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Top Tips to Visit the Taj Mahal in India
Prior to visiting the Taj Mahal India from the USA, you will need a visa. See our article.
For a general idea of what to do in Agra and Jaipur, see this article.
If you do a search of "top places to visit in India," the city of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, almost always comes to the top of official lists and personal opinion blogs. The reason: the Taj Mahal. Here's what a savvy traveler needs to know and the top tips to visit the Taj Mahal.
Top Tip 1. The Taj Mahal in India is a mausoleum. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Majal, who died in childbirth of her 14th child. The entire complex was completed around 1648. Mumtaz was allegedly the love of the Shah's life, beautiful, adored and respected. Savvy travelers: please have respect for the tomb.
If you go early or if you are there before closing, there will be fewer people for your dream photo (another savvy top tip to visit the Taj Mahal in India).
Top Tip 2. The Taj Mahal, mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 1983, most notably for its beauty in Muslim art. The site was also listed on the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Get creative with still photography; video cameras might not be permitted
Top Tip 3. The most important savvy traveler top tip for visiting the Taj Mahal in India is to know that photos are not permitted inside the actual burial area.
Also, shoes are not permitted but there are shoe covers available
Top Tip 4. The grounds include a magnificent gateway (the great gate), which is so impressive that you may have a slight traffic jam as people first stop to admire the gateway and then become starstruck as they pass through and see their first view of the Taj Mahal in India.
Top Tip 5. You may be surprised to know that another one of our savvy traveler top tips is that also on the grounds are two almost twin outlying buildings (a mosque and guesthouse) and the famous pool.
Outlying Building
Top Tip 6. Many people visit with tours, which is strongly advised (even for DYI savvy travelers). Your tour guide will give you all the historic and fun facts. You guide will also get you through the line to the bag check a little quicker. Also, the walk down the street leading to the site is filled with vendors and people asking for money, some quite aggressively. Extra Special Savvy Traveler Top Tip to visit the Taj Mahal in India: Be very careful and protect your valuables. Put your camera inside your bag before you leave the grounds to walk back to your transportation.
Top Tip 7. Plan to go special times: sunrise, sunset or a nice moon make for a memorable visit. Don't discount the rain, which may be accompanied by a mysterious fog. Check the official website for the schedule and other top tips to visit the Taj Mahal in India.
Top Tip 8. You can hire an approved photographer, which is highly advised. They are outside of the site and have ID to show they are official, so that you won't be scammed. And you can get a nice portrait that isn't a selfie. If they can't get the photo to you at your hotel, make sure you get the information about how to get a print or digital download.
Top Tip 9. See this page for what is not permitted. It may change, so be a savvy traveler and check just before you go.
Top Tip 10. Look for the special schedule during the month when the moon is full and the two days prior and after.
For more information, including current admission information, visit the official website at https://tajmahal.gov.in.
Happy Travels!
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