Top 10 Must-Know Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal in 2025

When our first blog was written on the Taj Mahal a few years ago, it was centred around the beautiful history and love story of the Taj Mahal. See the earlier blog at https://www.mangoluxe.com/post/the-taj-mahal-a-legacy-of-true-love but this time it was centred around our actual trip to see this wonderful monument. Unfortunately it wasn’t until 2025, that I finally got to visit this amazing structure. 

First view of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, stands as an eternal symbol of love and architectural brilliance. Located in Agra, India, it draws around 44,000 tourists daily!  The city of Agra is small and a bustling place with the Taj Mahal based at the top of the hill.  We stayed about 10 minutes drive away at the ITC Mughal. It was a great hotel obviously with the main reason of staying there being to see the Taj Mahal. It has a lot of foreign and domestic visitors and a wonderful spa if you have the time to indulge.

Visiting the Taj Mahal can be a bit frantic so it pays to be well-prepared to make the most of your experience. 

Here are my top tips for visiting the Taj Mahal in 2025:

1. Visit During the Right Time

Timing plays a crucial role in making your Taj Mahal visit a memorable one. To avoid large crowds and to experience the monument in its full glory:

• Best Time of Year: The ideal months to visit are between October and March, when the weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures. The summer months (April to June) can be sweltering, while the monsoon season (July to September) brings unpredictable rainfall.

• Best Time of Day: Early mornings, right when the Taj Mahal opens (30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset), are the best times to visit. The light in the early morning enhances the monument’s beauty, and you’ll also avoid the large crowds that gather later in the day. For photography enthusiasts, the soft morning light creates the perfect backdrop with gemstones set in the mausoleum reflecting different colours at different times of day.

• Best Day: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays and only opens for locals to pray at the mosque. Weekends tend to be quite busy so if you can try and go on a week day.

  
  

2. Buy Tickets Online

To save time and skip the long lines at the entrance, purchase your tickets online in advance. The official website or trusted authorised ticket vendors allow you to book your tickets ahead of time. This not only saves you time but ensures you get entry at your preferred time, especially during the busy tourist season.

• Foreign Tourists: A ticket for foreign tourists is generally more expensive than for Indian citizens. As of 2025, the entry fee for foreigners is around ₹1,300 (approximately £12 for regular entry and ₹750 (approximately £7)for a visit during the night.

• Ticket Window: If you prefer to buy tickets on the spot, there’s a designated foreign tourist counter. However, expect long lines, especially in peak tourist seasons.

  
  

3. Respect the Entry Restrictions

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there are some important guidelines you must follow:

• Dress Modestly: While there are no specific dress codes, it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing, especially since you'll be walking around and potentially climbing stairs. By this I mean I wouldn’t wear a short dress or shorts. Ideally linen trousers and loose shirt is great. I wore a long sundress. You don’t need to cover your head (unless you enter the mosque).

• No Large Bags or Backpacks: You’re not allowed to bring large bags, backpacks, or professional cameras inside. There are lockers at the entrance where you can store your belongings. Only small bags, water bottles, and your phone are typically allowed.

• Footwear: Shoe covers are provided for the foreign ticket holders and are expected to be used to enter the main mahal. If you don’t wear these, you won’t be allowed to proceed further.

  
  

4. Plan Your Visit to the Mosque and Mausoleum

The Taj Mahal consists of several parts, including the main mausoleum, gardens, and the mosque. While the exterior of the Taj Mahal is awe-inspiring, don’t forget to explore the interior of the mausoleum where Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal are entombed. Although the actual tombs are now shut to the public, exact copies (built at the same time as the original) are open to the public.

• Visit the Mosque and Guest House: The Taj Mahal has a beautiful red sandstone mosque on the western side and a guest house to the east. You can visit the mosque as well, and it’s particularly serene and peaceful in the morning.

• Avoid Peak Hours: To enjoy the interior and avoid large crowds, try to avoid visiting during midday, when the place gets crowded. Early morning visits and before 9am are the best.

