Virtual Reality (VR) Tour of Taj Mahal

Virtual reality tour of taj mahal.

An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.

How to explore this VR Tour

  • Click on the Audio (speaker button) to listen the background story.
  • Click on the “Full screen” button on right upper corner to see the VR tour in full screen mode.
  • Each Virtual Tour is connected through various 360 degree Panorama, so with the help of mouse curser you can move the Panorama (on laptop/computer) and with fingers on your mobile phone.
  • Various markers are given to explore the VR tours: Click on the plus sign to read about the place, to see the video, photographs and even to attempt the assessment. Click on the black arrow to move forward and backward in a VR tour.
  • Click on the black arrow to enter the tour.

Watch the video to know more about this VR tour:

Taj Mahal: A Tour from the Top

A new perspective on an indian icon.

By Google Arts & Culture

The Taj Mahal is one of the great artistic treasures of the world, an instantly-recognisable emblem of India itself. It’s a mausoleum, or tomb, commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the greatest Mugal Emperors, to house the body of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Here, you can take in the famous architecture and surroundings in Street View. But what does it look like from up high?

From the top of this minaret, we have a good view across the entire river plain, and of the Taj Mahal itself. The building is perfectly symmetrical, with four minarets, four small pavilions, and one iconic central dome.

Up here, we can see the richly-decorated facade. Before the Taj Mahal, most grand buildings were made of sandstone, but when commissioning this, the emperor Shah Jahan preferred white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones.

Red sandstone can be seen being used to create a remarkable contrast in the smaller - but no less elaborate - building to the west, a mosque, completed in 1643. Inside, the tiled floor has space for precisely 569 worshippers.

A matching building known as the jawab (answer), is found to the east. This was built to provide a perfectly symmetrical view, but may have also been used as a private guesthouse.

Standing on the roof of the mosque, we have a better view of the decoration. The inlaid stone shows no expense was spared in this devoted lover's monument.

To the south are the gardens, laid out in a grid divided by pathways and pools. This style was very popular in the Mughal Empire, and designed to invoke thoughts of the gardens of paradise as described in the Qur'an.

While we're here, why not take a look around the rest of the site and discover the many more treasures of the Taj Mahal .

Hampi - Poetry in Stone

Archaeological survey of india, innovations in architectural astronomy: the jantar mantar observatory, incredible india, mahabalipuram - sculpture by the sea, shigmo festival in goa: the beginning, rajghat: varanasi through the millenia, mahabalipuram: life, divinely preserved in stone, sarnath - turning the wheel of law, hampi: the saga of a lost city, vignettes of ajanta & ellora, yaoshang of the youth: holi in manipur.

Taj Mahal, India

Visit the crown jewel of India

A closer look at the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, India’s architectural crown jewel, was built over 350 years ago by a powerful ruler in honor of his beloved wife. This monument is recognizable to people around the world because of its symmetry, white marble, and the love story that brought it to life. There is an unspoken beauty about this building that has captured hearts for generations, and is captivating people still. Millions of people around the world come to Google to learn more about the Taj Mahal, even if they may never have the chance to get there.

Now, the whole world can experience the Taj Mahal on Street View. From the comfort of your computer, tablet or phone, take a 360-degree journey around the Taj Mahal as if you were walking around the building itself. Enjoy postcard views or discover rarely-seen perspectives; get up close to the hand-carved details and explore expansive landscapes. The Taj Mahal is just one of many locations in India collected by the Street View Trekker. Now people around the world can take a virtual journey to visit historical monuments like the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb . Experience the beauty and wonder of India’s world-renowned treasures, now on Google Maps.

Take a stroll around the Taj Mahal

Tour the grounds of the taj mahal.

virtual tour of taj mahal

The Taj Mahal is a precisely designed complex of buildings and gardens, intricately arranged in a symmetrical plan.

virtual tour of taj mahal

The most familiar element of the Taj Mahal complex is the mausoleum, built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum is recognized around the world for its domed profile, brilliant white marble construction, and architectural symmetry.

virtual tour of taj mahal

The Taj Mahal took approximately 20 years to build and more than 20,000 craftsmen and artisans worked to create what we see today. Stone inlays using yellow marble, jasper, and jade adorn the mausoleum in floral motifs, symbolizing a bountiful afterlife.

virtual tour of taj mahal

Adjacent to the mausoleum are two red sandstone buildings, flanking the east and west sides of the complex. One is a mosque. The other was built to preserve the symmetry of the site and was at one time used as a guest house.

virtual tour of taj mahal

The mausoleum is situated at the north end of an idyllic charbagh garden. Persian "paradise garden" designs were the inspiration at the Taj Mahal, combining flowerbeds, reflecting pools, and criss-crossing pathways, seen in Street View .

virtual tour of taj mahal

The symmetry of the Taj Mahal is accentuated by the water basin at the center of the garden and by the famous reflecting pool directly in front of the mausoleum. These tranquil waters reflect iconic views of the surrounding buildings and gardens.

