It’s a great idea to read up on what to expect when you visit the Taj Mahal. Here are a few tips to help you get the best experience out of your day. When you get there, the time will fly, so don’t miss out on anything.
Visiting the Taj Mahal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travellers, and a little preparation goes a long way in making it stress-free and enjoyable. Below is a handy checklist to help you plan your visit — you can print it out and tick off each item as you go. Just follow the instructions below the lists.
There’s no time limit once you’re inside the Taj Mahal complex, so take your time. Find a quiet, shady spot under a tree and soak in the incredible beauty of this world-famous monument.
Entry fees are approximately Rs 1600 for foreign tourists and Rs 480 for Indian citizens. Note that the Taj is closed every Friday to tourists, as the mosque inside is reserved for local prayers.
For the best experience, try to visit at sunrise on a clear day — the early light is beautiful for photos, and the crowds are much smaller. If you’re visiting during a full moon, the Taj is open at night between 8:30 pm and 12:30 am, with limited group entry and a 30-minute time limit. It’s a magical way to see the monument, so have your camera ready!
Avoid the winter months (November to February) if you can, as fog often hides the Taj from view. The best time to visit is from March to June, when the skies are clearer, although it can be hot.
To help reduce pollution, consider taking a rickshaw to and from the site — it’s affordable and convenient. Once there, go early and be patient to find the perfect photo spot. For a special view, head to the right side of the Taj, near the East Gate — there’s a beautiful vantage point from the Yamuna riverbank. If you’d like a souvenir photo, you can also hire a local photographer onsite who will have prints ready as you exit.
It’s wise to travel light. Leave valuables at your hotel and carry only the essentials in a small bag: your passport, money, water, any medicine, camera, and phone.
There’s no strict dress code, but it’s best to dress modestly and wear light clothing to stay cool. At the entrance, you’ll be given cloth shoe covers — these are required when walking on the marble floors and are much more comfortable than walking barefoot, especially on hot days.
A few things are not allowed inside the grounds: food, cigarettes, lighters, video cameras, tripods, and lighting equipment (unless you have special permission). Photography is not permitted inside the mausoleum, but you’re free to take photos outside. Lockers are available to store items that aren’t allowed inside.
Lastly, be alert for touts and pickpockets. The area can be busy, but a bit of awareness is usually all you need to stay safe.
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✅ Prep Checklist for Visiting the Taj Mahal:
☐ I’ve checked the entry fee (Rs 1600 foreign / Rs 480 local)☐ I know the Taj is closed Fridays
☐ I plan to arrive at sunrise for best light
☐ I’ll check if it’s a full moon for night access
☐ I’ll avoid winter months (Nov–Feb) due to fog 🌫️
☐ I’m visiting between March–June for clearer views
☐ I’ll take a rickshaw to reduce pollution
☐ I’ll go early and wait patiently for the best photo
☐ I’ll check the view from the Yamuna riverbank
☐ I may hire a photographer on-site
☐ I expect crowds and will stay calm
☐ I’m only carrying essentials:
☐ Passport
☐ Money
☐ Water
☐ Medicine
☐ Camera
☐ Phone
☐ I’ll dress modestly and wear light clothes
☐ I’ll use the provided shoe covers for the marble floors
🚫 Things to leave behind – double-check before entering
✅ To confirm you’ve left these behind or avoided them:
☐ I’ve left cigarettes and lighters behind
☐ I’m not bringing a tripod or lighting gear (or I’ve got permission)
☐ My video camera is safely stored in the locker
☐ I’ll only take photos outside – no photography inside the mausoleum
Checklist From: www.lifewithjanets.com
🖨️ To print: Select and highlight the checklist area, then press Ctrl + P (or Cmd + P on Mac). Choose “Selection only” under Options or adjust the print settings to include just the checklist.
✨🕌✨Thanks for reading!
Hope these tips help you enjoy your Taj Mahal visit. – ♡ Janet
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