Top Tips to Visit the Taj Mahal in India
- May 7
- 5 min read
Updated: May 22
Check for the latest methods for obtaining a visa to India
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. 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. See this page for 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.
For more information, including current admission information, visit the official website at https://tajmahal.gov.in.
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