World  /  Asia  /  India  / Taj Mahal, India

virtual tour of taj mahal

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal was built by order of  Shah Jahan, a Great Mughal emperor and the descendant of Tamerlan, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. In our cynical times it's hard to believe in feelings strong enough to withstand 17 years of marriage and 13 children. But it's a fact — all legends and stories of that time tell us one thing: when they first met, Shah Jahan was enchanted by his chosen one, so from that moment on he didn't pay attention to his other wives. When Mumtaz Mahal died during childbirth of their fourteenth baby in 1631, Shah aborted his war campaign, returned home and dedicated the rest of his life to building the mausoleum.

Taj Mahal, India

Twenty thousand workers had been building the monument for more than twenty years. Beside local experts, foreign architects — Venetian and Frenchman — were invited to participate in the development. Combined efforts gave birth to five-dome building, which was 74 meters high on the platform with 4 minarets in the corners. The walls are faced with polished semitransparent marble, brought to the site from a 300 kilometers distance. It looks white in the bright daylight, pink during sunset, and silver in the moonlight. Furthermore, walls are decorated with turquoise, agate, malachite, carnelian and other gemstones delivered from many countries including Russia. The grand building of Taj Mahal is surrounded by park. Water canals divide the park into square sections. The wide canal with fountains runs from the main gate. When the fountains are silent one can see a magic reflection of Taj Mahal in the water...

Taj Mahal, India

While the construction was in progress, Shah Jahan had an idea to create the same monument for himself on the opposite shore of Jamuna River that runs right behind the mausoleum. It would be made of black marble and connected with his wife's mausoleum by an openwork bridge. Unfortunately, this beautiful dream did not come true. In order to maintain a clear view of the most spectacular mausoleum in the world, it was prohibited to erect more than 4-storey buildings in 3 kilometers radius. However, many years of grief and obsession with building the mausoleum prevented Shah Jahan from attending to his country's needs. As a result, he was overthrown by his own son (son of the woman to whom he dedicated the mausoleum) and spent the rest of his days in jail. The legend says that, as some cruel joke, his jail windows were facing Taj Mahal, the monument to his loved one whose untimely death led to his demise. Taj Mahal is not just one of the most famous India landmarks. It is a rare monument, which needs to be seen and also to be felt. This is a story of love artistically preserved in stone, and it affects everyone who sees it. 

Photos by  Stanislav Sedov  and  Dmitry Moiseenko

30 September 2022

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That is a great feature added by google and a great initiative taken by UNESCO.

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Visiting the Taj Mahal: A Virtual Tour

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Thursday was India’s Independence Day, so in honor of this great country, I decided that this week’s blog post would highlight someplace in India.  Today, I will spotlight perhaps the country’s best known and most visited tourist attraction, the Taj Mahal.  When people book tours or vacations to India, this is the place that is typically at the top of everyone’s list, and is regarded as one of the wonders of the world.  It is also regarded as something of an unofficial symbol of India.

History and Layout

First, a little history about the place.  Some mistakenly think of the Taj Mahal as a palace, but in fact, it is a mausoleum, constructed from 1648-1653 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal.  The main building was constructed almost entirely of white marble, inlaid with precious stones in places, though the entire complex was surrounded by stone walls and gates constructed of red sandstone.  The complex reportedly fell into a state of disrepair by the 19th century, but was eventually restored, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

When most people think of the Taj Mahal, they think of the white marble monument itself that you typically find on postcards, such as the photo at the top of this blog post, but there is actually a lot more to it, and you’re missing out if that’s all you come to see!  The Taj Mahal actually consists of several distinct structures and features, the main ones being the Great Gate, the Taj Mahal itself which contains the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, a mosque, and the ornamental gardens.  The main Taj Mahal features four minarets, a common feature of Mughal architecture of the period (for another example, see the Charminar monument in Hyderabad).

