Taj Mahal attracts numerous tourists from around the world. It is one of the best and nearest tourist spots from Delhi. If you are planning to see the magnificent Taj Mahal, then the information shared here should come handy. This piece of writing includes the timings, entry fees and the best time to visit the monument as well as information about planning same day Agra tour.
Best Months to Visit Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal, Agra, located at a distance of around 230 km from Delhi, enjoys the same weather as the national capital. If you are planning a trip from Delhi to Agra then you should know what kind of weather to expect from the place. Agra, just as Delhi, is quite hot and humid during the summer months. Thus, it is suggested to avoid visiting the monument at this time. The ideal time to visit Taj Mahal is from October to March. However, you may avoid visiting the place during the month of January as it can get really foggy around this time.
Some people even prefer visiting the place between August and October as the beauty of the monument augments during the monsoon season. However, you may have a hard time traveling around the city due to heavy downpour.
Taj Mahal Timings
Taj Mahal is open for visitors from sunrise to sunset during the day time. So, ideally, it opens around 6 am and closes at 6:30 pm every day except Friday. During the night time it is open between 8:30 pm and 12:30 am. On Fridays, it is only open during the afternoon hours for Muslims to offer prayers.
A unique fact about this monument is that its color changes depending on the light it receives. For instance, during the morning hours, it appears pinkish, in the evening it looks milky white and in the moonlight, this magnificent edifice appears golden.
The beauty of Taj Mahal enhances manifolds during the night. Many people who visit the Taj during day time return at night to enjoy its beauty.
Taj Mahal Entry Fee
Taj Mahal entry ticket is different for the Indian nationals, foreigners and certain other categories of people. Here is a look at the ticket price:
- For Indian tourists, the ticket price is INR 50. INR 200 is to be paid in addition to it, to visit the main mausoleum.
- For SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens, the ticket price is INR 540. INR 200 is to be paid in addition to it, to visit the main mausoleum.
- For foreign tourists, the ticket price is high. It is priced at INR 1100. INR 200 needs to be paid in addition to it to visit the main mausoleum.
Purchasing the main mausoleum ticket isn’t mandatory if you aren’t planning to visit there. No entry fee is charged for children below 15 years. This holds good for both Indian and foreign tourists.
Taj Mahal Night Viewing Ticket Price
The ticket price for Taj Mahal night viewing is much higher. Tickets are priced at INR 510 for the Indian tourists and INR 750 for the foreign tourists. While the entry for children below 3 years is free, for those between 3 and 15 years of age it is INR 500.
One Day Agra Tour from delhi
One of the nearest tourist destinations from Delhi is Agra. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist spots set in close proximity to the National Capital Region. If you plan your trip strategically, you shall not only be able to visit Taj Mahal but also see the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri which are the other two major tourist attractions here.
Start Early
Now, if you plan to visit all three monuments, you should begin your journey early morning. 5 in the morning should be the ideal time to leave your place. The Yamuna Expressway that connects the National Capital Region to Agra has eased traveling and reduced the traveling time. You should reach Agra within 5 hours even if you halt for quick breakfast.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri lies at a distance of around 40 km from Agra. It comes on the way as you head to the City of Taj. This is a major attraction for the tourists visiting Agra. Your trip to Agra shall remain incomplete if you do not visit this place.
Fatehpur Sikri is a walled city built by Mughal emperor, Akbar. It encompasses royal palaces, private quarters, mosque, harem courts, and many other buildings. The city boasts of beautiful architecture. It takes around an hour and a half to roam around the city. It is best to take a guided tour of Sikri.
Visit Taj Mahal
Next, you should head to Taj Mahal. The monument built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal is a visual delight. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the magnificent edifice as you take a round of the Taj complex. There are several interesting facts attached to this beautiful monument. It is suggested to hire a guide to know the secrets of this place and make the most of your visit.
Check out the Agra Fort
By the time you finish taking a round of the Taj Mahal, it may be time for lunch. Have a quick lunch and head straight to the Agra Fort. This lavish fort served as a residence for the Mughal emperors in the 17th century. Made of red sandstone, this fort displays the architectural magnificence of the Mughal era. It is spread across a vast area and encompasses various structures including the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Nagina Masjid, Shish Mahal, Mausamman Burj, and Anguri Bagh.
The fort is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day and it takes around two hours to take a round of the entire fort. The ticket price for Indian tourists is INR 35 and for foreign tourists, it is INR 550. There is no fee for children below the age of 15 years.
Enroute Delhi
After seeing the Agra Fort, you may head back to Delhi. However, do not forget to stop by at a good restaurant in Agra to have some mouth-watering Mughlai food.
We hope the information shared here helped you plan your trip better. Do tell us about your experience of visiting the beautiful City of Taj!