Important Tips For Visiting Taj Mahal – Things We Wish We Knew Before Our Trip

Oct 9, 2018

Last updated on November 20th, 2024 at 08:52 pm

Taj Mahal is one of the 7 wonders of the world, and it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Heck, it’s also located in Agra, India, which is home to some of my family. You’d think it would’ve been a piece of cake for us to visit the Taj Mahal. But, nope, we had our own challenges during our recent trip here.

Based on our personal experience, we are sharing some basic tips, erm .. lessons learned, so your visit to the Taj Mahal is a piece of cake. These tips will come in very handy for foreign and Indian visitors.

PS: We entered from the Eastern Gate of the Taj complex. In addition to the famous marble Taj structure, the complex consists of the main entrance gate, two red stone structures on either side, a mosque, and a fountain pond in the center of neatly manicured gardens.

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Things to Know Before Visiting the Taj Mahal

1. Taj Mahal is Closed on Fridays! 

Easy right? Now don’t go planning your vacation here around a Friday.

2. Buy e-Tickets in Advance

You can buy Taj Mahal e-tickets online on the Archaeological Survey of India’s official website. Just remember that e-tickets are non-cancellable. Bring your photo ID along with a printed confirmation of your e-ticket at the entrance gate.

3. There is a Separate Line for Foreign and Domestic Indian Tourists

Read the signs on top of the ticket window to learn about this distinction, or you’ll be lost like us. We ended up standing in the foreign tourist line for a good few minutes. That is until we realized that the nearly empty queue (inner line in the photo below) was for Indian tourists. 

This image shows a group of people gathered outdoors in the evening, under the glow of artificial lights. A man in a dark jacket looks towards the camera while others appear engaged in conversations or waiting in line. The surrounding trees and casual setup suggest a public event or gathering in a relaxed atmosphere.

4. There Are Separate Queues For Men and Women

As if this distinction wasn’t clear enough, this separation of queues exists both at the ticket counter and at the Taj entrance gate. Again this is not something very clearly flagged, so don’t hesitate to ask around if you are confused about where to go.

This image shows a large crowd gathered under an awning, likely in a queue or waiting area at a public attraction or event. The people, dressed in varied attire, appear engaged in conversation or checking tickets, with some carrying bags or cameras. The background reveals a misty outdoor environment, framed by trees, fences, and a structure with red sandstone tones, suggesting a historic or cultural site.
Notice the four different entrance queues at the Eastern Gate of the Taj Mahal

5. Indian Tourists Must Show a Photo ID “With Your Indian Address” as Proof

Unfortunately, your PAN card is not sufficient. They refused to give me a ticket because all I had was a PAN card on me. Just when I thought India was one place, I would not be treated as an outsider! Luckily, Gaurav had his voter’s ID, and they let him buy more than one ticket.

6. The Entrance Fee For Foreign tourists is Rs 1100

This is much higher priced than Indian citizens’ tickets. But for $15, I’d say it’s a steal. You will also need to show your photo ID during ticket purchase. This ticket includes a bottle of water, a recycled shoe cover, an Agra guidebook, a golf cart service, and access to the restroom facility. Kids below age 15 can enter for free. Inform the ticket agent that you are visiting with kids.

7. The Entrance Fee For Indian Citizens is Only Rs 50

But it does not include a shoe cover or any other fancy goodies. However, you can buy a pair of shoe covers for Rs 20 a pair from the shop across from the Eastern Gate ticket counter. They open as early as the ticket office – before sunrise. Kids below age 15 can enter for free. Inform the ticket agent that you are visiting with kids.

It would’ve been nice if we got a map or a brochure of the Taj complex with our tickets. We wouldn’t mind paying an additional fee to enhance our experience. Just a suggestion to Incredible India Tourism Board!

This image shows a close-up of a ticket for entry to the Taj Mahal, issued by the Archaeological Survey of India. The ticket, held in a hand with neatly painted nails, features a QR code, entry details, and pricing information. In the blurred background, the iconic white marble structure of the Taj Mahal is visible, along with a crowd of visitors and the surrounding gardens.
The entrance fee was Rs 40, which changed to Rs 50 as of October 2018

8. Wearing Shoes is Not Permitted Inside the Main Mausoleum (or inside the white structure)

Hence the shoe covers that we’ve already mentioned. You can wear shoes everywhere else in the Taj complex. For the love of our footwear, we would not recommend leaving your shoes at the shoe rack outside the mausoleum.

