The Taj Mahal is one of the 7 new wonders of the world. It is an Islamic marble mausoleum, and the intricate (and clearly, expensive) design is a sight to behold. Because the Taj Mahal is a world wonder, and the most visited tourist spot in all of India, it is safe to assume it gets quite busy. I visited India in May 2019, and managed to beat the crowds at the infamous Taj Mahal. Here are my top 8 tips in visiting the Taj Mahal.
1. Get There By 5AM
Fun fact: the Taj Mahal is advertised as opening at 6AM, but… if you arrive by 4:45AM/5AM, they *might* just let you in. It’s true: they are generous to the early birds, and when I say you will have the place to yourself, I mean… there might be 20 other people there tops. Every time I show someone my photos from The Taj Mahal, the immediate question is, “How the F did you get this photo with no one in it?” No photoshop secrets here, folks. I just got there extremely early. By 7AM, the place was COMPLETELY packed.
2. Don’t Plan a Visit on a Friday
The Taj Mahal is only closed one day a week, and that day is… Friday! This is because it’s only open for the local Muslim people to visit the mosque to pray. Therefore, don’t plan your trip to Agra with the plan to visit the Taj Mahal on Friday. Many people only come to Agra for a day or two, since there’s not a whole lot going on in the area, so make sure to plan accordingly while keeping this in mind.
Some people choose not to spend any time at all in Agra, and if that’s your plan, your best bet is to book a tour of the Taj Mahal from a nearby city.
3. Go To The Right Side Of The Taj Mahal
Everyone wants to view the Taj Mahal from the front, which they absolutely should: it’s stunning! However, if you’re looking for a quieter, and more intimate viewing of the Taj Mahal, head all the way to the right side. Once you are far back enough, you will find these little hallway-like caves that create shadows for some seriously stunning photos. See above for proof!
4. Buy Your Ticket Online In Advanced
Imagine getting to the Taj Mahal and having to wait in an excessively long line. No, thank you! We don’t wait in lines! Buy your ticket online from the official website, download it on your phone, and show up to the Taj Mahal knowing you don’t have to wait to enter. It costs nothing extra and saves potentially up to an hour of your time.
5. Don’t Bring a Tripod or a Drone
The Taj Mahal is pretty strict when it comes to bag searches, and something they’re looking for is tripods or drones. Both are prohibited at The Taj Mahal, and I was very lucky to be told this ahead of time by a local, because otherwise, I would’ve either had to check my tripod, or worst, be rejected entry. Save yourself the hassle and don’t bring these with you.
I shamelessly used a selfie stick to get the majority of my photos at The Taj Mahal.
6. Stay Somewhere Close By
The beauty of traveling throughout India is that it’s quite affordable for most Westerners. It’s worth it to stay somewhere within walking distance of The Taj Mahal, so that way, you don’t have to rely on a taxi or TukTuk when trying to get there before everyone else. I visited India when I was on a backpacking trip, and stayed at Joey’s Agra Hostel for a whopping $4/night. For those looking for a hostel, I highly recommend this place because it was only a 5-minute walk from the entrance at The Taj Mahal. However, for those looking for an actual hotel, TAJ 3 Start Hotel is a nearby option, as well as The Coral Court Homestay. Simply go on Booking.com, search “Taj Mahal, India” for location, and filter for distance from Taj Mahal for the best options to suit your needs.
7. Dress Appropriately
India gets hot, and after being there in the summer, I can confirm that it’s a level of heat I had experienced in many places elsewhere. However, in India, it’s highly advised to not wear shorts, to keep shoulders covered, and to overall, dress modestly and respectfully. The best way to ensure you are wearing the most appropriate clothing is to simply wear traditional garb. Saris are sold all over, and are extremely affordable and beautiful. I bought an orange sparkly sari for around $4.
If you don’t want to wait until you get to India to buy a sari, you can buy one ahead of time here.
Pro-tip: Ask a local woman to help you put it on if you’re struggling. A man helped me and did it incorrectly, but a woman stopped me on the street to fix it, and it was much more comfortable!
8. Grab Lunch at Nearby Sheroes Hangout Afterward
As mentioned above, there’s not a whole lot going in Agra. However, one place that should be just as crucial to visit as The Taj Mahal is Sheroes Hangout. Sheroes Hangout is run by a group of 8 women, all of whom are acid attack survivors. Acid attacks are sadly quite common in India, and are one of the many forms of gender-based violence in the country. The women have recorded themselves telling their stories of how they were targeted, which plays on repeat in the restaurant. You will be served by the women themselves, and the menu has no prices. Simply donate what you feel is appropriate at the end of your meal. I had some of the best pomegranate juice of my life there, and visiting Sheroes was just as memorable, and much more impactful, than the Taj Mahal itself.
DISCLAIMER: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!
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