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A Virtual Photo Tour

Don’t take my word for it, though – I’ll let the photos do the talking on this virtual tour.  Just keep in mind that all of this was built in the 17th century, without the benefit of modern equipment or tools, which makes the structure all the more remarkable.  First up is the Great Gate, as you enter the Taj Mahal.

virtual tour of taj mahal

You are almost immediately greeted by the Mahal itself, with a stunning reflection in the reflecting pool on a sunny day.  If you are traveling with a significant other, this is probably the best spot to take a photo together.

virtual tour of taj mahal

From here, you can turn around and get a good view of the Great Gate.

virtual tour of taj mahal

Once you walk up to the top of the steps, you are afforded a nice view of the Yamuna River, with Agra Fort partially visible on the left.  Don’t even think about swimming in here, though.

virtual tour of taj mahal

A close-up of the intricate marble work of the Taj Mahal, at the entrance to the tomb itself.  Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside the tomb, so no photos to share.

virtual tour of taj mahal

Once you tour the inside of the tomb, you are afforded a view of the mosque (as I recall, you can’t go inside).

virtual tour of taj mahal

Here is a close-up of the artwork in the marble of the main building.

virtual tour of taj mahal

And finally, a view of the garden from the top of the steps in front of the tomb building.

virtual tour of taj mahal

Getting to the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, approximately 200 kilometers south of Delhi.  The most common way of getting here is to fly to Delhi, and then arrange a car and driver to make the rest of the trip.  It is a grueling 5-hour drive from Delhi, though supposedly, a new expressway is open or will soon be opened that will cut travel time in about half (it had not been constructed when we visited in 2009).  You can usually arrange a tour guide and vehicle through a travel agent that specializes in India, or can take your chances and try to arrange one when you land at the Delhi airport.  Generally, you will pay between $20 and $50 per day for the car and driver, depending on the type of vehicle you want and the number of people in your group.

You can also travel by inter-city bus (not recommended) or by train from Delhi.  Numerous local and express trains run between Delhi and Agra, with travel times ranging between 3 and 6 hours, with fares in an A/C compartment ranging from $15-25 per person one way.  Check the Indian Railways website for full schedules and fares; unfortunately, foreign credit cards or bank accounts are not accepted for payment, so you’ll have to either call a travel agent or try your luck once you get to India if you want to take the train.

Finally, Air India ( http://www.airindia.com ) does offer flights from Delhi to Agra, for about $60 per person one way.  However, flights only run 3 days a week, so double check and make sure that the planes are running on the day you plan to be in Agra, and more importantly, on the day you plan to return.  Air India also has a history for spotty service and timekeeping, so keep that in mind.

How Much It Costs to Tour the Taj Mahal

Back in 2009, entrance fees were 750 rupees ($12.50 at today’s exchange rates) for foreigners, or 100 rupees ($1.60) for Indian nationals, or in our case, people who look local enough to fool the ticket taker.  I would imagine the fees are pretty similar today, as historically, India hasn’t exactly updated its prices on a regular basis.  Regardless, entrance is a bargain, relatively speaking.

Unless you have friends or relatives in Agra that you plan to stay with and have help get you around, I would recommend arranging a tour through your hotel if you are spending the night in Agra, or through a travel agent if you are driving, taking the train, etc. from Delhi.  Your tour guide will take care of obtaining tickets, and give you a thorough tour of the premises at your own pace.  If you have arranged a “package tour” in advance that includes other sites in Agra or Delhi, the cost of the tour guide will be included in the package price, though the tour guide (as with pretty much everyone else in India) will expect a tip.  The going gringo rate is about 250 rupees per person.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can just have a taxi or your driver drop you off at the entrance, and hire a tour guide at the gate.  If you go this route, MAKE SURE TO NEGOTIATE A PRICE BEFORE GETTING STARTED; otherwise, you could be in for a rude surprise when the guide demands an outrageous sum of money at the end.  Guides at the Taj Mahal are more expensive than other tourist sites, but you still shouldn’t pay more than 500 rupees per person.  Start out at, say, 200 per person, and go from there.

Once you get inside, beware that hawkers will attempt to entice you to be your personal photographer during your tour.  They will take nice photos, but again, remember that you will be charged for the privilege, so negotiate a price upfront.  We once got burned in Shimla by this scheme, and had to cough up 3,600 rupees for a bunch of (admittedly nice) photos.

Where to Stay Near the Taj Mahal

Two hotels in Agra tend to be considered THE places to stay if you want to overnight in Agra.  The Taj Group offers The Gateway Hotel , located approximately 3 km from the Taj Mahal.  Prices currently range from $70-150 per night, with prices generally lower during monsoon season (June-September).  If you REALLY want to treat yourself, the famous Oberoi Amarvilas offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal right from your room – but you will pay for the experience, with prices ranging from $265-625 a night, depending on the season.  If neither place strikes your fancy, there are a multitude of 3-4 star, Western-quality hotels that you can get for less money; contact a travel agent that specializes in India for more details.

