The Taj Mahal is a stunning symbol of India’s history and architectural brilliance. Emperor Shah Jahan built it to honor his wife Mumtaz Mahal after she died. Work on the Taj Mahal started in 1632 and finished in 1653. It is located in Agra, India. People around the world admire it for its incredible beauty and detailed design.
This building is an excellent example of Mughal architecture, mixing styles from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian traditions. More than just a beautiful structure, the Taj Mahal shows Shah Jahan’s deep love for his wife and highlights the artistic and scientific advancements during the Mughal Empire’s most successful period.
Taj Mahal Timings & Entry Fees
Timings for day visits: 5:00 AM – 6:30 PM
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed / Holiday |
| Saturday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Sunday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
The Taj Mahal’s visiting hours are from 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM, which gives tourists plenty of time to see its beauty. During these long hours, you can see the amazing architecture and detailed carvings in the sunlight. The white marble changes color as the day goes on, which is great for photos.
If you love photography, this is an excellent time to snap some beautiful pictures of the Taj Mahal with a blue sky or the evening light. Make sure you spend enough time there to take in everything this World Heritage Site offers.
Timings for night view: 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Night visits to the Taj Mahal are something special. They happen from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM. You can go on the night of a full moon, and the two nights before and after it. Just remember, it’s closed on Fridays and during Ramadan.
At night, the Taj Mahal is quiet and lit by the moon, showing off its fantastic design. It’s less crowded, too, so you can enjoy it without the hustle and bustle of daytime. These night viewings are carefully planned to keep the place peaceful and beautiful, letting you see the Taj Mahal in a truly magical way.
Entry fees
| Tourist Type | Amount (Rs.) (Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees) |
|---|---|
| Domestic/Indian | 50/- + 200/- Additional for visiting main mausoleum (Optional) |
| Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries | 540/- + 200/- Additional for visiting main mausoleum (Optional) |
| Foreign tourist | 1100/- + 200/- Additional for visiting main mausoleum (Optional) |
| Entry Below (Children Below Age 15) | Free |
Entry fees for the Taj Mahal depend on where you’re from, with foreign tourists paying more than Indian visitors. Besides the primary ticket, you can buy an extra one to see the main mausoleum up close. This is where you can really appreciate the detailed artwork inside. You need this extra ticket to get into the most memorable part of the Taj Mahal, not just the gardens and smaller buildings around it.
Also, you can visit the Taj Mahal at night on five specific nights each month. It looks really magical under the moonlight. But remember, there are few night tickets available and they might be cancelled if the weather is terrible.
Indian tourists: INR 50
The entry fee for Indian visitors to the Taj Mahal is INR 50. This fee doesn’t include entry to the main mausoleum; you’ll need to pay more for that. This pricing helps more Indian tourists visit while keeping the place well-maintained.
Your ticket gets you into the gardens and outer courtyards of the Taj. These areas are worth seeing and give you a good feel for the whole complex. It’s a great way to experience the beauty and history of this famous site, all kept in excellent condition for everyone to enjoy.
SAARC/BIMSTEC countries: INR 540
Visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries need to pay INR 540 to enter the Taj Mahal. This charge helps balance the needs of tourists from nearby countries with the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With this ticket, you can explore the beautiful architecture of the Taj Mahal, its gardens, and nearby buildings. Just remember, if you want to go inside the main mausoleum, it costs an extra INR 200. This is optional.
Foreign tourists: INR 1100
SAARC and BIMSTEC nationals pay different entry fees, but most foreign tourists pay INR 1100 to visit the Taj Mahal. This ticket gives you access to the whole site, including the famous white marble tomb, the gardens, and nearby buildings like the mosque and the guest house. This money helps keep the Taj Mahal looking good. It goes towards its upkeep and repairs, ensuring it stays beautiful for future visitors.
You can walk around and see the incredible design and learn about its history. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of the rich culture and skilled craftsmanship of Mughal architecture in India. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Children (3-15 years): INR 500
Children aged 3 to 15 must pay INR 500 to see the Taj Mahal at night. This fee helps manage the number of visitors at night and keeps the place in good shape.
Usually, kids under 15 can visit for free during the day, but the night visit costs extra. This is because it costs more to open up the place after hours. Going at night lets families see the Taj Mahal in a quiet, less busy setting. It’s a unique way to see it under the moonlight.
How to Reach the Taj Mahal
By air: nearest airport is Agra’s Kheria Airport
The nearest airport to the Taj Mahal is Agra’s Kheria Airport, just 13 kilometers away. It’s a domestic airport with regular flights connecting Agra to other parts of India.
Once you land, getting to the Taj Mahal is easy. You can grab a taxi or an auto-rickshaw and you’ll be there in no time.
Kheria Airport is really convenient for travelers flying in. It’s close to the Taj Mahal and other big sights in Agra, too. This makes it the best spot to start if you’re looking to check out the city’s famous spots quickly.
By train: nearest railway station is Agra Cantonment
Agra Cantonment station is your best pick for visiting the Taj Mahal if you’re coming by train. It’s about 6 kilometers away from the monument. This station connects to big cities across India with lots of train options. You can catch luxury trains like the Palace on Wheels or fast ones like the Shatabdi, Gatimaan, and Rajdhani. They make sure your trip is smooth and quick.
You’ll find plenty of ways to get to the Taj Mahal right outside when you get to the station. You can hop in a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or a cycle-rickshaw. These rides are affordable and straightforward, taking you straight to the Taj without any fuss.
By road: Agra is well connected to major cities in India via highways
Traveling by road is a great way to get to the Taj Mahal. Agra has good road connections with major cities in India. Key routes include the Yamuna Expressway, which lets you drive from Delhi to Agra in less than three hours.
There’s also the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, which improves the connection between Agra and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Plus, National Highway 19 connects Agra to cities like Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Kolkata in the east, and Delhi in the northwest. You’ll find regular buses going to Agra too. Both government and private companies run these buses, so getting there by road is pretty straightforward and a good choice if you plan to visit this famous monument.
Conclusion
Visiting the Taj Mahal is a chance to see the best of Mughal architecture and a symbol of eternal love. This famous building shows India’s rich history and culture and wows with its beautiful marble and detailed designs.
Whether you love history, art, or just want to see something beautiful, the Taj Mahal will leave you amazed. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of it. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to go. You’ll beat the crowds and see the marble change colors with the light. It’s truly magical.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.