This image shows a close-up of visitors' feet covered with protective shoe covers, walking on the polished marble floor of what appears to be the Taj Mahal or a similar monument. The shoe covers are used to preserve the pristine condition of the historic site's surfaces. The clean, reflective marble and practical footwear create a scene emphasizing both conservation and cultural tourism.

9. Tip #1 for Photographers – Tripods Are Not Allowed Inside the Taj Mahal

Unless you have secured a commercial photography permit from the government in advance, we were bumped not to have looked into this beforehand. Luckily a local person in the queue suggested leaving our tripod at the souvenir shop across from the Eastern Gate ticket office. The shop owner was very kind, accommodating, and trustworthy in keeping our tripod safely. 

Photography is also not allowed inside the main mausoleum (inside the white structure). You can photograph it from the outside as much as you want, though.

OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS

These items are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal:

  • All types of arms, ammunition, and explosives, and its replicas, etc
  • Matches box, lighters, and flammable items
  • All types and forms of tobacco items including e-cigarettes
  • Scissors, knives, and other sharp items
  • All types of food items
  • Liquor, banned drugs, and liquids in tetra packets
  • Religious offerings and materials including flowers and garlands
  • Laptop and all types of camera stands, etc
  • Reading, writing, and painting materials
  • Toys, cards, and items for advertisement
  • Torch, professional video cameras, PA systems, etc
  • Large bags and backpacks
  • Hard copy of photographs and CDs
This image shows a detailed sign listing prohibited and banned items inside the Taj Mahal, displayed on a maroon board. Items mentioned include arms, ammunition, food, tobacco, sharp objects, liquor, large bags, laptops, and professional video equipment. The sign emphasizes security and conservation measures to maintain the monument’s safety and cleanliness, encouraging visitors to cooperate with the regulations.

10. Visit Early in the Morning But Expect a Crowd

Taj is a popular spot at sunrise so expect a decent crowd even if you reach right when it opens. In winter, expect a foggy view of the Taj in the early hours of the morning. The fog clears up as the day progresses. And it also gets more crowded later in the day, so we recommend visiting early in the morning.

This image captures the majestic Taj Mahal on a misty day, with a crowd of visitors gathered in the foreground taking photos and admiring the iconic monument. The symmetrical gardens and reflecting pool lead the eye toward the white marble mausoleum, framed by its four minarets. The hazy atmosphere adds a serene and timeless quality to this globally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Foggy view of the Taj in the winter season
This image shows a small office setup within a historic red sandstone building, likely near a public facility. A sign prominently displayed states "Free Services for Foreigners," along with pricing details for restroom use for Indian visitors. Potted plants and traditional architectural details provide a touch of warmth and authenticity to the space, which appears functional and modestly maintained.

11. Use of Public Toilets is Included in Ticket Price for Foreigners Only

There are toilets inside the Taj complex, but for Indian visitors, it is a paid service. We didn’t mind paying extra since the restrooms were kept very clean. Just remember to carry some change with you to pay the guard. For foreign visitors, the use of the facility is included in their tickets.

12. You Can Visit the Taj Mahal After Closing Hours

It is possible to visit after closing hours on a few nights around the full moon. For more information on how to get tickets for full moon viewing of the Taj Mahal, please visit the official website here.

13. Tip #2 For Photographers – Unique Photo Opportunity

Go inside one of the red structures on either side of the Taj for a unique framing opportunity. You also have higher chances to encounter monkeys here… for real!

This stunning image frames the Taj Mahal through the grand arch of a Mughal-style doorway, with intricate floral carvings and rich red sandstone details. In the foreground, a silhouetted figure stands with arms outstretched, adding a sense of wonder and admiration to the scene. The bright blue sky and iconic white marble mausoleum in the background create a breathtaking composition, highlighting the grandeur and serenity of this architectural masterpiece.

14. Hire a Guide For Your First Time at Taj

We highly recommend a guide because there are many historical and architectural tidbits about Taj that only an official guide can explain. TIP: Do ask them to show their certified government-issued guide badge.

I hope our tips and lessons learned are helpful in planning your trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra. If we haven’t answered a question you were looking for, then please head to the Frequently Asked Question page on the Taj Mahal’s official website.

Read Next: Don’t miss these other gems in Agra beside Taj Mahal

Where to Stay Near the Taj Mahal

It was nice that we had family in Agra hosting us. But if you are looking for hotel options, here are a few we’d suggest –

Upscale and Luxury

Affordable and Comfortable Stays

Hostels and Budget Stays

Keep Reading

Enjoy this Wonder of the World and share it with your friends and family.

