Taj Mahal, Agra | Golden Triangle India Tours

A monument to eternal love

Discover The
Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, India. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.

Described by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as "a teardrop on the cheek of time," the Taj Mahal is widely recognised as the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. It is regarded by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements of Indian, Persian, and Islamic architectural styles.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Taj Mahal dome and minarets against blue sky

Intricate marble inlay work (pietra dura) on the Taj Mahal

MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE

The Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements of Indian, Persian, and Islamic design. The entire complex spans 17 hectares and includes the main mausoleum, a mosque, a guest house (jawab), and stunning Char Bagh gardens divided by water channels. The white marble dome rises 73 metres and is flanked by four minarets, each standing 40 metres tall. Over 20,000 artisans from across India and Central Asia worked for 22 years to complete this masterpiece.

SYMBOL OF ETERNAL LOVE

Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in 1632 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their 14th child. The emperor was so grief-stricken that his hair is said to have turned grey overnight. The Taj Mahal stands as an enduring symbol of love that has inspired poets, artists, and travellers for nearly four centuries. Today, it attracts 7-8 million visitors annually, making it India's most visited monument and one of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Our success path

History of the
Taj Mahal

From its commission in 1632 to its recognition as a New Seven Wonder of the World, the Taj Mahal has stood as a testament to eternal love and architectural brilliance for nearly four centuries.

1632

Emperor Shah Jahan commissions the construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. Over 20,000 artisans are recruited from across India and Central Asia.

1643

The main mausoleum structure is completed after 11 years of construction. The iconic white marble dome, standing 73 metres high, becomes the centrepiece of the complex. The four minarets are also completed.

1653

The entire Taj Mahal complex is completed after 22 years of work. The total cost is estimated at 32 million rupees (approximately $827 million in today's value). The complex includes gardens, mosque, guest house, and the Great Gate.

1983

The Taj Mahal is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, described as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." Conservation efforts are intensified.

2007

The Taj Mahal is named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World following a global poll of over 100 million votes. Today, it attracts 7-8 million visitors annually and remains India's most iconic landmark.

Explore & experience

Things To Do At
The Taj Mahal

Photography Spots

Capture the Taj Mahal from iconic viewpoints — the reflecting pool, Diana Bench, the Great Gate frame, and the riverside from Mehtab Bagh for stunning sunset shots.

Sunrise Visit

Experience the magical sunrise at the Taj Mahal when the white marble glows pink and gold. Gates open 30 minutes before sunrise — arrive early for the best experience.

Mehtab Bagh View

Visit Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) across the Yamuna River for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Taj Mahal at sunset. A perfect spot for photography without the crowds.

Agra Fort Visit

Just 2.5 km away, the magnificent Agra Fort offers a stunning view of the Taj Mahal from the Musamman Burj — the same octagonal tower where Shah Jahan spent his final years gazing at his creation.

Marble Inlay Shopping

Agra is famous for its marble inlay craft (pietra dura) — the same technique used in the Taj Mahal. Visit local workshops to see artisans at work and shop for beautiful marble souvenirs.

Mughlai Food Tour

Savour Agra's legendary Mughlai cuisine — from succulent kebabs and rich biryanis to the famous Agra Petha (sweet) and crispy Bedai. Don't miss the rooftop restaurants with Taj views.

Plan your trip

Visitor
Information

Opening Hours

Sunrise to Sunset (except Fridays)
Gates open 30 min before sunrise
Last entry: 30 min before sunset
Night viewing: 8:30 PM - 12:30 AM (Full moon ±2 days)
Closed on Fridays

Entry Fees (2026)

Indian Citizens: ₹50
Foreign Tourists: ₹1,100
SAARC/BIMSTEC: ₹540
Main Mausoleum: ₹200 (additional)
Children (below 15): Free

Best Time to Visit

October - March: Best weather (15-25°C)
Sunrise: Most magical lighting
Avoid: April-June (extreme heat 40°C+)
Monsoon: July-Sept (humid but fewer crowds)
Full Moon nights: Special night viewing

How to Reach

From Delhi: 230 km (3-4 hrs by road)
By Train: Gatimaan Express (1 hr 40 min)
From Jaipur: 240 km (4-5 hrs by road)
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport (Kheria)
Local: Auto/e-rickshaw to East/West Gate

TAJ MAHAL