  
  

5. Bring a Camera, but Be Mindful of Restrictions

You’ll undoubtedly want to capture the Taj Mahal's grandeur, but it’s important to be aware of photography guidelines:

• Photography: The Taj Mahal offers fantastic photo opportunities from various angles. However, drones and professional photography equipment (like tripods) are not allowed. Ensure you only bring a regular camera or smartphone for pictures.

• Best Shots: The most iconic shots of the Taj Mahal are from the main gate, with the reflecting pool in the foreground. Early morning light or during sunset gives you the best lighting.

• “Professional” photographers will be around touting for business. We actually engaged one of these and the photos he took were quite good so worth it, especially if you want all of your group to be in pictures. You can choose only a few photos at Rs100 but more often than not they will try and see you the whole suite of photos. You can barter with this but expect to pay about Rs4,000 for around 40 useable photos. There were some closed eyes and slanted photos in our batch!

  
  

6. Don’t Miss the Taj Mahal’s Surroundings

While the Taj Mahal itself is the main attraction, its surroundings also add to the experience. Make sure to take some time to explore the gardens and other parts of the complex.

• The Charbagh Garden: The Taj Mahal’s gardens are laid out in the Charbagh style, representing the four rivers of paradise. The central reflecting pool and the fountains add to the serene beauty. Spend some time here to admire the landscape.

• The Yamuna River: A walk along the riverbank provides a peaceful view of the Taj Mahal from a different perspective. There are fewer crowds here, so it’s perfect for reflection and enjoying the views.

• The Black Taj Mahal: a little known fact is that when Mumtaz was buried in the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan decreed that he would not be buried with her and started to build the Black Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. Unfortunately this was never completed as a coup by his son Aurangzeb ensued following which Shah Jahan was held under house arrest (ironically in a fort from which he could see the Taj Mahal) for years and and then buried by his wife Mumtaz. A European traveler by the name of Jean Baptiste Tavernier who visited Agra in 1665 first mentioned the idea of Black Taj in his writings. 

  
  

7. Consider the Night Viewing Option

The Taj Mahal is open for night viewing on specific days, typically for a few hours around the full moon. This is a unique experience where the Taj Mahal is illuminated by moonlight. The number of visitors is limited for night viewings, so tickets must be booked in advance.

• Full Moon and 5 Days: The Taj Mahal is generally open for night visits on the night of the full moon and for five consecutive nights, including the night before and after the full moon.

• Night Entry Tickets: The tickets for night viewing are limited, and as of 2025, the entry fee is significantly higher than during the day Be sure to plan ahead if you're considering a night visit.

  
  

8. Stay Hydrated and Wear Comfortable Shoes

While the Taj Mahal is beautiful to look at, visiting can be quite exhausting, especially in the heat. Bring a bottle of water, which can be purchased at the entrance or around the complex. If you're visiting during the warmer months, make sure to keep yourself hydrated.

• Footwear: Since you'll be walking on the marble floors and through the vast gardens, wear comfortable shoes. Avoid wearing high heels or sandals that may not offer support for long walks.

  
  

9. Local Guides and Audio Tours

Hiring a local guide can significantly enhance your experience. Local guides offer valuable insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the Taj Mahal. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, allowing you to explore at your own pace and learn more about the monument’s intricate details.

• Official Guide: Ensure that you choose a licensed guide to get accurate information about the monument and its history. We recommend Shakil Uddin of www.tajuniversaltrip.com (mention Monica at Mango Luxe when booking for good rates and service). 

  
  

10. Be Prepared for the Crowds

The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited monuments in the world, so you should expect large crowds, particularly during peak tourist seasons. To avoid this:

• Arrive Early: As mentioned, early morning visits give you a chance to beat the crowds. The monument tends to get crowded by 9AM, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Patience: Be patient when waiting in line for tickets, security checks, and during peak hours. Keep in mind that the crowds can create delays, but the beauty and serenity of the Taj Mahal make it worthwhile.

  
  

And Finally…

The Taj Mahal far surpassed my views of it when visiting in real life. The Taj Mahal is absolutely awe inspiring and jaw dropping and if you haven’t visited already I definitely recommend you do so. Just make sure you pre-plan and it will be one of your everlasting life memories, as it was mine 🪷

Monica xox