5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TAJ MAHAL TOUR

Posted by Vue India on November 22nd, 2019

No matter how eloquent one is when it comes to describe visuals into words, standing in the awe of the Taj Mahal casts such a spell that you end up being completely speechless.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz. In fact, the marble marvel was built on the tomb of Mumtaz. This romantic story makes your Taj Mahal tour even more special.

It took around 20,000 workers and more than 22 years to finish this majestic structure that entices travellers from around the world.

WHERE IS TAJ MAHAL

Caressed by the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is situated in Agra. The city is around 200km from Delhi and is one of the major stops in the Golden Triangle tour of India. Those who come to India for the first time often pick this heritage tour package.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

If you are thinking about the time of the day that’s best for visiting the Taj Mahal, get up early and head there before the sunrise. The rising sun’s golden glow glistens off the minars and presents a spectacular sight. The scene is completely different at sunset as there is too many visitors and the experience is definitely not as personal and enjoyable.

If you’re thinking about what time of the year you should go to India to check out this piece of wonder, the months between November and February are the best.

HOW TO GET THERE

As Agra is quite close to Delhi, visiting the Taj Mahal is just a 3-4 hours drive. You can see the Taj, spend the day at Agra and return to Delhi by the night. The Yamuna Expressway from Delhi is one of the finest roads in India and many buses and private cars ply between Delhi and Agra.

You can also take the morning train from Delhi to the Agra Cantt railway station. There are many trains that connect the two cities. The fastest one (also cleaner than other trains) being the super-fast Shatabdi Express, which connects Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.

The Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport is the city airport for Agra. Daily flights fly to and from all major cities in India.

WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T CARRY INSIDE

Being one of the wonders of the world comes with some measures of security. There are checkpoints at the entrances and all bags are scanned and visitors are searched with metal detectors. Large bags are not allowed inside and only purses and small bags are allowed only if authorities deem fit. One can only carry one cell phone, a camera (chargeable), and one bottle per person. No edibles, tobacco products, matches, lighters, phone chargers, headphones, iPads, torches, knives, or camera tripods are allowed inside. There is a luggage storage facility at the entry gate.

FESTIVALS DEDICATED TO THE TAJ MAHAL

Each year from 18^th to 27^th February, the Taj Mahotsav takes place. There are arts and crafts exhibitions, cultural events, recreational performances of the Mughal Era and the inaugural procession with elephants, camels, drummers and participants from across the country.

Read more: Top 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites in India 

WHAT MAY COME IN YOUR WAY

In one word – the crowd! The city of Agra is quite welcoming and friendly and the crowded roads are not an issue. However, the overwhelming number of visitors crowd up the Taj Mahal except for the early hours. Be aware of beggars and touts. Don’t indulge in discount offers or free taxi rides. Only consult with government-authorized tour guides and sellers.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SKIP THE CROWD

Witnessing the Taj Mahal at sunrise or sunsets can be done easily from the other side of the river at Mehtab Bagh,a 25-acre Mughal garden complex opposite the white monument. You may also find boatmen who take visitors along the river to see the Taj Mahal from a unique point of view.

Some luxury hotels on the southern side of the Taj Mahal offer a great view of the monument from their rooms or rooftops.

If you are looking for a unique experience of the Taj Mahal or the city of Agra, feel free to get in touch with us. We’d be glad to offer you an exclusive Taj Mahal tour customized to your convenience.