The Taj Majal is one of the essential places to see on any trip to Bharat (India). It is one of the seven wonders of the modern world and no wonder, the place is impressive.
If you are thinking of traveling to India and visiting Agra, there are several things to keep in mind when visiting the Taj Majal; schedules, tickets, recommendations... In this post I tell you about how to visit the Taj Majal, I add a little of its history and curiosities, how much it costs, if it is advisable to take a guided tour, schedules, best time to visit the Taj Majal...
HOW TO VISIT THE TAJ MAJAL, AGRA
What is the Taj Majal
The Taj Majal is an immense mausoleum built of white marble, located in the city of Agra, on the banks of the Yamusa River. This mausoleum was built between 1632 and 1654 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It was a tribute to his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child.
In order to build the mausoleum, it is estimated that more than 20 thousand workers participated, including architects, artisans, artists, decorators and workers. White marble from Rajasthan, precious stones from China and lapis lazuli from Afghanistan were used for its construction.
It is a clear example of Mughal architecture that combines elements of Islamic, Indian and Persian architecture. It is built on a rectangular plan, crowned with a dome also made of white marble. On the façade we can see floral and geometric decorations and throughout the interior there are details of precious stones and very elaborate mosaics.
The Taj Majal has been one of the 7 wonders of the modern world since 2007.
Excursions and guided tours to visit the Taj Majal
Visiting the Taj Majal with a guided tour is highly recommended. In this way, you will not only contemplate one of the seven wonders of the world, you will be able to learn more about its architecture, its history, legends... There are several guided tours, some include only visiting the Taj Majal and some include more destinations in Agra.
What else to see at the Taj Majal
Entrance gates to visit the Taj Majal
To access the Taj Majal complex you have three entrances:
Fatehpuri Gate: This gate, located to the west, is the main entrance to the Taj Majal. It is the closest door to the city center and the recommended access, although it is also the busiest.
Sirhi Darwaza: This entrance, located to the south, is the farthest entrance to the compound, near the Taj Ganj neighborhood. This entrance does not allow entry access to foreigners, only exit is allowed through it.
Fatehabad Daye: This entrance, located to the east, is the quietest of the three gates. It is a rarely traveled access, although it is very popular to see the Taj Majal on full moon nights.
What to visit in the Taj Majal complex
Within the complex, in addition to the mausoleum and its gates, you will find many garden areas, the secondary tombs known as Saheli Burh, water channels, the Moonlight Garden, the central pond, several minarets, the Masjid Mosque, the guest house, the mausoleum pools, the Yamusa River, the marble platform and the sandstone platform.
How much does the entrance to the Taj Majal cost?
The entrance fee is 1000 rupees and it is 100% worth visiting. To tour and visit the entire complex will take about 2 hours. With the ticket they include a small bottle of water and a plastic shoe cover so you don't have to go barefoot.
Schedule to visit the Taj Majal
The Taj Majal is open every day of the week, except Fridays. Opens 45 minutes before sunrise and 45 minutes after sunset. Depending on the time of year, sunrise in Agra changes time a little, keep that in mind.
I recommend that you get up early and be there 1 hour before sunrise to be among the first to enter the Taj Majal. You will be able to take photographs with hardly any people and enjoy the first minutes in this wonderful place.
At dusk, there are several viewpoints from the other bank of the river from where you can take incredible photos with perspective and without people around, since from the temple, at dusk there are a lot of people.
Visit the Taj Majal on a full moon night
If your vacation in Agra coincides with the full moon, visiting the Taj Majal at night is a must. On full moon days and the 2 days before, the Taj Majal opens from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The visit is quick, you will only be able to spend 30 minutes in the outdoor area. To access you must buy a special ticket, at the same box office 1 day before. The cost is 800 rupees.
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