Top Tips to Visit the Taj Mahal in India
- Nov 9, 2025
- 9 min read
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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.
To say that visiting the Taj Mahal in India is on the bucket list of many world travelers is an understatement. The journey, the mystique, the purpose, the location, the beauty, the tranquility, the rustic nature of that part of the world (I don't like to say third world), the rest of the trip, everything is just appealing, even getting there. Depending on your point of origin, just getting there can be an adventure.
We started our journey long before we left from John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York City. You don't just show up at the Taj Mahal when you're coming from 7440 miles (11, 975 km) away. First, even before we booked a flight, we had to have someplace to stay.
Actually, let's go back a step. Planning a trip to the Taj Mahal means planning a trip to Agra, which means planning a trip to Uttar Pradesh which means planning a trip to India. You don't go to India just to see the Taj Mahal, so you need to think of what else you're going to do. And if you're going to travel to India, literally to another continent, mayvbe you'll go to more than one city or state. India has 28 states (and 8 union territories), there's something to see in each state. However, we narrowed our itinerary down to 3 states and stuck to the traditional sights. It was our first time to India, so we wanted to explore some of the places we had seen down through the years.
Parts of India are best explored with a guide the first time you visit, if you are not accustomed to the territory, the culture and the basic daily life. When we explore Europe, the similarity to New York and the rest of the US helps us to organize our own excursions and book our own activities. In fact, we have only stayed in traditional hotels about 3 times, we're that comfortable staying in residential areas and making our way through the cities. We often book more than one country, going across Europe by train or local airlines, zipping through like locals (except for immigration, of course, LOL).
But this was my first time going to India (my first time in Asia, actually). I didn't think my journeys into different neighborhoods throughout the New York City area prepared me for navigating the streets of Agra and Jaipur (New Delhi was different). I watched not only amateur videos, but mostly the pros, just to get an idea. Public transportation exists, which is great. Walking around and exploring takes planning, not to mention that some hotels and resorts are not within walking distance of excursions anyway.
The next step was find a hotel. In both cities there were hotels brands with which we were familiar. We chose one brand that was known around the world and one brand that was known as an American brand. There were several reasons for this: we could get food late at night and we could relax in the hotel restaurant after returning from a day out, both of them offered a complimentary breakfast and there was a bar and lounge so that we can get drinks (alcoholic or not, including a nice cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate). We also liked to socialize with each other reflect upon the day and share photos and videos. The two hotels had fitness rooms, pools, spas, boutiques and concierges.
Now that we have a hotel, we have an address where we are staying, which you need for the visa. At this point, you can get an airline ticket, perhaps piggy-backing on other parts of your itinerary. For example, we went to Dubai first for a couple of days and just stayed in Dubai over night on the return trip, to break up the long flight. Others may want to book layovers or connections in other cities. Your choice.
Meanwhile, start the visa process as soon as possible. There are two methods: the traditional and the e-visa process. See our blog article here.
Now that we are finally on our way, we narrowed down the itinerary in both cities After doing our research, we mapped out plans with travel guides in both Agra and Jaipur. And this was a lifesaver and not as expensive as one would think. The guides planned both some touristy activities and some places off the beaten track so that we could experience the culture in reality. The guides picked us up in a van each day, with a driver, arranged the tickets and actually guided us around the places, we did not use the tour guides at each location. We were concerned about them getting a break, so we convinced a them to leave us for lunch at a restaurant or a tour at a store and to pick us up later. Also, the guides were great at planning a day that did not begin too early or end very late so that we could not enjoy the activities at the hotel. At the fact that all of the activities were there in the city saved some time. Again, since we wanted to explore those cities, we saved the farther excursions for another trip.
If you don't have a travel guide or even an itinerary lined up when you arrive at your hotel, talk to the hotel concierge. It is best to book a travel guide in advance, but you can always book a car to take you to the sights and to restaurants. The NYC Traveler Tip for Your Trip: buy a digital guide book and have it downloaded on your phone or tablet, pick up travel guides at the airport and talk with the concierge. Traveling spontaneously is a nice idea, but one should always have a loose plan when traveling (like seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra, for example).
We landed in New Delhi and went to the farthest point first: Agra. We hired a van to take us. It was big enough for us, with our luggage riding along on top. Prepare yourself: it's a road trip, at least 4 hours. Since it was getting late, the driver did not stop for a rest stop (and this was a van, not a coach bus, so there was no restroom aboard). We did have a rest stop for the return trip, but we were coming from Jaipur.
Once we arrived in Agra, there really was no issue about getting around because we used a travel guide. But it is good to know that there are metro systems (trains) in Jaipur and Agra. Some sights you want to see may not be within walking distance of where you want to go. You would have to take surface transit to complete your trip. And the systems in both cities are will expanding, which is very nice. There are also buses and auto-rickshaws, the latter of which should be experienced at least once so that you can say that you did!
So, I guess you know by now that 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 with her 14th child. The entire complex was completed around 1648. Mumtaz was allegedly the love of the Shah's life: beautiful, adored and respected. 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.
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 top tip for visiting the Taj Mahal in India is to know that photos are not permitted inside the actual burial area. You'll have to rely on your memory about the actual inside tomb. But respectfully document the rest of the property. And, don't forget the view of the Yamuna River behind the main building.
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. Some want to take photos right then and there. However, grab you first photo and then move inside the gate. There will be plenty of areas right in front of the Taj Mahal further inside the gate to get that photo head on. Then, move to either side and get some interesting angles, including stooping low, if you can, to get an upwards angle.
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. Read about them (or hear your tour guide, if you have one) and then get their photos, too.
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. Some vendors and/or those who are actually begging may grab at you trying to touch you.
Extra Special Savvy Traveler Top Tip to visit the Taj Mahal in India: Be very careful and protect your valuables. Hold onto your bag very tightly. Unless you are familiar with the area (not just the country), this is the time to have a tour guide. Not just a guide who will meet you at the gate but one who will pick you up from your hotel with transportation and stay with you the entire time you are at this excursion. 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. Nature helps to make this location extremely beautiful in all situations and lighting. If you are shooting with your phone, learn what it can do for photos. Learn the settings and don't depend solely on the automatic setting. 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. In fact, ask your hotel concierge about getting an approved photographer.
Top Tip 9. There are some rules and regulations, so check the page for the Taj Mahal to see what is and what is not permitted. It may change, so be a savvy traveler and check just before you go. This includes an actual video camera and tripods. Still cameras and phones are permitted, but ask about the rules at night. It's best to take the smallest camera. There are plenty who have good quality sensors for professional photos. Also, be careful about having a long zoom lens. You can move around the inside area, so huge lens is not really necessary, nor are several lenses, honestly. Just move closer if you need to zoom in or move back if you want a wide shot.
Top Tip 10. Look for the special schedule during the month when the moon is full and the two days prior and after. And then check the weather. If the sky is clear and the moon is full and at the right area around the Taj Mahal, the view will be amazing.
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