Agra: It’s all about the Taj

Tourists come to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

However, the Agra Fort is also stunning, especially if you didn’t get a chance to go to the Red Fort in Delhi.

Even though Agra is located on the Golden Triangle tourist route (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), there’s less to do here than in many other Indian cities because of course the focus is on the architecture and history of the Taj Mahal.

THINGS TO DO

Taj Mahal – A 16th-century Mughal monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, there is no sight more iconic and spectacular than the Taj Mahal. And of course it is the perfect opportunity for some out-of-this-world photos.

This may be the one reason for your visit to India and you may have waited a long time to see it- you will not be disappointed! To get the most out of your visit I suggest you read up and prepare well in advance… the time spent here will go in a flash! To prepare for your day at the Taj see here.

I have visited the Taj Mahal three times and each visit has been breath taking. It somehow changes and is different every time but it is always awe inspiring.

Agra Fort– an imposing fort on the banks of the river Yamuna

I’timād-ud-Daulah’s Tomb – also known as the “Baby Taj”, considered to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. A visit here will further increase your knowledge about the architectural period and the history of this amazing city.

Mahobbat e Taj Show– depicts the romantic love story of Emperor Shajahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal

Sheroes Hangout Cafe – is run entirely by acid attack survivors.

WHERE TO STAY

GET READY FOR YOUR VISIT TO THE TAJ MAHAL

Its a great idea to read up about what to expect when you visit the Taj Mahal and here I have included a few tips to help you to get the best experience out of your day. You can be sure that when you get there, the time will pass in a flash, so do not miss out on anything.

Don’t rush your visit because there isn’t a time limit during the day. Have a break, sit somewhere quietly under a tree and absorb this spectacular ancient Wonder of the World.

There is a costs to see Taj Mahal, the entry fee is approx Rs 1600 for foreign tourists and for domestic tourists Rs 480.

The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for tourists, as the the mosque inside is open for prayers for the local Muslims.

Try visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise on a clear day.

Taj Mahal is also open during full moonlight nights for tourists , from 2030hrs-1230hrs. The amount of visitors going in is controlled in small groups and you have 30 mins to explore the Taj. Get your camera ready and do not forget your memory cards, because this is a fantastic time to take a stunning photo.

Avoid winters during the month of November to February, as mostly fog covers the Taj.

The best time to see Taj is from March to June (summer).

Get a rickshaw to take you there and back cheaply and its a good form of transport in an effort to reduce surrounding pollution.

Go early and wait patiently for the perfect spot to take your photo.

If you walk around to the right side of the Taj (as you approach the east gate), you can get an amazing photo from the Yamuna riverbank behind the Taj.

Consider hiring an on-site photographer who will have your photos printed for you when you exit the grounds, well worth the investment for a once-in-a-lifetime professional photo.

Be prepared to be surrounded by thousands of people, so it can be very crowded during the tourists season.

Leave your valuables at the hotel, only take a small bag for your:

Passport
Money
Water
Medicine
Camera
Phone

There is no dress code but you should still dress respectfully. At the entrance to the Taj Mahal you will be provided with cloth shoe coverings and must wear them when walking on the marble. The marble is usually hot so this is a better alternative than wearing bare feet.

It can be a hot day in Agra so wear light clothing and use sunscreen.

No food is allowed inside.

Cigarettes and lighters are also not allowed.

Tripods and additional lighting equipment need prior permission to be brought in. Photography inside the mausoleum is prohibited but outside is permitted. Most DSLR cameras are allowed as are mobile phone cameras, however video cameras are not permitted. There are lockable cabinets that you can hire to store your video camera and pick it up on the way out.

Watch out for touts and pick-pockets.

This is a high-pressure area so you just need to keep a vigilant watch out and you won’t have any worry.