When to Visit the Taj Mahal

The best time to visit is November through February, when the nights are cool, the days are pleasant, and rainfall is rare.  By far the best month to visit is January, when daytime highs in the 70s make for a pleasant walk around the gardens (however, beware of fog in Delhi, which can cause major delays with air and rail transport).  April through mid-June tend to be extremely hot, with afternoon temperatures often exceeding 110 degrees, and crowds tend to be an issue because it coincides with summer school holidays.  Monsoon season (mid-June through September) is actually a good time to visit.  Crowds are smaller, hotel prices are much cheaper, and this far inland, you’re more likely to run in to an occasional afternoon thunderstorm than anything else.  Of course, if you get unlucky, you could end up in town the 2-3 days per month that it rains continuously the whole day.

Dawn is generally regarded as the best time to visit the Taj Mahal, as the early morning light produces unique colorations and shadows among the buildings.  Be aware, though, that this means arriving at the Taj in the neighborhood of 5:30 A.M.  If you aren’t a morning person, plan accordingly.

Other Things to Consider

Be especially cautious outside of the Taj Mahal grounds.  In addition to being a dump in general, Agra has quite possibly the most aggressive collection of beggars and hawkers anywhere in India.  We were followed for a good quarter mile by both someone trying to sell us a carriage ride, and someone trying to sell costume jewelry, which was an unnerving experience.  Stay in groups and just keep walking if a hawker tries to bother you.

In addition, as is the case pretty much everywhere in India, your driver will take you to a carpet shop, a jewelry shop, a curio shop, or a combination of the two at some point during your trip.  Sometimes you can get good stuff, but remember that your driver is receiving a kickback from everything you buy, so shop accordingly.  It goes without saying, NEVER pay list price; start off at least 50-60% less than what the tag says.

And of course, drink only bottled water, and be careful eating from street stalls, especially if you’re on the first few days of your vacation.

Other Things to See in Agra

Agra is also home to Agra Fort, a typical Mughal-era fort similar to the ones you will find in places like Delhi and Jaipur.  I love historical places, and Indian forts in particular are really an experience for their architecture and stories, so I would recommend visiting.  If you have more time, you can also visit Fatehpur Sikri, the site of a fort and also briefly the capital of the Mughal empire under Emperor Akbar during the 16th century.  It is located approximately 35 kilometers from Agra, and will take 45-60 minutes by road.

Some visitors also visit Agra on what’s called a “Golden Triangle” tour, which includes stops in Delhi, Agra, sometimes Ranthambore National Park (tiger reserve), and Jaipur, which range in duration from 3-10 days.

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Taj Mahal: Virtual Tour To A Wonder of the World

Vipin Gaur

  • April 18, 2020
  • September 2, 2023
  • Stories & Experiences , India , Inspiration , Uttar Pradesh

Virtual Tour of Taj Mahal ENG Blog Cover

Taj Mahal, counted among the Seven Wonders of the World, is eye-delight to most of its visitors. And why shouldn’t it be? Built using Rajasthani Makrana Marble, the Taj Mahal defies many world’s architectures with its grandeur and beauty. The translucent-ish nature of the marble allows lights to pass through it, though in a very insignificant proportion. This makes the Taj Mahal shine, and hence it glows in a moonlit night.

While COVID-19 has wrecked us in many fields, it couldn’t take us on our imaginations and choices. Today, I will take you on another virtual tour of the Taj Mahal while you sit back and enjoy. Hold your horses and be prepared to amuse yourself with the beauty of the Taj.

This virtual tour is no different from Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal . But if you haven’t been there virtually, let me reiterate some of the basic things to you.

1- Minute Video Tour

I thought you would like to see this 1-minute video tour. Watch this; it should act like extra cheese on a Pizza. Please don’t say that you don’t want extra cheese. Anyway, ignore my gibberish talks and enjoy it.

Things Worth Noting

Here are a few essential things you should consider before proceeding to this virtual tour of the Taj Mahal.

  • Winter is about to end in India and the month is February.
  • The weather is a bit sunny with clouds scattered all over the blue sky.
  • We are in the heritage city of Agra, where the Taj Mahal is situated.
  • You are with me and we are going to explore today one of the seven wonders of the world

Your Expectations With This Virtual Tour

This might not be the tour you want, but it can be the tour that’ll rejuvenate you. Whether you have been to the Taj before or not, I’ll strive to make this virtual tour as exciting and fun as possible. That being said, know that:

  • You and I are friends (hey, buddy!). 
  • Everything being showed here is in chronological order.
  • Since this is virtual, focus on images as much as you’ll do in reading.

Ready to take off? Let’s go.

