White-marble Mughal mausoleum built by Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 for Mumtaz Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited monuments in India.
The Taj Mahal stands on the south bank of the Yamuna River in Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Shah Jahan commissioned the white-marble mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal, and construction ran from about 1632 to 1653. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranks among the most visited monuments in India. Visitors enter through a red-sandstone forecourt and the great gateway, where the mausoleum appears framed in the central arch. A long charbagh garden with water channels, a raised marble pool and cypress-lined walkways leads to the plinth. The main tomb is a square structure with chamfered corners, crowned by a central double dome and four small chhatri domes, with a slender minaret at each corner of the platform. The marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones in floral patterns and carved with Quranic calligraphy that grows in size toward the top so it appears uniform from the ground. Inside the central chamber, the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan sit behind a pierced marble screen, while the real graves lie in the crypt below. On either side of the mausoleum stand a red-sandstone mosque and a matching building known as the jawab, which balances the composition. A visit typically takes three to four hours including security queues, the garden walk and time on the platform. Popular photo spots include the central pool, the Diana bench area, and the riverside terrace behind the tomb. Crowds are heaviest from mid-morning to early afternoon and on weekends and holidays, and are lightest in the first hour after opening and late afternoon. The monument is closed on Fridays, apart from worshippers using the mosque. Foreign visitors pay a higher entry fee plus a separate charge for entering the main mausoleum. Shoe covers are provided for the marble platform, and bags are restricted at security. Winter mornings often bring fog that hides the dome, so clear days between October and March reward early arrival. Electric buses and prepaid autos link the parking areas to the gates, since petrol vehicles are kept away from the monument.
| Admission | Foreigner: ₹1,100 (~$11.4) plus ₹200 (~$2.1) for the main mausoleum; Indian: ₹50 plus ₹200 for the main mausoleum |
|---|---|
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset, closed Fridays (night viewing on selected full-moon nights) |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours |
| Best time | Sunrise (October to March) |
| Getting there | Prepaid auto or taxi from Agra Cantt station (about 8 km); electric buses from the Shilpgram parking |
| Address | Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001 |
Location
Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
27.1751, 78.0421 View on map
Highlights
- Symmetrical charbagh garden with the mausoleum reflected in the central pool
- Marble inlay and calligraphy on the main tomb
- Red-sandstone mosque and jawab flanking the tomb
- Riverside terrace views of the minarets and dome over the Yamuna
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening to avoid the densest crowds and to catch softer light
- The monument is closed on Fridays, so plan the visit for another day
- Buy tickets online where possible to shorten the ticket-counter queue
- Carry only small bags; food, tripods and many electronics are restricted
- Use the electric buses or prepaid autos from the parking areas
- Visit on a clear morning from October to March, as fog can hide the dome
When to visit
Sunrise on a clear day between October and March gives the softest light and thinnest crowds. Midday and weekends are the most crowded and hottest.
Accessibility
Ramps and paved paths cover much of the garden, and wheelchairs are generally available at the gates on request. The mausoleum platform involves steps, so mobility-impaired visitors may need assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Taj Mahal take?
Most visitors spend three to four hours, including security checks, the garden walk and time at the mausoleum. Photographers often stay longer to catch changing light.
Is the Taj Mahal open on Fridays?
No. The monument is closed to tourists on Fridays, although worshippers can use the mosque.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed in the grounds and on the platform, but it is not permitted inside the main mausoleum chamber.
Is it worth visiting with children?
Yes, the gardens and pools are open and easy to walk, though the heat and queues can tire young children, so an early start helps.