Taj Mahal

Introduction

Taj Mahal 2

© becky1284

India's most famous attraction, the Taj Mahal, is a mausoleum in Agra that was constructed under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died after giving birth to their son. The Taj Mahal (or simply "Taj") is considered to be the world's finest example of Mughal architecture and was recently voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Be sure to see this amazing site both in the morning and the evening.

Opening Hours

The Taj Mahal grounds are open every day from 6:00am to 7:30pm, except on Fridays when it's closed for prayer. It is also open for night viewing when there's a full moon and the two days before and after (unless one of those days falls on a Friday or Ramadan).

Cost

There is an entry cost of Rs 750 for foreigners. You can get a much lower Rs 20 entrance fee if you are Indian, have a People of Indian Origin (PIO) card or are a national from the regional South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation. ^[1]

If you want to get a guide, that will cost extra.

To buy tickets, you can go to the south gate, but this gate is 1 kilometre away of the entrance and the counter open at 08:00. At the west and east gate, the counter open at 06:00. Alongside the ticket counter, you can also purchase a self-guided audio tour (allows two to a device) for ₹100 in English and foreign languages and ₹60 for Indian languages.

Getting There

By Train

Agra is a major railway station and trains are available from Agra to almost all the major cities of India. Fast trains (including the luxurious Shatabdi Express) are available between Delhi and Agra and the distance can be covered in around 3 hours. Agra has two major stations, namely Agra Cantt and Agra Fort, visitors should check the departure station printed on the ticket to avoid any confusion.

By Car

Taxis are easily available from Delhi/Jaipur and the quality of road on Agra-Delhi section is excellent. However, the distances are further than people expect so allow about four hours for the journey by car from Delhi.

By Bus

State transport buses and also private buses regularly ply between Agra and the nearby cities.

Eat/Drink

Eating and smoking is strictly prohibited inside the Taj Mahal complex. Alcohol is not allowed. You are allowed to carry a water bottle inside the monument. Shoe covers, 1/2 litre water bottle and Tourist Guide Map of Agra are provided free with the foreigner's entry ticket for the Taj Mahal

Sleep

External Links