Reaching the Taj Mahal

We have done our homework and reached the Taj Mahal’s West Gate via an Uber ride in Agra as good travelers. As soon as the cab dropped us outside a rustic gate, you went into bewilderment as there was no Taj Mahal visible from the entrance. But since I have been to Agra and visited the Taj Mahal many times before, I have become your driver.

“Here, come this way.” I started walking on the pavement going inside. I told you that the Taj Mahal’s main gate is approximately 100-200 meters from here. You exhaled some air of satisfaction, then.

We can see some Caddy moving up and down the road, but we preferred walking. Soon enough, we reached the ticketing window and passed the security check, and finally entered the Taj Mahal’s complex.

You pointed us to see styled walkways on both sides as we kept walking. Just like this:

beautiful pathways at the taj mahal virtual tour

Next, the main entrance to the Taj Mahal became visible. What was it called? We read about it on the Internet, don’t you remember? It is known as the Great Gate or Darwaza-i-Rauza, and here’s how it looks. Tall and beautiful.

 The Great Gate Side View at the taj mahal virtual tour

“Ah, there,” you pointed as you saw the white dome behind the walls of the gate. The excitement is on another level, and we can’t wait to quickly get inside after crossing the gate.

The gate! It is really huge compared to the gates of today’s world and undeniably beautiful. We saw inscriptions in Urdu and wondered what it is?

the great gate or darwaza-i-rauza at the taj mahal virtual tour

As soon as we crossed the gate, making our way between the crowd, we both shattered. It is like that ‘reality’ vs. ‘expectations’ meme. This much crowd, not at all fun. See:

The Taj Mahal First Sight at the taj mahal virtual tour

But anyway, all our disappointments turned into joy the moment we geared our necks in front and saw the whole, wide-view of Taj from our own set of eyes. I can’t tell you. You have to watch it yourself.

I can’t refrain myself and have to click some good pics, I mumbled as I hurriedly set up my Canon EOS 200D . This piece of gadget + my iPhone calms my creative satiations.

Look at these pics that I took as we walked towards the Taj Mahal.

Old Couple Standing in front of the taj mahal virtual tour

Passing by the people trying to lift Taj in their photographs, the cowboys are finally standing very close to the Taj. Can we not be with views like this forever?

an oldman cowboy looking the dome at taj mahal virtual tour

“Take the left turn, and we will be up at the pavilion,” I instructed. The pavilion? You asked. The two identical structures we see on both sides of the Taj Mahal. One of them is a mosque, and another is a guest pavilion. Remember those glamorous Instagram photos? Those were shot from here.

Guest Pavilion - Mosque on both sides of the Taj Mahal

Since the sun sets this side, we see the Taj marbles of the Taj marbles in a yellow hue. And it is still gorgeous. See:

Yellow Hued view of taj mahal virtual tour

We moved like good boys, but the queue was long and the excitement to finally summon in front of the Taj Mahal was at its peak. We quickly reached the very top, and now we can’t even see the central dome. We’re so close. Watch this:

Near Front of the taj mahal virtual tour

The next task is to take a 360-degree revolution of the Taj Mahal while taking the beautiful shots of the Guest Pavilion, mosque, and the Yamuna river flowing behind the architecture. The sun was setting, and it was really a beautiful building. Perhaps, you can understand from these pics:

Looking the setting sun from the taj mahal virtual tour

After spending more than an hour, you asked to take photos from a good position. So we start coming down the Taj Mahal to reach the garden complex in front of the Taj. “This is a good point,” you said as you took a beautiful shot of me trying to pose well. See your shot:

VivaciousVipin sitting and posing in front of the taj mahal virtual tour

Satiating our urges with some good clicks, we are now ready to get out see what’s outside the East gate of the Taj Mahal. 

We exited from the Taj Mahal complex and saw what we are seeing now. Souvenir market and a Lord Shiva temple. Time to take some souvenirs back to our places, we laughed and joked as we went to the market lane.

Market near the East Gate of the taj mahal virtual tour

That’s how we concluded the journey. Did you enjoy visiting the Taj Mahal with me? Nay? Yes? What are you saying? I can’t hear ya; use the comment box, please.

I hope you are enjoying these virtual tours amid this panicking pandemic. If so, please count your good friends and share it with them. Also, if you haven’t been to our virtual tour of Hawa Mahal, you can click here to visit.

See you soon, buddy.

Vipin Gaur

Vipin is a techie, traveler, and entrepreneur. He has done engineering in computer science and is an Apple Fan Boy. He is behind all the tech and content management of this website. Often, he shares his entrepreneurial learnings and thoughts on his Twitter .

