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Taj Mahal
Heritage Destination
4.9 (4820 reviews)

Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh

The eternal monument of love: Ivory-white Mughal marble masterpiece & Yamuna sunsets

Generate Taj Mahal Itinerary
Best SeasonOct to Mar
Ideal Duration1 - 2 Days
Avg Daily Cost₹2,200 / traveler
Typical Weather22°C Clear

About Taj Mahal

Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River in Agra. Celebrated globally as a jewel of Muslim art in India and universally admired masterpiece of world heritage.

Verified Landmarks

Top Places to Visit in Taj Mahal

01

Taj Mahal at Sunrise

₹50 (Indians) / ₹1,100 (Foreign tourists) + ₹200 for main mausoleum

The white Makrana marble glows in pastel pink and golden hues as morning fog clears over the reflecting pools.

Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset (Closed Fridays)
Tip: Enter via the East Gate at 5:45 AM to avoid crowds and photograph the reflecting pool without tourists.
02

Agra Fort (Red Fort)

₹50 (Indians) / ₹650 (Foreigners)

Massive 16th-century red sandstone fortress served as the imperial city of the Mughal emperors.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Tip: Visit the Musamman Burj balcony where Shah Jahan gazed upon the Taj Mahal in his final days.
03

Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden)

₹25 (Indians) / ₹300 (Foreigners)

Charbagh garden complex situated directly across the Yamuna River offering flawless sunset reflections of the Taj.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Tip: The premier photography spot at 5:30 PM for sunset silhouette captures away from the main monument crowds.
04

Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)

₹30 (Indians) / ₹310 (Foreigners)

Exquisite precursor to the Taj Mahal built with delicate pietra dura marble inlays and lattice jali screens.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Tip: Often called the jewel box of Mughal architecture; quiet and rarely crowded.
Curated Blueprint

Recommended 1 - 2 Days Itinerary

Day 1

Sunrise at Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Mehtab Bagh Sunset

  • 5:45 AM sunrise entry to Taj Mahal for uninterrupted morning photography
  • Hearty breakfast of Bedmi Puri and fresh jalebis in Sadar Bazaar
  • Afternoon guided exploration of the grand Agra Fort
  • Evening sunset photography from Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River
  • Authentic Mughlai dinner with live instrumental music
Day 2

Baby Taj & UNESCO Ghost City of Fatehpur Sikri

  • Morning visit to the intricate Baby Taj (Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah)
  • Excursion drive to Emperor Akbar's abandoned red sandstone capital at Fatehpur Sikri (38 km)
  • Walk through the colossal Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid
  • Sample legendary Panchi Petha before heading back to Delhi via Yamuna Expressway
Flavors of the Region

What to Eat in Taj Mahal

Agra Petha (Angoori & Kesar)

Translucent candied ash gourd sweet simmered in saffron and cardamom sugar syrup.

Best at: Panchi Petha Store (Sadar Bazaar / Hari Parbat)

Bedmi Puri with Spicy Dubki Aloo

Crisp urad dal stuffed deep-fried puris served with fiery potato curry and tangy fenugreek chutney.

Best at: Deviram Sweets & Restaurant (Pratap Pura)

Mughlai Shahi Mutton Korma & Galouti Kebab

Slow-simmered rich cashew and yogurt gravy infused with mace, saffron, and tender meat.

Best at: Peshawri (ITC Mughal) or Pinch of Spice
Where to Stay

Accommodation Styles in Taj Mahal

Luxury Palatial Hotels with Direct Taj Views

₹18,000 – ₹45,000 / night
Top Stays:
• The Oberoi Amarvilas
• ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort
• Taj Hotel & Convention Centre

Boutique Heritage & Mid-range Stays

₹2,500 – ₹6,000 / night
Top Stays:
• Crystal Sarovar Premiere
• Howard Plaza The Fern
• Courtyard by Marriott Agra

Budget & Backpacker Hostels near East Gate

₹700 – ₹1,800 / night
Top Stays:
• Joey's Hostel Agra
• Zostel Agra
• Bedweiser Backpackers Hostel