A Visit to an Incredible Taj Mahal

Posted by Sumit Dahiya on February 1st, 2019

An epitome of love, the Taj Mahal is a fairytale defined in the bygone era. The most recognized monument of the country dates back to 1630 when it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The spectacular Taj sits on the banks of river Yamuna and is a white marble beauty which sees many a tourist from across the world every year. It is a star attraction of the Golden triangle tour India.

Before making a visit to this incredible monument, get hold of some of the basics about it.

Location

Taj is located in Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh which is approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) away from Delhi. It is a part of the popular Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Agra is from November to February when the weather is pleasant. During this time, one is also liable to get amazing off-season discounts. Avoid going there in summer months as it gets too hot.

When there, experience the beauty of Taj during dawn as the monuments appears to gradually alter its color in the changing light of the day. Its majesty is well reflected in the early hours and it is worth spending the sunrise there to witness its true enamor. Also, you will avoid the huge crowds which start coming later in the morning.

Getting There

Taj can be visited on a day trip from Delhi on Golden Triangle tour India. Agra is well connected by rail and road.

• The main railway station is Agra Cantt. Shatabdi Express services operate from Delhi, Varanasi, and cities in Rajasthan.
• From Delhi, Agra can be reached within three hours via Yamuna Expressway. It starts from Noida and a toll tax of 415 rupees per car for a one-way trip (665 rupees round trip) is payable.
• Volvo buses depart from Anand Vihar terminal in New Delhi every hour during the day.
• Otherwise, one can fly from major Indian cities.

 Opening Hours

Taj Mahal is open to the public from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Friday when it's closed for prayer.  It is also open for night viewing every full moon from 8.30 p.m. until 12.30 a.m and two days before and two days after the full moon. During the month of Ramadan, the night view is suspended.

Entry Fee and Information

The entry tickets cost for Indians is  50 rupees in cash and 45 rupees if one goes cashless. And for foreigners, the cash ticket costs 1,100 rupees, and 1,050 rupees cashless. Children younger than 15 years can enter free.

Night Viewing tickets are priced at 750 rupees for foreigners and 510 rupees for Indians, for half an hour’s admittance. Children aged three to 15 years must pay 500 rupees. These tickets must be purchased between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., one day in advance from the Archaeological Survey of India office on Mall Road.

Key Pointers

• Because of pollution, vehicles aren’t allowed with 500 meters of the monument.
• There are three entry gates of Taj viz. South, East and West.
• West gate is the main entry gate accessed by local Indian tourists and has long queues throughout the day.
• East gate is accessed by foreign tourists because of its proximity to popular hotels. It usually has fewer queues except for at sunrise when people flock there.
• Buses, cycle rickshaws, and golf carts are available for taking you around.
• The South gate is the least-used gate and doesn’t open until 8 am.
• Edibles, tobacco products, and electrical items are not allowed inside the monument.
• The luggage storage facility is available at the entry gates.
• Be wary of pocket picketers, touts, guides and beggars in and around the monument.

The splendor of the Taj Mahal cannot be explained in words. Its enigma is worth experiencing. Visit Taj to witness its beauty in all glory.