Visiting the Taj Mahal: A Guide to India’s Iconic Wonder

After a busy 2 days in Delhi, we venture to our next destination Agra, home to majestic wonder of the world - the Taj Mahal. Let’s be honest, going to India for the first time and NOT stopping to see this beauty built in the name of love would be a travesty!

Taking a whooping 22 years to complete, the fifth Mughal Empire Shah Jahan built this gorgeous white marble monument for his beloved late wife Mumtaz Mahal. A testimony to eternal love, this symmetrical beauty filled with precious gems and intricate carvings took our breath away.

I read countless blogs about Taj Mahal prior to my trip. If I am being honest, there are things useful to know prior to going and there are things that you will have to assess as you arrive in Agra. Below I share my experience and tips when visiting!

How to get to Agra?

For our venture around India we organised a private driver, highly recommended if you are tight on time, and like us, are trying cram in a lot in a short amount of time!

Driving from South Delhi, it takes roughly 4-6 hours to get to Agra (traffic getting out of the city can be the worst at times!)

If like us, you are travelling by car and would like to break up the journey I would suggest a stop in Mathura. Birthplace to Hindu god birthplace of Lord Krishna, Matura is rich in history. If time permits i suggest a relaxing boat ride along Yamuna river!

f you are looking for a budget friendly option, you can take the train from Delhi to Agra. Trains run daily and can be taken from

We arrived in Agra in the early evening, but let’s just say the start of our stay wasn’t ideal. We had chosen a hotel located just five minutes from the Taj Mahal for convenience, but while the location was perfect, it was the only positive! Welllll there was one more good thing, which I will get to later!

The check-in process was tedious, with all five of us required to fill out endless forms. The rooms? Basic at best, and unfortunately freezing. Thankfully, the kind staff provided us with a portable heater, saving us from the chilly night.

By the next morning, however, we couldn't help but laugh about the whole ordeal. Freshly washed and blow-dried hair? Not happening. Prime lighting to apply makeup and make ourselves presentable? A struggle. Despite the rocky start, we look back and laugh about that night and more importantly, it didn’t dampen our excitement to visit the beloved monument!

check in impressions!

When to visit the Taj Mahal?

Let’s be real – we all want to avoid the crowds, capture that gorgeous sunrise or sunset, and get that perfect "Insta shot"

However, despite all my research, we found that the best time to visit really depends on:

1. The time of year you are visiting AND

2. The weather conditions on the day of your visit (unfortunately, you won't know this until you arrive!

It’s recommended to travel to India between October and March, when temperatures are more bearable. However, be prepared for fog, especially in the early months! In January, we were unfortunately hit with dense fog, so our planned sunrise viewing quickly had to be scrapped. While temperatures are generally more pleasant between January and March, dense fog can still be a factor.

Though initially disappointed by the view, we found humour in the situation as we strolled the grounds. Starting our tour at 10 a.m., we couldn’t help but laugh as we compared our expectations with what was in front of us.

The Taj Mahal has a beautiful love story behind its creation. It was built in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who tragically passed away during childbirth. This stunning monument was constructed to honour her beauty and their eternal love.

Built from pristine white marble, the Taj Mahal features intricate carvings, inlaid precious stones, and calligraphy, showcasing a blend of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.

I highly recommend taking a guided tour as you stroll through the grounds. A knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the monument’s history and its enchanting love story that inspired it's creation!

Peeping out beneath the fog!

Opening times?

The Taj Mahal is open everyday except Friday.

Opening hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset!

Which Entrance?

there are 3 entrances to the Taj Mahal:

• Western Gate

• Eastern Gate

• Southern Gate (currently closed as of 2025)

We chose to enter via Eastern Gate, which is also the most popular entrance, as it was the closest to our lodging. However, the best entrance for you may vary depending on where you're staying. All information can be found on the official Taj Mahal website

By noon, as our tour was wrapping up and the weather finally cleared. We was surrounded by clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine, so much so that we began to feel extremely warm!

At last, we could fully admire the Taj Mahal, bathed in the radiant sunlight. Naturally, the crowds had arrived by then—of course they had! Still, we strolled through the grounds, soaking in the beauty and searching for the best angles to capture this masterpiece.

While my sisters were more patient in hunting for the perfect shot, I was perfectly content with my collection of snaps!

What to bring?

Honestly - bring as little as possible! The grounds have tight security and an extensive list of items that are not allowed to be brought in.

Clothing Attire:

Please wear respectable and modest clothing when visiting. As a standard, cover shoulders and knees! Remember, you are in India, and it’s important to respect the local culture to avoid drawing attention. Also, comfy shoes that are easy to remove will help, as you’ll need to take them off or cover them when entering the monument.

What else is there to do in Agra?

Honestly, like most visitors, I ventured to Agra solely to see the Taj Mahal. With our tight schedule, we left after lunch, stopping at only a handful of spots, including a brief car tour outside the city. However, if you have more time, here are some suggestions to make the most of your visit:

• Agra Fort: This magnificent red sandstone fort was the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638. It’s filled with beautiful palaces, mosques, and halls that are well worth exploring.

• Try Petha: This was a must-try suggested by my local friend! Petha is a sugary sweet delicacy flavored with saffron and unique to Agra.

• Explore the Bazaars: Specifically, Sadar Bazaar and Kinari Bazaar. These markets are the perfect spots for some shopping. Agra is renowned for its marble handicrafts, carpets, and leather goods. If you’re looking for a souvenir, this is the place to stop!