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Virtual reality (VR) tour of Taj Mahal

Archaeology News

The Taj Mahal is a well-known mausoleum in Agra, India. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631. The Taj Mahal’s construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1653.

The Taj Mahal is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate decorative work. The mausoleum’s exterior is white marble with intricate inlaid designs of precious stones and calligraphy. The central dome of the Taj Mahal is 240 feet high and is surrounded by four smaller domes.

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13 Things To Know Before Visiting The Taj Mahal

W hen it comes to truly great monuments, it doesn't get much more iconic than the ivory-white marble, and satisfying symmetry, of the Taj Mahal. Perched on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra, India, countless tourists flock to its gates each year, for an all-important glimpse of what is often heralded as the most beautiful building in the world. Some 20,000 of the most skilled craftsmen from India and Central Asia worked on this ornate masterpiece, featuring thousands of sparkling semi-precious stones, among other delicate materials.

You've probably spotted it in pictures any number of times, but experiencing the allure of the Taj Mahal in person is nothing short of otherworldly. It's a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site , which it became in 1983, and was even declared the winner of the New7Wonders of the World initiative in 2007. But before you visit in the flesh, it's a good idea to get familiar with everything there is to know about the famous "monument of love". From how much tickets cost and where to snap the best picture, to the ideal time of day to arrive, here's how to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

It's Pretty Convenient To Visit

Standing tall and proud in the bustling city of Agra, the Taj Mahal is about four hours north of the country's capital, Delhi. Agra is the most populated state in India, which means there are multiple different options for getting here. The fastest route to the Taj Mahal would be to fly. If you're already in India, your best bet is to arrive at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport, in Agra — just over 4 miles from the city center. But if you're coming from outside of the country, the nearest major airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

From here, Agra is easy enough to reach by train. You'll want to arrive at Agra Cantt Railway Station, with several superfast, express trains running to and from all the major cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi. If you'd prefer to take the bus, Agra also has a well-developed road network, which you can access from various nearby hubs, including Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi. Just make sure you come into the Idgah Bus Stand in Agra — the main bus terminal.

Whichever transport method you choose, you'll need to take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the Taj Mahal from Agra's center. Be sure to haggle with the driver to avoid paying hefty tourist prices, especially since they won't be able to drop you right outside the Taj Mahal. Vehicles aren't allowed within 500 meters (1640 feet) of the monument because of pollution concerns.

You Can't Visit On Fridays

From sunrise to sunset, on almost every day of the week, you're free to soak up the Taj Mahal in all its splendor — except on Fridays, when it's closed to allow practicing Muslims to worship. You might want to pass up on a weekend visit, too, just to avoid the huge swathes of crowds at every turn.

Settle on an early-morning strategy , or go for a "last thing at night" visit — the Taj opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. Sunrise is truly magical, thanks to a warm glow descending over its pristine white marble. And with fewer people around, you'll likely have the space and time to fully appreciate all of the monument's intricacies, without distraction. Before sunset is just as rewarding, as the changing colors of the sky create an exquisite backdrop.

There isn't exactly a best time to visit India — each season comes with its pros and cons — but think about your priorities. If you prefer cooler temperatures, visit in the winter, between October and March. Just remember that you'll have to contend with thousands of other tourists with the same idea. Plus, it can get foggy, which may obscure your view. April to May will be hot and humid, but there will be fewer tourists around. That leaves June to September — monsoon season. You may get caught in a downpour, but even fewer visitors are prepared to brave it during this time, and accommodation prices are much cheaper.

It Took Around 20 Years To Build

Visiting a historic monument is never quite the same if you don't know the full story, so don't plan this trip of a lifetime without doing your homework first. You'll find that understanding the history gives you a much deeper respect for the Taj Mahal, and allows you to really take in all that this immense structure has to offer.

To give you a little background, the iconic monument we all know and love was commissioned by the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal -- she died during childbirth in 1631. The building process was started almost immediately after her tragic death and took around 20 years to complete. As well as incredible white marble from the Indian state of Rajasthan, materials for the Taj Mahal were sought from all over the world, including turquoise from Tibet, white sapphire from Sri Lanka, and jade imported from China. Around 1,000 elephants were also thought to be involved in the construction process, transporting these special materials across borders, and helping to lay them in place.

When the Taj Mahal was finally finished in 1653, there were rumors that the thousands of laborers who helped create it had their thumbs chopped off, so that no such monument could ever be built again! Whether this holds true or not, the Emperor was also buried here after he died in 1666, alongside his beloved wife.

