Bucketlist Travels logo

Travel bucket list idea:

Taj Mahal

  • Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Last updated: 18 May, 2024

One of the world’s most beautiful buildings is not merely an exquisite tomb but a monument to love. The Taj Mahal was completed after two decades’ labour in 1653 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to entomb his wife, Mumtaz.

It stands at the head of formal gardens by the Yamuna River. The combination of milky-white marble (much of it inlaid with semi-precious stones, a technique known as pietra dura), a great bulbous dome and four slender minarets lend the mausoleum an astonishing almost ethereal beauty.

Admire it at your leisure – its well-kept gardens coax lingering, relaxed visits.

Mumtaz’s original resting place

What’s rather less well-known is that this isn’t Mumtaz’s original resting place. She died 22 years earlier in Burhanpur (Madhya Pradesh) while in labour, and was interred in a formal pleasure garden. The original – an all but forgotten and extremely modest ‘tomb’ – is still there, long empty since she was moved to Agra and eventually her final resting place in the Taj. Shah Jahan was inconsolable, mourned in seclusion for a year and his hair turned white.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

East of central Agra and just south of the Yamuna, the Taj’s subsidiary gateways all funnel visitors to the main entrance and its classic archway-framing view of the tomb itself.

The east gate is generally less crowded than the west one, while the south is closed until further notice.

While many visitors arrive on guided tours, independent travellers might wish to use on-the-spot local guides (whose quality varies wildly) or audio guides. Food is not allowed inside the grounds and expect heightened security checks.

Some of the most striking views of the Taj are from the Yamuna River itself or from Mehtab Bagh on its northern banks. River boats with boatmen can usually be found down by the north-eastern side though this appears to be rather ad hoc and unregulated – don’t expect a life jacket. The undulating nearby scrubland also offers good viewpoints.

For Mehtab Bagh (open sunrise to sunset), a part-restored 16th-century Mughal garden that aligns perfectly with the Taj’s profile, it’s a 7km drive to cross the Yamuna River and loop back to within 250m of the mausoleum.

When to do it

The Taj Mahal is open all year round, Saturday to Thursday, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. It’s closed on Fridays.

Dawn and sunset lend the softest and most atmospheric light, with dawn also having fewer visitors.

October to April offers the most comfortable climate – but is the peak tourist season. May and June are hot and uncomfortable.

Five nights each month, the Taj opens for ‘Full Moon’ viewings between 8.30pm and 12.30am but you’ll need to book in advance.

Who to go with: organised tours

26

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • New Delhi

Embark on an exceptional Private Day Trip from Delhi to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Baby Taj by car. Begin your journey with the awe-inspiring sight of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, bypassing the crowds with pre-arranged tickets. Benefit from the expertise of our knowledgeable guides, who will provide fascinating insights throughout your tour. Travel in comfort in a private air-conditioned vehicle with convenient pick-up and drop-off from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, or Ghaziabad. Indulge in a delectable meal at an authentic multi-cuisine Indian restaurant. Enjoy the flexibility of a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences. Our dedication to comfort, safety, and exceptional service guarantees a smooth exploration of Agra’s iconic sites. Reserve your tour today for an extraordinary adventure, blending the timeless elegance of the Taj Mahal with the rich historical and cultural heritage of Agra.1

Price $34

Min age 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [3683 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • New Delhi

With this tour you will get the chance to explore Taj Mahal and other monuments of Agra in one day. Explore Taj Mahal in one day from Delhi and return back by India's fastest train – Gatimaan Express Train. You will visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Etimad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and Mehtab Bagh (Sunset Point).

Price $13

Min age 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [3170 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • New Delhi

Our Sunrise Day Trip to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Baby Taj from Delhi by Car offers an unparalleled experience designed to create unforgettable memories. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Skip the lines with hassle-free ticket arrangements. Enjoy expert insights from our knowledgeable guides. Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned car with convenient pick-up and drop-off from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, or Ghaziabad. Savor a delicious meal at an authentic multi-cuisine Indian restaurant. Enjoy a flexible, personalized itinerary. Our commitment to comfort, safety, and exceptional service ensures a seamless journey through Agra’s iconic landmarks. Book your tour today for an extraordinary adventure that combines the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal with Agra’s rich history and cultural treasures.

Price $34

Min age 1

Rating 4.91 / 5 [1935 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • New Delhi

*Private Day Trip to Agra Taj Mahal by AC Car or by AC Train. *Tour of Taj Mahal and Agra fort with experienced Guide. *Lunch at one of the best restaurants in Agra. (If you Choose the right option). *Entrance and Camera fees for Taj Mahal and Agra Fort inclusive (If you Choose the right option). *No time limit for any monuments so enjoys as long you want. *Flexible pick up and drop-off from Airport or Hotel in Delhi 

Price $88

Min age 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [1458 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • New Delhi

Experience an extraordinary day trip from Delhi to Agra with efficient travel and immersive exploration. Our tour offers a swift journey on the Gatimaan Express train, maximizing your time to visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Baby Taj. With a private guide and driver, enjoy personalized insights and a customized itinerary. Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off in Delhi and return rail fares ensure a seamless experience. Upgrade options include entrance fees and business class train travel for added comfort. This tour perfectly combines comfort, convenience, and cultural enrichment. Book now for an unforgettable adventure.

Price $14

Min age 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [1291 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >