If you’re travelling to India whether independently or on a group tour, chances are the iconic Taj Mahal will be at the top of your list of attractions to visit.  If you choose to join one of our India adventure tours, we’ve got you covered, with Days four and five of our trip devoted to exploring the beautiful city of Agra, where the 17th century mausoleum is located. Here’s our expert Taj Mahal guide, helping you to make the most out of your trip to one of the world’s most beautiful and recognisable landmarks.

When to visit the Taj Mahal

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during the spring and early summer months. During the winter, it is often obscured by fog. July to September is monsoon season, so these months are also best avoided. 

The Quietest Time to Visit the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal gets super busy at weekends and during public holidays, so aim for a weekday if possible. Bear in mind that it is closed for prayers every Friday. Try to arrive early in the morning (it opens at 6am) to avoid the crowds and the hot midday sun. If you’re keen to get some shots of the Taj Mahal without people in the background, arrive half an hour before opening time to be one of the first visitors of the day.

Whether to take a guided tour of the Taj Majal

On Day 5 of our group trip to India, you will be accompanied by our expert local guide for an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal. Whether you’re travelling with us or not, it’s always a good idea to take a guided tour of the Taj Mahal, in order to grasp its fascinating history, as well as its cultural significance as a modern-day tourist attraction.  Take notes of any questions you have about the Taj Mahal in advance of your visit, and our guide will do their best to answer you.

What to wear to the Taj Mahal

While there is no official dress code, visitors should be respectful of Indian and Islamic customs and dress modestly. It’s best to wear clothes that cover your knees, upper arms, shoulders and chest.  Light cotton or linen clothing is ideal for covering up while still keeping cool in the intense heat.  There are parts of the complex where you will be required to remove your shoes, so wear sandals or slip-ons. 

View of the Taj from the mosque

What to pack on a visit to the Taj Mahal (and what to leave behind at your hostel)

Large bags are not permitted on site, so pack a small bag containing essentials only. Food, phone chargers and tobacco products are also prohibited inside the Taj Mahal, as well as drones, tripods and selfie sticks. Apart from water, your phone and camera should be all you need to take inside. If you bring a prohibited item out with you by mistake, there are lockers outside the mausoleum where you can store them during your visit. 

Where to get the best shots of the Taj Mahal for Instagram

• The water gardens – A selfie or portrait in front of the Taj’s majestic water feature makes for a great ‘gram. Located as you enter the complex, you can’t miss it.  There’s usually a small queue of people taking this shot, but it’s worth the wait.
• Kau ban mosque – On entering the Taj Mahal complex, head to the left of the mausoleum where you’ll find the exquisite Kau Ban Mosque. This red sandstone building makes a great backdrop in its own right. It’s also an excellent vantage point from which to get a good shot of the Taj, through one of the intricately carved and tiled arches.
• Detail shots – The facades and interiors of all the buildings in the complex are beautifully detailed. You can get creative and take some close-up shots to upload alongside your selfies and portraits.

Where to explore

While a perfect shot of the building’s exterior makes a great keepsake of your trip, don’t forget to explore. The intricately carved and adorned interiors are breathtakingly beautiful and worth devoting plenty of time to. The manicured Taj gardens are also great to stroll around. The Taj Museum, which is included in the price of your entrance ticket will give you further knowledge of the site’s history.

Inspired to join one of our backpacking tours in India? Take a look at our 18-day Ultimate India tour or our 14-day North India tour! Drop us a message in the chat box below or send us an email at info@thedragontrip.com to find out more!

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