Undoubtedly, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular destinations to visit in India, and arguably, even in the world. Having just visited myself, I will say, the tomb lives up to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. It is, indeed, worth the hype.
But if you ask most people who haven’t been to India where the Taj Mahal is, they have no idea. Planning a trip here can be daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the different cities and states of India. Similar to the United States, it is a vast country, so it is important to do your research before you book your trip.
With this post, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to before you plan a visit to Agra, to see the Taj Mahal.
So are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Where is the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. (Similar to the United States, India is composed of 37 states and 7 union territories. Delhi, the capital of India is a Union territory.)
Agra is located in the north of India. While it does have a smaller, domestic airport, The closest major international airport is in Delhi, which is about a 3-hour drive from Agra.
Most people who come to see the Taj Mahal include it as part of a larger tour known as the Golden Triangle route, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan.
Whether you are visiting Agra as part of a longer trip or for the weekend, I recommend spending one or two nights here to see all of the sites.
Related: How to Complete the Golden Triangle in 7 Days Plus Tips for Planning Your Trip.
What is the Taj Mahal?
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the tomb of all tombs. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor for his deceased wife, Mumtaz Mahal in 1632. Located on the south bank of the Yamuna River, the white marble structure highlights a fusion of Islamic, Turkish and Indian architecture.
It took 22 years to build and the 42-acre site also includes a mosque and guest house. The tomb of Shah Jahan, the builder, is also here. It is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the world.
Honestly, no verbal or written description can do this site justice. The Taj Mahal is something you just have to see with your own eyes.
The Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal:
Looking back at towards the entrance of the Taj Mahal
The best time of year to visit the Taj Mahal (and the entire Golden Triangle route) is between November and March. The peak season is December through February. We went in March which was perfect because the weather was warm but not too hot, and it wasn’t as crowded as during the peak months.
For your actual visit to the Taj Mahal, I recommend going at sunrise. Yes, this means getting up in the middle of the night, but I promise you, it’s worth seeing this mausoleum bathed in the morning light.
The Taj Mahal at sunrise
I also suggest buying your tickets in advance online, so you can skip the massive ticket queue when you arrive. Here is the link to buy your tickets.
We opted for the earliest entry available – 6 am. Even with this entry and our online ticket purchase, there was still a long line for security when we arrived at 5:45 am.
Travel Tip: If you are one of those people who wants to be the first person inside the complex to get those perfect Instagram pictures, I suggest showing up at 5 am or even earlier, so you are the first person in line for the security check. Please note there’s a separate line for Indians and foreigners.
Travel Tip: They do not allow you to bring large bags or backpacks into the complex but I was able to bring my small fanny-pack. Your entry ticket includes a bottle of water which you pick up at the entrance, so don’t bring your own. They also give you disposable booties that are mandatory to wear when you go inside the tomb.
Travel Tip: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays so make sure you plan your itinerary around this.
What to Wear at the Taj Mahal
Wearing a long dress at the Taj Mahal
In general, I recommend dressing more modestly in India. Women here typically cover their shoulders and knees. Of course, you can wear a tank top or short skirt if you choose, (It’s not a religious site), but keep in mind that most people will be more covered up.
If you go first thing in the morning for sunrise, it will be chilly. Bring a sweater, light jacket, or dress in layers so you still feel comfortable as the day starts to warm up.
Additional Places Where You Can View the Taj Mahal:
A view of the Taj Mahal from the Methab Bagh Gardens
Seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time, at sunset at the Methab Bagh Gardens
I think the best times to see the Taj Mahal are at sunrise and sunset because that’s when the play of light brings out the true beauty of this white marble structure. For a great sunset view of the Taj Mahal, head to Methab Bagh Gardens.
The Methab Bagh gardens, across the Yamuna river from the Taj Mahal, have the best vantage point for seeing the famous structure as the sun goes down. Technically, the park stops selling tickets around 5:30 pm, but once you are inside, you can stay to enjoy the sunset. You can buy tickets in advance here.
Travel Tip: Get to the garden about an hour before the sun sets, to get a good vantage point before the crowds arrive.
If you want an even more unique experience of witnessing the Taj Mahal, I’ve been told you can rent a small rowboat and watch the sunrise or sunset from the Yamuna river with nothing obscuring your view.
Where to Stay in Agra:
If you really want to splurge on your stay in Agra, then you must stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas. Every single room here has a view of the Taj Mahal. The average cost per night is around $800.
We all have miles and status with Marriott Bonvoy (the new program that combines Starwood and Marriott points), so we opted to stay at the Courtyard Marriott for the night. This hotel is not like the typical Courtyard Marriott you would find in the States. It’s more on par with a regular Marriott hotel.
While the hotel has no views of the Taj Mahal, we all got upgraded. We were impressed with the clean and modern facilities. Though we didn’t have time to hang out at the pool, it was very tempting!
We used 12,500 points to book our room, and our friend paid $75 for her room. If you’re in Agra for one night and you’re on a budget, I highly recommend this hotel.
Other hotels in Agra include the ITC Mughal and the Trident (owned by Oberoi).
Places to Eat in Agra:
There are quite a few options for food in Agra. If you want a high-end, formal experience, make a reservation for dinner at Esphahan, the restaurant at the Oberoi Hotel. There are two seatings one at 6:30 pm and the second at 9 pm. Silk Route is another great option as well as Dasaprakash, known for its south Indian cuisine.
Because we were only in Agra for one night (and not even 24 hours at that), we ended up having dinner and breakfast at Momo, the restaurant at the Marriott. We opted for the buffet both times but they also have an extensive a la carte menu.
We don’t normally do the buffet thing when we are traveling (other than breakfast) but the restaurant had endless options, including American and Indian cuisine, and we really enjoyed it. I recommend this restaurant even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Travel Tip: If you are visiting Agra as part of a longer itinerary of the Golden Triangle, then I recommend splurging on a great hotel in Jaipur.
Things To Do in Agra:
Agra Fort
If you’re doing the Golden Triangle route, you’ll find that Agra is a small city compared to Delhi and Jaipur. Spend one or two nights max here because there are only a handful of sites to see.
Obviously, Number one is the Taj Mahal. The other site that is definitely worth seeing is the Agra Fort. This site was the main residence for the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638 when they moved to Delhi. It is another great example of Islamic architecture in India.
If you have more time to explore, I recommend checking out the Baby Taj. For shopping, Sadar Bazaar is the most popular market to buy leather goods. Want to buy leather goods? Check out Munro Road at the Kinari Bazaar, the Gangotri Emporium, and the Shilapagram Crafts Village.
Finally, there is Sheroes’ Hangout, a hip, graffiti-filled café tucked away between trinket shops, opposite the Gateway Hotel on Fatehabad Road. It’s not the ambiance that makes this café special. It’s the mission behind the business. The café is entirely staffed by women who are survivors of horrific acid attacks in India. The café and exhibition space wants to raise awareness about this dreadful practice and give women the confidence to show themselves in public after being blemished.
I love when I discover local businesses like this that I can support and spread the word about. It reminds me that there is good in the world and stories like this are a big part of why I love to travel.
Are You Ready To Visit the Taj Mahal?
So, there you have it! Your complete travel guide for visiting the Taj Mahal. I hope my travel tips help you plan a great trip.
And if you’re interested in exploring other areas of India, make sure to check out the following:
7 Best Places to see in Tamil Nadu
The Golden Triangle Travel Guide
Happy travels and bon voyage!
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