Important tips for tourists to know before visiting Taj Mahal
Must read these tips before visiting Taj Mahal for a smooth visit

Happy Traveling!

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36 comments on “Important Tips For Visiting Taj Mahal – Things We Wish We Knew Before Our Trip”

  1. That’s very helpful. And seriously, trust the Indian govt, to make things more complicated than it needs to be (such as the queueing thing). Thats how things are for pretty much everything here. I had been here over 20 years ago when I was little.

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  4. This is the most complete guide I’ve ever seen about visiting the Taj Mahal. I’m going this fall and I am sure going to use all your tips. Some of your photos show such a different side to the place too. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Same day with car is a distinctive tour package that has been intended for people who hardly ever have time for sightseeing with their loved ones. India has a very rich culture and there are many things to explore. However, many time people do not have time to explore many cities in one schedule, so they usually stick to exploring only one city. One of the biggest benefits of same day tour is that you can visit all the popular attractions of the city. In this Same Day with Car tour, you will be traveling by car and have a chance to explore the city of love, Agra.

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  6. Agra is just an amazing travel destination, I have been there twice.
    I would love to go back again and again. I love the Taj a lot.

    Thanks for your amazing travel guide and your photos are mind-blowing.

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  8. Great tips, Richa! Would definitely come handy for people planning a visit to one of the wonders of the world. We have visited Taj Mahal 5 times but it’s embarrassing to admit that even we weren’t aware that Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays 🙂 We happened to visit on Saturdays every time.

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  10. Yeah I discovered much of this the hard way!! (As a foreign tourist though). By the time I was in, I was beginning to doubt if it was worth it (it was). And I have to say, that foggy view is charming in a different way. I got a midday white/ivory Taj Mahal.

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    • I mean I really thought I would have it easy as an Indian tourist but we all have lessons to share.. so hey, I feel your pain Teja! 🙂

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  11. We had a wonderful trip to Taj Mahal a few days back and we missed out on getting the shoe covers before entering it. So, we had to send one amongst us to get them. Nevertheless, we had a great time clicking pictures with the Taj. Great informational post.

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  12. Such great tips for first time travelers! Visiting the Taj Mahal is definitely on my bucket list 🙂 Do you know why it is closed on Fridays? Looks like there is a lot of people there as well!

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    • The official website may say it is closed for cleaning purposes but Friday happens to be a religious day for Muslims and Taj is closed for local people to pray inside the mosque within Taj compounds. However, it didn’t use to be closed on Friday back in the 90’s, when I visited as a kid. In fact, it used to be free entry on Fridays!

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    • I understand that part since they do a physical body check for security purposes but I didn’t understand a sperate line for Foreign and Indian tourists?! Anyhoo, we’d love to see Taj during the full moon too (bucket list!)

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  15. Oh how I wish I’d read this post earlier. I remember very well that I was standing in front of a closed Taj Mahal on my visit and when I came back again – it was super foggy! I hope a lot of other people read your post BEFORE going lol!

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  16. Great tips! Imagine waking up early for sunrise and finding you’d forgotten your ID—or worse, you were trying to visit on a Friday! I could totally see myself doing that, ha ha.

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  17. I’ve never been to India, but gosh dang I can’t wait to go one day – this post was really helpful and gives some practical steps. I love the tip of visiting early in the morning. I usually love to do most of my sight-seeing early anyway to beat the heat and crowds, and I can imagine it’s absolutely beautiful with the Taj Mahal in the foreground! Thanks for sharing 🙂

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    • Thankfully that is not the case ‘yet’ Julie but Taj compounds are in reality very big. Although the crowd tends to be around the marble mausoleum only (duh!). I hope you have a great time in India next year 🙂

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  20. That’s very helpful. And seriously, trust the Indian govt, to make things more complicated than it needs to be (such as the queueing thing). Thats how things are for pretty much everything here. I had been here over 20 years ago when I was little. I remember being pretty grumpy as I mom made me wear something that I hated so in all pictures I look angry haha.

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    • Ah.. I really thought the admin process would’ve improved given how popular the entire Incredible India campaign is around the globe. I seriously was ready to pay extra for a little brochure of Taj ground. And about those grumpy pics, there is no childhood without one 😛 LOL

      Reply

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