There are monuments, and then there is the Taj Mahal. No description fully prepares you for the moment you pass through the Great Gate and the ivory-white dome appears before you. It is, quite simply, one of the most breathtaking things ever built by human hands.
Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and India’s most visited monument.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go – the history, the best times to visit, practical entry information, and how to get there from Delhi.
The Story Behind the Taj Mahal
Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 during the birth of her fourteenth child. Shah Jahan, who was said to be inconsolable with grief, commissioned what he described as ‘a teardrop on the cheek of time.’
Construction began in 1632 and took approximately 21 years to complete. More than 20,000 craftsmen and artisans worked on the building, and materials were sourced from across Asia and beyond: white Makrana marble from Rajasthan, jade from China, crystal from China, turquoise from Tibet, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, sapphire from Sri Lanka.
The result is a building of extraordinary precision and beauty. The main dome stands 73 metres tall. The four minarets lean slightly outward so that in the event of an earthquake, they would fall away from the central tomb. Every surface is covered in intricate floral inlay work using 28 types of precious and semi-precious stone.
Shah Jahan was later imprisoned by his own son, Aurangzeb, in Agra Fort. According to history, he spent his final years looking across the Yamuna River at the Taj Mahal from his cell.
Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal
Sunrise is the single best time to visit the Taj Mahal. The gates open at sunrise, the crowds are thinnest in the first hour, and the quality of light – particularly in autumn and winter – turns the white marble a deep, warm pink and gold. Luxigo Tours also offers the Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour, you can opt it for experiencing the sunrise at Taj Mahal.
Sunset is the second best time. The marble glows in the golden hour light and the angle of the sun creates beautiful shadows on the inlay work.
Avoid midday visits, particularly in summer, when the heat is intense and the monument is at its most crowded.
Note: The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday.
Entry Fees and Tickets
Entry fees as of 2026:Indian nationals: ₹50Foreign tourists: ₹1,300 (includes ₹200 maintenance fee)SAARC and BIMSTEC nationals: ₹740
Entry to the main mausoleum requires a separate additional fee of ₹200 for all visitors.
Tickets can be booked online at the Archaeological Survey of India website (asi.nic.in) or purchased at the entrance. Online booking is strongly recommended during peak season to avoid queues.
Getting to the Taj Mahal from Delhi
Agra is approximately 230 kilometres from Delhi. There are three main ways to make the journey:
By road: The Yamuna Expressway makes the Delhi to Agra drive extremely comfortable. The journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours by car and is one of India’s most scenic and easy highway drives.
By train: The Gatimaan Express is the fastest option (1 hour 40 minutes). The Shatabdi Express takes around 2 hours. Trains depart from Hazrat Nizamuddin station in Delhi.
By road with a return same day: This is the most popular option for travellers based in Delhi. Leaving Delhi at 5–6am gets you to the Taj Mahal for sunrise, gives you a full day in Agra, and returns you to Delhi in the evening.
For a hassle-free same-day Taj Mahal trip from Delhi with a private car and experienced driver, Travel Agency in Delhi like Luxigo Tours offers a dedicated Same Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car from Delhi
What to See Inside the Taj Mahal Complex
The Taj Mahal complex is larger than most visitors expect. Beyond the main mausoleum, don’t miss:
The Great Gate (Darwaza-i-Rauza): The impressive main entrance arch, decorated with Quranic inscriptions and pietra dura inlay work.
The Mosque: The red sandstone mosque to the west of the main mausoleum is fully functional and open to visitors.
The Guest House: A mirror image of the mosque on the east side, built purely for symmetry.
The gardens: The Charbagh (four-quarter garden) is one of the finest examples of Mughal garden design, with the reflecting pool providing the classic mirror image view.
Allow a minimum of 2–3 hours inside the complex.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Carry only a small bag – large bags are not permitted inside. Shoes must be removed before entering the main mausoleum. Shoe covers are provided. Drones and tripods are not permitted. Professional photography equipment requires a separate permit. Drinking water is available inside the complex. The nearest ATM is outside the main gates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I visit the Taj Mahal and return to Delhi in one day?
A: Yes – a same-day trip from Delhi is perfectly achievable. Leave by 5–6am and you can be back in Delhi by 7–8pm.
Q: Is the Taj Mahal open at night?
A: Yes – the Taj Mahal opens for night viewing on the five nights around the full moon each month. Separate tickets are required.
Q: How far is the Taj Mahal from Agra city centre?
A: About 2 kilometres – a 10-minute auto ride from most Agra hotels.
