The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in the whole world. There are thousands of visitors everyday! As one of the incredible Seven Wonders of the World, it’s understandable why. There are tons of articles and blog posts that you can read about visiting the Taj (including mine!) but, here are all of the things that no one tells you about visiting the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal: What No One Tells You
You Don’t Have to Arrive Super Early to Get Photos Without Other People in Them
At least not for the iconic photo in front of the pool! People didn’t seem to mind at all stepping out of the way for others to get photos without anyone in them. However, if you’re really wanting photos in the archways or on “Diana Bench” with no one in the background, then you definitely will have to be one of the first ones in. Personally, I think it’s best to come early in the morning anyway because the Taj is breathtaking at sunrise.
Bonus tip: There are two pools in front of the Taj. Don’t stop at the first one as it’s not the iconic shot (the iconic shot being the one shown above). Everyone thinks that‘s the best spot when they enter so they all stop there to take photos (even though you can’t actually step in front of the first pool as it’s fenced off). Go ahead and skip to the second pool where you’ll find the perfect photo spot as well as the famous “Diana Bench”.
Your Ticket Has a Time Limit
When you purchase your Taj Mahal tickets you will select an entry time for your ticket. From that entry time, you are allowed a maximum of three hours inside the Taj Mahal. It’s not really advertised much and, honestly, I’m not really sure how (or if) they enforce this one. But, it is one of the rules! Three hours is definitely enough time to explore the Taj though so no need to worry.
You Can Hire a Local Guide to Take Photos for You
We only paid 500 Indian Rupees (less than 10 US Dollars) for a guide to not only skip us to the front of the line, but also to take tons of great photos for us. It was definitely worth it! He knew all of the great photo spots and we never would have gotten so many great photos together had we taken them all ourselves.
You’re Not Allowed to Bring NFL Memorabilia
My husband and I are huge football fans. My husband brings an NFL souvenir with him on our travels and takes a photo with it in front of all of the famous monuments that we visit (Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, and of course the Taj Mahal). Well, the second he took it out for a photo at the Taj Mahal, we were yelled at and told it’s not allowed, we need to put it away immediately, and that the guards will come and take it from us if they see it!
Obviously, if we had known this, we never would have brought it with us. I never actually saw a rule about this anywhere but everyone definitely freaked as soon as they saw it so it seemed like it was pretty obvious to everyone but us. But, Matt just immediately put it back in his pocket and everyone around us seemed to forget that it ever happened in the first place.
There is No Dress Code
It’s a common misconception that there is an actual dress code when visiting the Taj Mahal. However, while there is no official dress code, you should still dress respectfully. A rule of thumb is to keep your shoulders and knees covered. You are required to wear shoe covers when you enter the mausoleum, though. Don’t worry, those are provided at the entrance and included in your ticket price along with a bottle of water!
The Black Marble
You might notice that there is a lot of writing in black marble all around the Taj. This is actually a bunch of different verses from the book of Quran that are scribed into the walls. I never would have known this had our photo guide not told us!
It’s Best to Leave Personal Items at the Hotel
There is a very long list of items that you are not allowed to bring into the Taj with you. Plus, it takes much longer to get through security if you have a bag that needs searched. I brought nothing but my camera and my phone and left everything else at the hotel until we were done. It saved tons of time in the security line and I didn’t have to worry about accidentally having something that wasn’t allowed.
The Taj Mahal is Closed on Fridays
The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday for prayers. The last thing you want to do is only plan one day in Agra, on a Friday, only to find out that you won’t be able to see the Taj Mahal. Keep this in mind when planning your trip!
Tickets Cost Way More for Foreigners
Don’t be surprised to see that your tickets cost 10x as much as they do for locals. I was told (by a local) that this is because they need to make money but locals would never actually come if they were charged the same prices. This is not only at the Taj Mahal but most places with an admission fee in India.
You Can Save Money on Other Attractions with Your Taj Mahal Ticket
At other attractions in Agra like the Baby Taj or Agra Fort, all you have to do is show your Taj Mahal ticket and you’ll receive a discount on admission. It’s not a huge discount but you will at least save on the fees and taxes.
Photos Are Not Allowed Inside the Taj Mahal
However, I will say that there wasn’t really anyone stopping people from doing so. I definitely snuck a few quick pics – without flash of course! It’s also requested that you not make noise inside the mausoleum. No one seemed to really respect that rule, either. Not even the employees!
Tickets Can be Purchased in Advance Online
No one likes waiting in lines. Especially not any longer than they have to! If you plan on purchasing your tickets when you arrive you will not only have to wait in the ticket line, but you will have to wait in the entry line after purchasing your tickets as well. You can purchase yours ahead of time by clicking here. You don’t even need to print your tickets, you can just scan the barcode on your phone when you go through the gate!
Are you planning on visiting the Taj Mahal soon? Share in a comment below!
Like it? Pin it!
Don’t forget to check out these other India posts:
- Visiting the Taj Mahal at Sunrise
- Agra, India Travel Guide
- The Best Places to Visit in Delhi
- Indira Gandhi Airport: Everything You Need to Know
- Train Travel in India
- The Best Places to Visit in Jaipur
- Sheroes Hangout in Agra, India
- The Golden Triangle in India
These tips are seriously SO good! The Taj has so many rules that you wouldn’t expect. Another good one – tripods aren’t allowed!!
I absolutely love how peaceful the Taj Mahal looks in most pictures but with the crowds, I’m thinking it’s the opposite of that!
I wish I can visit it someday though. Thanks for the tips!
Author
It’s peaceful for the first few minutes of the day. After that.. not so much haha. Hope you’re able to make it someday!
I’ve always wondered how to visit the Taj Mahal! This guide is so helpful.
Author
Thank you! So glad I could help 😁
Your photos of the Taj Mahal are just breathtaking! Also, I had to giggle about the guards not even following the rules inside – too funny!
Author
Thank you so much! They kind of made their own rules haha.
Great idea of hiring the photographer! I’m always trying to find ways to be in the photos as my husband is not much of a picture taker and I am.
Author
Yes I have that same exact problem!
Love the Taj Mahal. One of my favourite places. Such great advice here. Funny thing about taking photos inside, the guard at the door made us tip him so we could.
Author
Oh how funny. Doesn’t surprise me at all haha!