You Need To Wear Shoe Covers

A visit to the Taj Mahal can feel a little overwhelming and be a lot to take in. So much so that it may be easy to forget it's also a mausoleum — the final resting place of the Emperor and his true love. It's really important to be respectful of the rules around the monument, including covering your shoes when you go into the burial chamber.

While most temples in India require you to take off your shoes completely, the Taj Mahal simply asks tourists to use shoe covers, which are given to you in a fetching light blue shade, at the ticket booth when you arrive. These are used to prevent dust particles from being tracked into the mausoleum and to keep its marble-clad surfaces as shiny and clean as possible. On your way out of the Taj Mahal, be sure to put these disposable shoe covers, and any rubbish that you have, in the trash cans provided. Sadly, the world-famous monument has suffered from plagues of litter in recent years.

Tickets Cost More For International Tourists

Don't be surprised to see that domestic tourists pay much less for the privilege of gawking at the Taj Mahal. Indian citizens are charged 50 rupees (approximately $0.70), while foreign visitors must pay 1,100 rupees ($15.50). You'll need to part with even more money if you want to go inside the mausoleum itself — there's an additional 200 rupee fee ($2.50), but it's worth it. Plus, the foreign tourists' ticket comes with shoe covers, a water bottle, a map, as well as a bus or golf cart service, which takes you to the nearest gate. A real lifesaver in Agra's blistering heat. Bear in mind that your ticket is valid for one visit only, but gives you three blissful hours to explore the Taj Mahal.

If you plan to buy your ticket on-site, there are separate counters for domestic and foreign tourists, so be sure to line up accordingly. Both of these booths are likely to be busy with long, snaking queues, which is why it's sensible to arrive as early in the day as you can. In fact, your best bet is to line up at the South Gate and avoid the very busy East Gate at all costs. Or, simply buy your tickets online beforehand.

You Should Know And Respect The Rules

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, every visitor must follow certain rules and regulations inside the Taj Mahal, which have been put in place to protect its magnificence. For example, at no point should you touch the marble, or any other material inside the complex, because it could lead to erosion. As it is, each surface needs special, round-the-clock care to ensure its beauty is preserved for future generations.

Littering and smoking are also not allowed within the Taj Mahal, so make sure you do your bit to dispose of empty water bottles, and other trash, in the bins outside. If your entrance ticket allows you into the mausoleum, remember not to take any photos here and to be as quiet and respectful as you can. This houses the tomb of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife -- for whom thousands of Muslims make the journey each year to pay their respects.

Dress Appropriately

You won't find an enforced dress code for the Taj Mahal, but it's always important to be a respectful tourist when visiting India . So, treat the monument like you would any other temple or mosque on your travels. This means keeping your shoulders and everything above your knees covered, as a sign of respect. Sure, you'll notice some foreigners wearing shorts and tank tops, but don't be swept up in this. It's often seen as disrespectful and will only invite unwanted stares.

The best thing to do is play it safe with longer, flowing trousers to keep you covered and cool, as well as kaftans or shawls to hide your shoulders. For guys, wear an overshirt on your top half and a pair of shorts that ideally go down to your knees, or play it safe with full-length pants. If you're feeling exotic, it's possible to rent traditional Indian clothes for your visit, such as a saree or a kurta pajamabut, but expect to pay extra for the privilege.

Leave These Things At Home

A dress code might not be enforced, per se, but the Taj Mahal has some pretty strict rules about what can be brought into the monument. To save yourself the hassle, avoid carrying a backpack (or anything larger than a small bag), any type of food or drink (even if it's sealed), tobacco products, drones, books, mobile phone chargers, GoPros, headphones, batteries, and tripods. And don't bother trying to sneak any one of these items in, either. The guards at security points really dig through your bag and follow a pretty elaborate frisk procedure for each person.

If you really must have one of these items on you for the day, there are lockers available at the East and West Gates that you can store them in. Having said that, it's much easier just to leave forbidden items at home, so be selective when packing your bag. Bring only your camera and your phone with you, but keep the latter on silent mode in the mausoleum.

Get A Guide

For some of the world's most iconic monuments, it could be seen as a waste of money to hire a tour guide. But not the Taj Mahal. Having an expert at your fingertips will really bring the structure to life for you, with stories, and interesting facts you might not hear otherwise. Not to mention be your own personal photographer, and of course, help you with all the best angles for these pictures. There really isn't much information within the complex itself, so it's a bit of a no-brainer. But where do you find the best guide, and how much should it cost?

