The Taj Mahal is arguably one of the most loved travel destinations in the world. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the white wonder is a striking structure loved by everyone who has ever paid a visit. Its sparkling marble surface is the epitome of beauty and architectural excellence. So, it’s no surprise that more than 2.5 million globetrotters come to see the Taj Mahal yearly.
If you have not been on a Taj Mahal tour before, what are you waiting for? We have mentioned all the important information about the mesmerizing landmark below to help you get the insights you may need for a fulfilling experience. Peruse, and plan a trip soon!
Why Visit the Taj Mahal?
While the magical splendor and unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal are reason enough to visit, there are several other reasons why you should go to the Taj Mahal at least once in your lifetime. First, it is a tale of undying love, faith, and devotion etched in stone. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their child. The emperor was so devastated by the loss that he decided to create the most mesmerizing structure to commemorate his love. This heartbreaking story makes the Taj Mahal the most special symbol of love and a must-visit place.
Moreover, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of architectural brilliance. Its images will never do justice to the inimitable work of art that is the Taj Mahal. Known for its perfect symmetry, the Taj Mahal also features intricate carvings of the passages of the Quran on its walls. The surrounding gardens add to its beauty and make it nothing short of a heaven on Earth. All of these will just be words if you haven’t witnessed the wonder with your own naked eyes. Because doing that has an impact that is beyond words.
Ways to Reach the Taj Mahal
Now that you know why you should be visiting the magical monument, let us help you understand how to visit the Taj Mahal. There are multiple ways to reach Agra for your Taj Mahal trip. Here’s how:
- By Air: Air travel is the quickest way to reach the Taj Mahal. The Agra Airport is a seasonal commercial airport accessible to Air India flights. Located just 7 km from the city center, it is well-connected by ground transportation options like cabs, taxis, autos, and buses.
- By Road: The Idgah Bus Stand and ISBT are well connected by buses from all the prominent cities in the country like Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, etc. You can also self-drive or take a taxi. It takes around 3 hours from Delhi, 4 from Jaipur, and 4 from Lucknow to reach Agra.
- By Train: Agra has 5 railway stations, namely Agra Cantt, Agra Fort, Raja ki Mandi, Agra City, and Idgah. All of them have connectivity to major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Jhansi, etc. A special luxury train called Maharajas Express also stops at Agra. So, pick your choice and reach the Taj Mahal conveniently.
Important Details about the Taj Mahal
If you are all set for a trip to the Taj, keep the following things in mind to head on a perfect journey that is memorable and convenient at the same time.
- Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal:While the Taj Mahal is amazing to look at any time of the year, to make your tour comfortable, it is advisable to visit during the winter season. This is because summer in Agra can get pretty hot. However, if you are in the city during the summer season, plan a sunrise Taj Mahal tour to avoid the scorching heat and get a beautiful view of the Taj with the rays of the rising sun falling on its pristine white surface.
- Taj Mahal Entry Fee: The ticket prices for entering the Taj Mahal are Rs.50 for Indian citizens, Rs.1100 for foreigners and NRIs, and Rs.540 for SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens. If you wish to visit the main mausoleum, you will have to pay an additional Rs,200. Entry for kids under the age of 15 is free.
- Taj Mahal Visiting Hours: The Taj Mahal opens for the public 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. It remains closed on every Friday, so plan your trip accordingly.
Learn Interesting Taj Mahal Facts
Fascinating landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal, often have a lot of intriguing facts that make them even more exciting to visit. We have mentioned a few interesting facts about the Taj Mahal below that will pique your interest. Have a look!
- It took 22 years for the Taj Mahal to be built, and more than 22,000 laborers were employed in its construction.
- The Taj Mahal was laid with many precious stones brought from different parts of the world.
- The making of the Taj Mahal is estimated to have cost about 3.2 crore rupees at that time.
- The popularity of the structure is so massive that there are over 10 replicas of the Taj Mahal around the globe.
- The Taj Mahal appears to be changing colors throughout the day due to the effect of the sun’s rays on its marble surface.
Plan Your Taj Mahal Trip with Indiator
If reading about the Taj Mahal has intrigued you and you want to witness its grandiose first-hand, Indiator has a wide range of tour packages that you can choose from. We have curated Taj Mahal tour packages from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and many other prominent locations in India to make your trip convenient, no matter where you are. So, why wait? Browse our itineraries, and book a tour today!