Best Tips visiting for The Taj Mahal

Best Tips visiting for The Taj Mahal:

Visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra is probably going on your itinerary if you're traveling to India for the primary time. And it should be! Situated on the Jamuna River, this incredible architectural feat is one among the Seven New Wonders of the planet for a reason.

Often times, we're not super hooked in to big tourist attractions. We thought we'd be disappointed by visiting the Taj Mahal , but we were actually quite impressed.

Many people claim the building itself is smaller than they expected. And while which will be true, to us the grandeur wasn't within the size, but within the Taj Mahal's exquisite marble detail.

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While the Taj Mahal may be a crowded attraction, many of the visitors are Indians traveling within their own country. you will have the chance to urge to mingle with friendly Indian families, which can just be a highlight of your visit.

1. Arrive Early to the Ticket Booth:

Our advice is to go to the Taj Mahal very first thing within the morning. there'll be fewer crowds, nice lighting and you will avoid the midday heat (that actually starts around 9 a.m.).

Arrive to the box office as early as possible. We received 5:45 a.m. (15 minutes before the box office opened_, and there was already a decently long queue. If we were to try to to it again, we might attempt to reach 5:15 a.m. The building is named Shilp Gram U.P. Tourism). once we exited just after 6:15 a.m. the road was wrapping outside the door.

Even though the box office is 1 km from entrance of the Taj, it isn't a nasty walk. But there are many rickshaw drivers you'll hire if you do not want to form it on foot.

Keep in mind: Don't expect a colorful sunrise in solitude. The sunrise isn't actually behind the Taj Mahal; plus, the gates don't open until the sun has actually risen. That said, the morning lighting is beautiful . And albeit you're awakening early and beating the bulk of crowds, you certainly won't end up alone – there are crowds all throughout the day, even right when the gates open. As long as your expectations are realistic, you will not regret awakening earl

2. Choose your gate wisely:

There are 3 entrance gates to the Taj Mahal . make certain you read abreast of each so you recognize which is that the smartest option for you.

The East Gate was closest to our hostel, and while it had been crowded, we didn't find ourselves waiting too long before we were ready to enter. This was most convenient for us.

The West Gate is beyond most of the hotels, and this is often the foremost crowded gate during the day. However, we've read that it's a touch less crowded at sunrise than the East Gate. So counting on where you're staying, this could be an honest option.

Avoid the South Gate if possible (unless solely to people watch). It's located near a dodgy market and therefore the touts selling souvenirs are pushy. Plus, this gate doesn't open until 8 a.m., so if you would like to form it for sunrise, you'll cross this gate off your list.

3. Buy your ticket with exact change:

Even though we arrived first thing in the morning, the men at the ticket counter were giving people a hassle for not having exact change. Price of Taj Mahal entrance : 1000 rupees per person ( recently increasing from 750 rupees). A foreigner ticket should come with a bottle of water, shoe covers and tourist map of Agra.

4. Wear Bug Spray:

Mosquitoes are still out at down and we were swarmed while waiting in line to enter the Taj Mahal.

5. Be prepared to separate from your travel partner:

At the east gate entrance, there's a line for men and ladies . because it usually is with bathroom lines, the women's queue takes longer. If you're traveling with the other sex, make certain you're prepared to separate and find a gathering place on the opposite side of the checkpoint because it get crowded fast.

If you're visiting the Taj Mahal with kids, this entrance gets really crowded, so confirm to stay you little ones close in order that they aren't getting lost within the chaos.

6. Dress appropriately:

The code isn't enforced at the Taj Mahal . We saw some women wearing strappy dresses and tank tops.

Even though there is no code enforced, we might recommend dressing modestly. the overall rule of thumb in India for girls is to hide your shoulders and everything below your knees. Wear light and loose clothing, because it can get incredibly hot, especially when shade is scarce and therefore the sun is reflecting on the marble and concrete structures around you.

7. Know what you can't bring inside:

Bags must be scanned, so after being frisked you want to get in yet one more queue if you've got a backpack or purse.

There is an extended list of things you can't bring inside the Taj Mahal , including food, headphones and tripods. Read abreast of banned items on the official website. We had a deck of cards, a headlamp and therefore the tripod section of our Go pro extendable arm taken. and that we saw a girl's pack of gum get confiscated. Be very selective when packing your bag!

We had to travel back out of the gate, directed to a touch nearby shop which had "lockers". This shop will hold your belongings, but will pressure you to shop for something once you come to select it up.

The things in these shops are overpriced knockoffs, so we didn't want any. move the chase, tell them you are not interested, and provides them 100 rupees for holding your stuff.

8. Don't get a guide:

Typically we would encourage hiring a guide, as creates a job for a local. However, the Taj Mahal is not notorious for people posing as guides. We've read there are only 50-60 official guides at the Taj Mahal, yet more than 3000 touts offer their services to tourists, posing as guides and photographers.

9. Make friends:

One of the highlights of our time visiting the Taj Mahal was meeting very friendly Indian families. If you appear as if a foreigner, you'll likely be asked to be in many family pictures. Sometimes it can get a touch overwhelming once you try to require photos or get out before it becomes too crowded. However, if you've got an honest attitude and a smile, you'll have a way better experience.

10. Be flexible if you're visiting the Taj Mahal with kids:

Travelling with children can be an incredibly special experience for everyone in your family. But it might mean you will need to travel a little differently and make a few adjustments. This article describes what you need to know if you are visiting the Taj Mahal with kids.

