The NYC Traveler in India: Visit the Taj Mahal
Updated: Feb 17
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Check for the latest methods for obtaining a visa to India
Visit the Taj Mahal
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Prior to visiting 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 you need to know:
1. It's 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.
If you go early or if you are there before closing, there will be fewer people for your dream photo
2. The 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
3. Inside the actual area with the tombs, photos are not permitted.
Also, shoes are not permitted but there are shoe covers available
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 are starstruck as they pass through and see their first view of the Taj Mahal.
5. Also on the grounds are two almost twin outlying buildings (a mosque and guesthouse) and the famous pool.
Outlying Building
6. Many people visit with tours, which is strongly advised. 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.
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.
Early morning
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.
9. See this page for what is not permitted.
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.
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Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 if the copyright act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. This article is my personal opinion. I am a travel agent. I am an Amazon Associate. The NYC Traveler Blog MC Photo MC Photo & Travel YouTube Channel