes it 245 ₹. This steep hike is to avoid visitors from entering the main mausoleum. Check the govt’s official website for price updates.
While the Egyptian govt gives any student 50% off on all tourist sites, India charges more for tourists.
Did you know that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for visitors?
Only Muslims who come for prayers are allowed.
Online ticket
Many are not aware of the fact that the Taj Mahal”s entrance ticket is available online. Buy them at the official website and print it. You can skip the long waiting queue and directly walk to the main entrance.
While booking online, you have to choose an entry time and date. So do make sure to be there at that time as the ticket is valid for only three hours.
Interested to know how to book? Then read my post “How to book the Taj Mahal tickets online”
Which gate is the best to enter the Taj Mahal?
One can enter the Taj Mahal from any of the two gates (East or the West gate). Irrespective of which gate you enter, finally you end up going through the main gate.
The East Gate is the best as the ticket office is close. Also, there are countless hostels in a walkable range. We happened to find one in Booking.com.
Darwaza-i Rauza
Also called the Great Gate, Darwaza is the main entrance to the Taj Mahal. Paid photographers buzz around tourists like bees around a flower. You can’t avoid them. A picture only costs 60 ₹. So obviously you are dragged in their web. But their pictures are worth it.
Tip: A toilet is located near this entrance
Through the gardens
Once you cross the Darwaza, the white marble beauty is waiting for you. It’s picture time. Stroll through the Persian garden to find the best spot to click a picture. Believe me, the monument looks amazing from any point.
What’s inside the main mausoleum?
Inside, one can find the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Cenotaph refers to a monument erected to honor the dead, but their bodies lie elsewhere. Photographs are prohibited inside this mausoleum. There is nothing much inside. So, I enjoyed going around the main mausoleum more than the interiors.
River Yamuna is flowing behind. This 1376 km long river is the main reason why the Taj Mahal is still rigid. The moisture underneath the ground holds the monument intact.
Jawab Masjid
Within the premises, Jawab Masjid is a red mosque overshadowed by the Taj Mahal. The walls are decorated with marble inlay. Prayers are held on Fridays, hence the monument is closed for visitors. Overall, it’s a nice place to have a break and glance at the architecture.
Taj Museum
In the Museum, antiques like the Mughal miniature paintings, manuscripts, plans and drawings of Taj Complex, paintings, specimen inlay work, marble pillars are displayed. Since we didn’t have enough time, we skipped this part.
No food and drinks
This is by far the best initiative by the government. A big NO to food and drinks. All bags are thoroughly screened, so one can never bring anything. The security was similar to an airport check. Some of the other prohibited things include
- Arms, ammunitions, fire, smoking items, tobacco products
- knives, wire, mobile charger, electric goods (except camera)
Don’t worry, there is a locker where you can store them.
Limited visiting hours
Your ticket is valid for only three hours. So if you plan to stay longer, I guess the penalty is around 200 ₹. This is just a rumored amount.
Souvenir race
Step out of the monument, everyone is inviting you to buy souvenirs. Don’t get scammed, bargain as much as you can. Walk off if you are not happy. 100s of similar shops are on your way
Golf cart ride
All vehicles stop 500m before the Taj Mahal’s gates. UP tourism organizes mini Golf carts that offer a ride through this area. The cost is 20 ₹.
Weather during visit
During my visit in January, the weather remained pleasant (18 – 25 °C). But in winters (Nov – Feb), smog prevails until 11 am and the visibility is reduced. So consider visiting in the late afternoon. The peak season is somewhere between July – October.
Three hours was not enough and I would have loved to spend a few more hours admiring the beauty. The weather was sunny and it was a day well spent.
No matter what your expectations are, the Taj Mahal will never disappoint. Don’t miss out on this world wonder.
Overall experience: 
out of 5
FAQs
How far is Taj mahal from Agra Cantt station?
It is about 6 km and shouldn’t cost more than 300 ₹ in a tuk-tuk or auto.
What are the other places to see in Agra?
Agra Fort, the tomb of Akbar the Great, Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah
Is there Uber or Ola to Taj mahal?
Yes for Ola, No for Uber. There are countless tuk-tuks around the city who accept for a reasonable price. So there is no scope for cabs.
When is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?
Beat the crowd and go during sunrise or in the late afternoon during winter.
Time of visit: January 2020
“Taj Mahal is not just a monument, but a symbol of love” –