11. After the Taj, stop here:

If you need a pick-me-up after your visit to the Taj Mahal, you won't have to go far. Right outside the east gate is Cafe Coffee Day which is air-conditioned, has a clean-ish bathroom, and serves good coffee. It's a good place to escape the heat and regain your energy.

12. Be prepared:

Have the right equipment packed* and have a couple of angles in mind from which you want to require photographs. Once you're inside the premises of the Taj Mahal , you'll be overwhelmed by the crowds, so you will be far more comfortable if you've got an idea .

*Remember, tripods are banned within the premises of the Taj Mahal , so you cannot bring them inside.

13. Wear bright colour:

This tip is simply for fun, but if you would like to require a cool picture of yourself ahead of the Taj Mahal , bright colors look especially pretty against the white marble. you will see Indian women and foreigners wearing brightly colored saris. While I didn't go that far, i used to be happy I bought a reasonably scarf because it made my photos "pop"!

14. Get creative:

If you want to get some awe-inspiring photographs of the Taj Mahal, you're going to have to get creative.

15. Get out of the crowds ASAP:

Immediately when you enter the Taj Mahal, everyone seems to stop and take pictures. We fell into this trap and all ours shots of other people in them.If you want to get a photo near the entrance, do it as you're leaving because this area is always crowded.

16. Get up close:

Don't just a photos from the pools..The detail shot are where are where it's at!

The thing that makes the Taj Mahal so beautiful is the details of marble carving. Don't forget to take some photographs up close.

17. East side (right side) has nice lighting in the morning:

On the side of the structure, there's almost a glow within the early morning hours.

If you think that about it, the sun rises within the east therefore the light within the morning are going to be coming from that way. confirm you are taking that under consideration once you try to work out shadows and lens flares.

18. West side (left side) can create interesting framing:

On the side of the Taj there's a mosque (to be more specific a mihrab which faces east toward Mecca) with prayer mats tiled within the ground. From within you'll get some interesting pictures of the Taj as long as you're patient enough for people to maneuver .

19. View the Taj Mahal from across the river at Moonlight Garden:

If you've got time, take a tuk tuk across the river to the Mehtab Bagh (which translated is "The Moonlight Garden"). Entrance is 200 rupees and will be worthwhile if you would like an attempt of the Taj Mahal with none one in it.

20. Be Patient:

Everyone wants the same shots, so take a deep breath and wait for the right moment. Patience will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and is the key to taking great pictures in crowed places.

21. Get a nice photo of yourself:

It's easy to take all sorts of pictures and forget to get one of yourself. If you are traveling with a companion, It's easy to exchange photos of each other.

22. Consider a full Moon tour at the Taj Mahal:

Since the Taj was constructed with such pristine translucent marble, once you are inside you'll actually see the moonlight glow through the marble. it's said to be spectacular. For a couple of days before and after each full-of-the-moon , the Taj Mahal is open for night tours but make certain to book ahead because they only let during a specific amount of individuals each night. It typically cost 750 rupees for the moonlight tour.

What is the simplest time of year to go to the Taj Mahal?

The best time to go to the state of Uttar Pradesh , during which the Taj Mahal is found , is usually said to be October to March. This season has the foremost comfortable temperatures, starting from 10° - 30°C (50° - 86°F).

October - March: the foremost comfortable temperature, but also the foremost crowds.

April - June: Can get incredibly hot, with temperatures peaking at 45°C (113°F).

July - September: Monsoon season, so try your best to avoid visit. If you do, bring an umbrella.

When does the Taj Mahal open and close?

The Taj Mahal is open a day except Fridays, when it's closed for prayer.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Special Moonlight Viewings: 2 days before and after each full-of-the-moon . you want to buy tickets for the moonlight viewing beforehand , and that they do sell out during peak tourist season. This website has more information on Moonlight Viewings.

Night time tickets cost 750 rupees for foreigners and 510 rupees for Indian nationals, for half an hour’s admittance. These tickets must be purchased between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., at some point beforehand from the Archaeological Survey of India office on Mall Road.

How much time do i want at the Taj Mahal?

If you're into photography or want to relax a touch and other people watch, allow about 3 hours to go to the Taj Mahal . Otherwise, you'll probably snap a couple of shots, walk round the building and inside and desire you've seen everything in 1.5 hours.

How long did we spend at the Taj Mahal?

We walked through the doorway around 6:40 a.m. and left at 9:30 a.m. By this point , the crowds were thick and that we were happy to be leaving.

How much does entry to the Taj Mahal cost?

Foreigners: 1,000 rupees (recently increased from 750 rupees)*

India nationals: 40 rupees

Children 14 and under: Free!

*Included within the price of a foreigner ticket may be a bottle of water, shoe covers and a tourist map of Agra. Plus, there are shuttles you'll take from the box office to the doorway if you want (we skipped this, as expecting a ride would have taken us longer than walking the 1 km)

What to wear the Taj Mahal?

There are no dress code enforced at the Taj Mahal, but while travelling in India, We would always recommend dressing modestly. Ladies, it's usually a good idea to wear some thing that covers your shoulders and knees.

What's the best way to get to agra and the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is found within the city of Agra, which is definitely accessible during a excursion from Delhi. The train system from Delhi to Agra is sweet and there are about 117 trains weekly. The journey from New Delhi Station (NDLS) to Agra Cantt (AGC) is about 3 to 4 hours counting on the train you're taking .

From the railway station you'll take a tuk tuk to the Taj Mahal for about 150 rupees.

If you would like to drive from Delhi to Agra, the Jamuna Expressway linking links the 2 cities and takes about 3 hours to drive. There are tolls on the expressway however. A one-way trip costs 415 rupees and a trip costs 655 rupees.

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