If you're staying in a hotel nearby, reception staff usually have good contacts with extremely knowledgeable locals. In most cases, they'll be able to offer you a good deal. Or, you could book directly on a local tour guide website, ensuring your hard-earned money goes to a good home. Expect to pay around 2,000 rupees ($25) for a tour guide per day, but if you just want someone to show you around the monument for three hours, you're looking at somewhere near the 1,500 rupee mark ($18). These prices increase dramatically for the pushy kind of guide who lingers outside the Taj Mahal waiting for tourists. So, it goes without saying — book in advance for less stress on the day itself. If you do decide to go with a guide when you arrive, ask them for an approved identity card before you begin.

Where To Take The Best Pictures

The signature shot of the Taj Mahal (the one doing the rounds on social media) is on the approach from the South Gate. You know the one — with a reflection of its world-famous domes in the turquoise fountain, and the majestic white marble of the mausoleum providing the most perfect of backdrops. But it's nearly impossible to get a clear photo here, without other tourists straying into view. So, take your chance and snap away as soon as you arrive — it'll only get busier later on.

If you can't quite get that quintessential shot at this stage, don't be disheartened. There are plenty of other opportunities. What's more, the Taj Mahal is perfectly symmetrical, providing nearly identical views from multiple vantage points. With this in mind, explore the complex as you go and get creative, looking for new angles. One of the most underrated of these is from the mosque on the west side of the mausoleum. It provides the real money shot, and with far fewer people to contend with, too. Who could say no to red-sandstone scalloped archways, providing the most perfect frame for the undisputed star of the show — the mausoleum? Time it for the break of day at sunrise or just before nightfall at sunset, and you're onto a real winner.

Visit The Other Sites, Too

Sure, the main draw of the Taj Mahal is the ivory-white marble of its mausoleum, but there's an entire complex to explore aside from this, so don't miss out. Start with Chowk-i-Jilo Khana forecourt, which houses the main entrance. It's a stunningly beautiful, arched gateway, topped with delicate domes and adorned with floral designs. Next, make your way to the Charbagh, which means four gardens. Prepare yourself for breathtaking views as you walk through Chowk-i-Jilo Khana gateway and into this tranquil space, split into four quadrants by waterways. These gardens are reminiscent of the Koranic description of Paradise — rivers flowing with water, milk, wine, and honey — and a classic sign of the Mughal era.

As you keep moving, you'll come across the aforementioned red-sandstone mosque on the west side, and a perfect replica of it on the east side. This completes the architectural symmetry of the complex and provides a few alternative vantage points for photos. Lastly, if you have time, take in the museum, which is open between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. It's brimming with exquisite miniature paintings, two marble pillars believed to have come from nearby Agra Fort, and portraits of Mughal rulers. This includes those of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, lying in the mausoleum just a few steps away.

Expect Photo Requests

If you've explored other parts of India, you'll be well-equipped to deal with it by now. But if the Taj Mahal is your first stop in this truly magnificent country, prepare for a multitude of photo requests. This is especially true if you're tall, have pale skin, and fair hair — characteristics that tend to draw a lot of attention. From whole family photos to couples pictures, locals and Indian tourists will likely be very excited to see you in their country, and may even queue up for their chance to take a snap with you.

Unsurprisingly, this can become quite tiring, not to mention take you away from the experience at hand. But 9 times out of 10, these requests come with no malice, so don't be afraid. In fact, it's seen as a gesture of friendship. If this sounds a little strange to you, it may help to understand that many Indians don't have much exposure to fair-skinned foreigners, or may never have traveled outside India before. Having said this, it's perfectly fine to politely refuse, if you're not comfortable. Otherwise, get stuck in and enjoy meeting plenty of friendly and enthusiastic locals.

Where To Stay In Agra

It's common for tourists to visit Agra on a day trip from Delhi. But just because it's possible, doesn't mean it's the best use of time. For one thing, it makes visiting the Taj Mahal for sunrise or sunset a tall order — and you don't want to miss that. So, if time allows, try to stay at least one night in Agra to make the most of this very special monument. From budget guesthouses to royal suites with unbeatable views of the Taj, it may be comforting to know that Agra has no shortage of places to lay your head with options to suit every budget.

Taj Ganj is one of the best spots in the city, perched right next to the Taj Mahal itself. In fact, it's the closest area that you can stay to the structure, offering a range of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. It's also a popular spot for restaurants, with a rich dining hub serving North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. The area is also dotted with craft shops selling carved Taj Mahal replicas, marble inlay work, and semi-precious stones. If you're looking for something fancier, journey just a short distance away to Fatehabad Road. This area is renowned for its upscale hotels and plush, luxury resorts, many of which offer breathtaking views of the monument from deluxe suite rooms and rooftop restaurant terraces.

Read the original article on Explore .

The Taj Mahal

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