Taj Mahal Agra: Timings, Best Time To Visit, Entry Fee, Nearby Places

Taj Mahal History of Construction

There exist a number of historical architects old blueprints of the Taj Mahal. Although the principal designer was Ustad Amad Lahawr. He was the Indian of Persian heritage. The main gateway, garden, mosque, jawb, and mausoleum (including its four minarets) are the five main components of the Taj Mahal. These were a single unit in accordance with Mughal building customs. Since they forbade any additional construction or alterations in the future. Construction started about 1632.

The tomb itself took more than 20,000 laborers from India, Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe to complete by around 1638–1639; the auxiliary structures were done by 1643, and decorating work lasted at least until 1647. The 42-acre (17-hectare) facility took 22 years to build in all.

According to a legend, Shah Jahan initially planned to construct a second tomb across the river to store his own bones. It was planned for the building to be made of black marble and to be connected to the Taj Mahal by a bridge. However, he was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb in 1658 and spent the remainder of his life in Agra Fort.

Entry Fees

Timings

The Taj Mahal's entrance charge is INR 45 for Indians, INR 1300 for foreigners or NRIs, and INR 535 for tourists from SAARC and BIMSTEC. To add more, it costs INR 200 extra to get a Taj Mahal ticket if you pay for the Mausoleum along.

The Taj Mahal is accessible for tours from dawn till dusk (6 AM to 6.30 PM). Every day Taj Mahal is accessible everyday apart from Fridays. It is exclusively open to Muslims on Fridays for afternoon prayers.

Best time to visit Taj Mahal

Schedule a late afternoon arrival. Although the Taj will never be completely empty, the crowds will be getting smaller. There won't be any lines at either gates, and the light, which is now quarter-illuminating the dome above your left shoulder, will be wonderful. You may not use a guide if you don’t want. You can always discover history online, but the abundance of knowledge takes away from its beauty. However, the point not to forget is that the Taj Mahal is not open on Fridays.

A full moon is a common nighttime sight; viewings have been permitted since 2005, with the exception of Ramadan.

The myth that you should go to the Taj at dawn to avoid the throng and view the mausoleum in its finest light is one of the most disappointing. Sadly, it is no longer the case. It was true back when the Taj didn't get 70,000 tourists every day.

Things to do at the Taj Mahal

Shopping in Shilpigram Market, taking the Mughal Heritage Walk, and attending the light and sound performance at Kalakriti Cultural And Convention Centre are a few of the top things to do in Agra.

By going to Japji Travels, you can now purchase tickets for the Taj Mahal online. It provides online ticket alternatives for 141 Indian historical sites and museums. Purchase your tickets online to avoid lines and have a hassle-free experience.

Top five attractions nearby the Taj Mahal

Agra Fort: The Agra Fort is also given the names called Lal Qila, Fort Rouge, or Red Fort of Agra. It is undoubtedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located around 2.5 kilometres northwest of the well-known Taj Mahal.
Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is a city that is mostly composed of red sandstone and was formerly the seat of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is currently a well-known tourist destination and a UNESCO world historic site.
Itimad-ud-daula’s Tomb: Queen Noor Jahan constructed this mausoleum that is tucked away on the Yamuna River's bank. The place was also given the name Baby Taj. It is because it is in yellow, black, and white marble inlay.
Akbar’s Tomb: The Mughal emperor Akbar's mausoleum is a significant architectural achievement from this era. It is located on 119 acres of land and was constructed between 1604 and 1613.
Jama Masjid: In Agra, the Jama Masjid is located across from the Agra Fort and looks out into the Agra Fort Railway Station. The Jama Masjid is often referred to as the Jami Masjid or the "Friday Mosque" in popular culture.