A Local’s Guide to Visiting the Taj Mahal in India

Traveling to the Taj Mahal

Is there a more famous and beautiful, and more jaw-dropping vast than the world famous Taj Mahal?
 
The Taj Mahal is fairytale-like from the banks of the Yamuna River. It’s India’s most famous monument and is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. The memorial dates back to 1630 and Taj is a tomb that has the body of Mumtaz Mahal who was the wife of Mughal ruler Shah Jahan. He had it built as a tribute to his adoration for her. The fame of the Taj Mahal has transformed the surrounding neighborhood into a tourist trap. While the crowds are thick and the tourist vendors are many, the reward will be worth the effort! The Taj Mahal is made of marble and almost took 22 years and 20,000 workers to finish. Words can’t do justice to the incredible detail of the Taj Mahal. It must be seen to truly appreciate its magnificence.

Why You Should Visit Twice in One Day

The Taj Mahal appears to be unique as the light changes. In the early morning dawn, it will appear silver-white or pale peach-pink. In the sunsent hours it will appear buttercup yellow. The cool thing is that in the sunset hours, there will still be many people viewing, yet the ambiance feels more relaxed with a sort of a festival atmosphere. You will also notice many Indian families touring as well as international tourists.

When to Go to Agra?

The best time to visit Agra is in the winter months of November to February; else, it tends to be hot or rainy. You’ll also be rewarded with travel options to get some astounding off-season discounts. One thing about the Taj Mahal is that it is slower to change color in the dawn and dust hours. However, it’s still justified even despite the push to rise early and spend sunrise there, as it uncovers itself from night to day.

What to wear to the Taj Mahal

There is no particular dress code; However, you should be aware that you will need to cover your head, shoulders, and knees to enter the mosque. It gets hot in Agra, and there is very little shade, so wear light color clothes and ensure you wear sunscreen. On the other hand, Agra likewise gets freezing in winter (Nov-Feb), so layers are your friend as well. If you visit with Intrepid Tours, you’ll be taken there before dawn or late in the afternoon to save you from sun heat.

Taj Mahal Open Times

The Taj Mahal is open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. except on Friday. The Taj Mahal is also open for the night touring during each full moon from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Additionally, it is open late for the two days prior and two days after the full moon (a total of five days). Night viewing not allowed during the holy month of Ramadan every year.

Where You Can Get the Best Photographs

The marble “Diana seat” where the Princess of Wales had her famous “I’m on my own here” photograph taken in 1992. This is very popular spot for taking pictures. Walk around the site to grab unusual angles, similar to the building’s reflection in one of the pools.

Can You Go Inside the Taj Mahal?

Yes. Always wear the given paper shoe covers, or go shoeless. The tombs of the Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz are private and below ground. You can see their empty sarcophagi behind a cut trim like a screen made of cleaned marble. The craftsmanship is astounding. It’s perfect; however, there are no photographs allowed, and if you attempt to sneak one, security will blow a whistle and scold you.

Security Checks at the Taj Mahal

Strict security is set up at the Taj Mahal, and there are checkpoints at the doorways. Your bag will be filtered and inspected. Enormous bags and day bags aren’t allowed to take inside. Just little bags containing basic things are permitted. They will allow a mobile phone, a camera, and a water bottle for each individual. You can’t bring food, tobacco items or lighters, electrical things, blades, or camera tripods inside. Phones are likewise prohibited during night viewing sessions, although cameras are still permitted. Luggage storage facilities are at the entry gates.

Is it Necessary to Hire a Guide to Visit the Taj Mahal?

That is up to you, however, it is recommended to engage a tour guide for your visit. Ensure you book one early, so you don’t get ripped off. It’s not costly at all if you book online. The Taj Mahal has some truly incredible history, and it’s nice having somebody tell you the history and stories behind the monument. Also, you have a “non-sketchy” individual take pictures for you.

What’s Inside the Actual Compound of the Taj Mahal?

The main gates before you enter are incredibly high – except if it is 6 a.m. take a couple of minutes to respect them before heading inside. There are two mosques on either side. One is an original mosque, and the other was built uniquely to keep everything impeccably symmetrical. There are vast amounts of hawkers inside attempting to take your photo for the cash. Overlook them and locate another foreign tourist to click a picture of you. A great place is after you come out of the back of the mausoleum spend some time to take in the insane detail.
 
The Taj Mahal is one of numerous monuments in India that is packed with tourists from all around the globe consistently. Many things are there that you can do around this town after you’re done appreciating the magnificent Taj Mahal. Below is a list of 7 such places that you should visit, without which visit Agra would not be complete.

• The Agra Fort
• Fatehpur Sikri
• The Sheesh Mahal near Agra Fort
• Ram Bagh
• Jama Masjid
• Pinch of Spice
• The Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel

Conclusion

The Taj Mahal is a beautiful place to visit with your family. When you visit, make sure you take a picture of yourself and your wife with the tomb as the background…who sees, the love that the ruler had for his spouse to devote this kind of income for her commemoration after death might rub off on you. So these are my tips for visiting the Taj Mahal. If you’d like a considerably more honest and peaceful experience, at that point look at these reasonable Taj Mahal tours.