Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, India

The Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is one of India's most iconic tourist attractions. Built between 1631 and 1648, the Taj is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although open year round, the most pleasant time to visit the Taj is during the cool season from mid-October to mid-March.

1. Go Early, But Not Too Early

Many tourists attempt to see the Taj at sunrise. It's best to arrive early in order to enjoy the view before the site is swarmed with tour bus groups and clouded in Agra's haze of air pollution, but there isn't any need to arrive when it's still dark. The sun rises slowly, and if you show up at 4 or 5 a.m. in the hopes of getting that perfect sunrise view, you will be standing around for hours as the sun inches up over the horizon. In the winter months, aim to arrive by 7 or 8 a.m. to get a good view and avoid the crowds.

2. Bring Enough Cash

Visiting the Taj Mahal is not cheap, unless you're an Indian national or can pass as an Indian to get the locally priced ticket instead of the foreigner ticket. Expect to pay at least US $20 for admission depending on current ticket prices.

3. Enjoy the View from Across the Yamuna River

After seeing the Taj from inside the palace grounds, take a rickshaw to the 'back side' to view it from across the Yamuna. Here you're likely to find more buffalo than tourists and you can actually take photos without having two dozen people walk in front of your camera.

4. Avoid Buying Marble Unless You Really Want It

Chances are you'll be offered a tour of a marble shop or be asked if you'd like to purchase tiny marble Taj Mahal replicas or intricate marble table tops. The work is exquisite and may seem like a great idea at the time, but marble souvenirs are heavy and expensive to ship home. If you do want to pick up some marble, decide beforehand what you're looking for and what your budget is. Do you want a small marble jewelry box, a chessboard or a set of coasters? Don't feel pressured to buy once you start haggling. If the price is too much for you or you decide you don't feel like lugging that marble chess set back to Delhi, just say no thanks.

5. Stay in the Suburbs

If you decide to spend the night in Agra rather than making it a long day trip from Delhi, consider staying in the suburbs. Most of the hotels surrounding the Taj Mahal are cheapies, and while they may have excellent rooftop views, hygiene practices and food safety can be questionable. City din can also prevent any chance of getting shut-eye for light sleepers.

You can get rickshaws to the Taj at almost any hour from hotels located throughout the city, so if you're looking for something a bit more comfortable choose a hotel in a suburban area where the noise and pollution levels are lower. One inexpensive and fairly quiet place to stay in Agra is Tourist Rest House.

Sources:

Taj Mahal: UNESCO World Heritage Center