Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and constructed in the mid-17th century. Construction began in 1632 and the principal mausoleum was completed around 1653.

The complex centers on the main marble tomb topped by a large central dome approximately 73 metres high, flanked by a mosque and a jawab, and set within a formal charbagh garden with water channels. The inlaid marble decoration and pietra dura work use semi-precious stones in floral designs.

Built as the tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, the monument was executed by a large workforce of masons, stonecutters and artisans under imperial patronage. It has remained a major cultural and architectural symbol and is managed as a protected heritage site.

Situated in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, the Taj stands on the Yamuna’s floodplain and is roughly 200 kilometres southeast of New Delhi by road.

• Visiting timing: Sunrise and early morning light are favored for photographs and for fewer crowds; Friday is the day the main complex is closed to non-Muslim visitors because of congregational prayers in the mosque.
• Ticket and access: Tickets include entry to the complex; an additional fee is charged for access to the main mausoleum interior on some days, and photography is restricted inside certain areas.

What to See#

• Main mausoleum: The white marble tomb chamber at the complex’s centre, topped by a bulbous dome that rises to approximately 73 metres above the plinth and houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
• Mosque: A red sandstone mosque to the west of the mausoleum used for Friday prayers; it faces the main complex and is part of the symmetrical layout.
• Jawab (guest house): A matching red sandstone building to the east of the central mausoleum, created to maintain architectural symmetry and sometimes called the jawab or guest house.
• Charbagh garden: A large formal Persian-style charbagh garden set on a raised plinth in front of the mausoleum, organized by water channels and pathways aligned with the tomb.

Agra is about 230-250 km from New Delhi by road. The fastest public option is the Gatimaan Express (about 100 minutes) from Hazrat Nizamuddin station to Agra Cantt; from Agra Cantt, the Taj is a roughly 20-30 minute taxi or auto‑rickshaw ride (about 6 km). Driving from Delhi on the Yamuna Expressway typically takes 3-4 hours by car.

Within Agra, the Tajganj area is served by regular city buses and plentiful cycle‑rickshaws. Agra Fort is about 2-3 km west of the Taj - a 20-30 minute walk along the city streets or a short tuk‑tuk ride. There is no metro service to the Taj Mahal.

• Book tickets online from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site to skip long queues; the electronic ticket names are checked at the gate.
• Arrive at first light for the famous pale-gold sunrise on the marble and far fewer crowds - the light at dawn is cooler and flatter than the harsh midday glare.
• If visiting the mausoleum chamber, be ready to leave shoes at the cloakroom/put on shoe-covers - and note that tripods and large bags are not allowed.
• Consider a night viewing (only on full-moon nights ±1, and a few other dates) for a different, silvered experience - tickets sell out, book well in advance.
• Most guide touts hover near the East and South gates; hire only licensed guides who display ID, or use the official ASI guide services.