19. Mai 2023
Keine Kommentare
Welcome to Jaipur, a city of colors, culture, and history! Located in the state of Rajasthan in northern India, Jaipur is a must-visit destination for
A Guide to Visiting the Taj Mahal: 7 Tips and Tricks for Your Trip
Are you ready to embark on a journey to one of the most beautiful wonders of the world? If you are planning a trip to India, then you must add the Taj Mahal to your itinerary. This breathtaking mausoleum is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and is the epitome of Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal is an ode to love and a tribute to a great queen, Mumtaz Mahal. In this article, we will take you through the rich history, architecture, and culture of the Taj Mahal while also giving you tips for the best visiting experience.
Jump to...
1. How to get to Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, in the federal state of Uttar Pradesh. It’s a 4-hour drive from Delhi and about the same time going to Jaipur. Of course, there are trains from Delhi as well, which are supposed to take around 5 hours but we didn’t make any experience with that. Agra was the last stop of our journey through Rajasthan, you can read more about it here!
In Agra, your driver will probably drop you off outside Kinari Bazar as the streets are too narrow for cars. You have to take a Tuk-Tuk for some Rupiahs to go to your hotel or to go directly to the entrance of the Taj Mahal.
2. Where to Stay
Many travel blogs recommend staying at Joey’s Hostel in Agra. That’s why we decided to stay there as well. We paid 11€ per person for one night. And yes, the location is perfect for visiting the Taj Mahal. You only have to walk around 5 minutes to arrive at the East Gate. But: the rooms and the hostel aren’t worth it. The rooms were very dirty, they smelled moldy and smokey.
Also, you can just go to a restaurant right next to Joey’s to have the same view from the rooftop terrace. We can recommend going to Chia Taj View Cafe for sunset. We didn’t stay somewhere else in Agra, so, unfortunately, we don’t have other hotel recommendations. But you should definitely check out some other hotel options which are close to Joey’s: because the location is the best! These hotels seem to be good regarding the reviews (but they’re all further away from the Taj Mahal than Joey’s): Anukampa Paying Guest House, The Orchid Retreat, Aman Homestay, or Coral Country Homestay.
3. Basics
Before we dip into all tips and tricks, here’s a short overview of the most important details of the history, architecture, and culture of the Taj Mahal.
3.1 History
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, in 1632, as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of the Taj Mahal took over 20 years and employed over 20,000 workers. The mausoleum is made entirely of white marble, which was brought in from Rajasthan, and it is adorned with intricate carvings and precious stones. The Taj Mahal was completed in 1653 and stands as a symbol of love, beauty, and grandeur.
3.2 Architecture
The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The mausoleum is built in the Persian style, and its design is based on symmetry and balance. The Taj Mahal is made up of several elements, including the main gateway, the gardens, the mosque, and the mausoleum itself. The main gateway is a grand structure made of red sandstone, and it serves as an entrance to the Taj Mahal.
The gardens are known as the Charbagh, which means „four gardens,“ and they are divided into four quadrants by water channels. The mosque and the guest house are identical structures made of red sandstone, and they are located on either side of the mausoleum. The mausoleum is the heart of the Taj Mahal and is the final resting place of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.
3.3 Culture
The Taj Mahal is not just a mausoleum; it is a symbol of Indian culture and heritage. The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors every year, and it is a testament to the rich history and culture of India. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is considered a masterpiece of Islamic art. The Taj Mahal has also been featured in several films and is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. The Taj Mahal represents the best of Indian craftsmanship and architecture, and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian culture
4. Tips for Visiting
You probably already heard many tips about visiting the Taj Mahal. We summed up our most important tips here. Before getting to the real tips: the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday, so plan your trip on another day!
4.1 Getting up early
The best tip we can give is definitely to arrive early. The monument opens at sunrise and it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and to get the best views. Also, the temperature is lower which makes a huge difference when the temperature can get up to 40-50 degrees Celsius in April!
Luckily, we were among the first ones to go in at the East Gate. Just 15 minutes later, it was more crowded and we couldn’t take the best pictures (without people on it!) anymore.
4.2 Book your Tickets in Advance
The Taj Mahal is a popular tourist attraction and tickets can sell out quickly. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment. Also, you don’t have to care about buying tickets at 5.30 am in the morning while you’re still sleepy. Tickets are 1.100 Indian Rupiahs which is around 12,50€/14$, so don’t be fooled as „guides“ may tell you something different.
Actually, we had some problems buying the tickets online as the website wasn’t working properly. Luckily, the owner of a cafe helped us booking it for the next day!
4.3 Visit during the off-season
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during the off-season (April to September) when the crowds are smaller and the weather is more pleasant. But nevertheless, check the weather forecast as April for example, is the hottest month of the year.
4.4 Dress appropriately
Respect the culture and customs by dressing modestly and removing your shoes before entering the main mausoleum. In addition, wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you’ll be walking and standing for an extended period of time.
4.5 Bring water
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. You can also purchase water and other refreshments at nearby shops. Please, don’t litter and throw your empty bottles in the trash bins.
4.6 Bring your camera
Last but not least: don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning beauty of the Taj Mahal. But be aware that tripods and professional equipment are not allowed inside.
4.7 Optional: Hire a Guide
Consider hiring a guide to learn more about the history and significance of the monument. They can also help navigate the crowds and provide tips for the best photo spots. There are a lot of shady operators, so if you want to hire a guide, make sure that your guide is licensed. Ask at your hotel in advance for the average prices for a guided tour.
5. Conclusion
Visiting the Taj Mahal was an unforgettable experience. From the rich history and beautiful architecture to the local culture and customs, the Taj Mahal is a must-visit destination for any traveler. With these tips, you can make the most out of your visit to this incredible monument. Being the first ones just before sunset is definitely a game-changer. Of course, it can be tough getting up early but it’s totally worth it!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Newest
Blogging costs time and money. Do you want to value our work? We appreciate a tip in our virtual coffee fund at PayPal, so we can keep our website running.
Are you planning a trip?!
Then these platforms might help you. We use them for all our travels and if you use them, too by clicking the link we earn a small fee. Yet, you don’t pay extra, but we can keep this site running. Win-win!
Pinterest
Facebook
WhatsApp
More Adventures in India
18. Mai 2023
Keine Kommentare
Welcome to the majestic state of Rajasthan, where history, culture, and architectural wonders come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. This itinerary will take
16. Mai 2023
Keine Kommentare
Ready to dive into a melting pot with millions of inhibtants and countless impressions? Then, get ready to explore India’s buzzing capital Delhi. We’ve got