Inside the Taj Mahal, is it as beautiful as everyone says?
What are surprises and tips about visiting that we learned during our 2012 India teacher tour? Without further ado, here are 12 things to know about visiting the Taj Mahal: the world’s most famous monument to love, built by emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 in memory of his wife.
1. Surprising things NOT allowed inside the Taj Mahal:
There are all sorts of items you are not allowed to take into the Taj Mahal. Study the sign above and see if you agree that some are more bizarre than others. Motorcycle helmets? Books? Garlands of flowers? What else do you see that surprises you? I can’t even identify some of the prohibited goods!
2. Different lines to get inside for different tickets…
You will have a totally different experience at the Taj Mahal depending on whether you purchase a “High Value Ticket” (as all foreign visitors seem to), or a “General Ticket.”
This begins from the very moment you walk in the door to the main courtyard: High Value Ticket-holders slide into the yard in minutes, while the General Ticket line stretches for blocks.
3. There is one perfect Taj Mahal photo location.
Don’t do what I did in the picture above and take a hundred photos before you reach the best background! The ideal photo spot is centered directly in front of the Taj Mahal, with the blue pools stretching behind you, as in the picture below.
4. How clear people away from a Taj Mahal photo:
In India there is a person working to do every job imaginable, and in the case of the Taj Mahal, there are men who, for a small tip, will clear away all the annoying people in the background of your photo! It’s totally worth it. Without that man’s help, our photos were basically just our heads peeking above a crowd.
5. Beautiful structures are AROUND the main building.
Don’t neglect the stunning side hallways and smaller buildings surrounding the Taj Mahal. They’re gorgeous, too! Look at that astounding corridor pictured above.
6. Your photos may be hazy due to smog (or “mist”).
Like China, India has some serious air pollution. As a result, it’s hard to even see the Taj Mahal in some of my photos! Be prepared for this to be the case for your pictures. It is worth it to edit the photos afterwards to turn up the clarity and turn down all that white.
7. What’s behind the Taj Mahal?
Speaking of “all that white,” I was entranced by the view behind the Taj Mahal: WHITENESS. There’s a river or swamp there, but it was completely shrouded in mist our entire visit. I found it touching that such a famous and well-visited monument has a completely wild “back yard.”
8. The line inside the actual Taj Mahal is not actually long.
See the ridiculous line wrapping around and around the Taj Mahal in the photo below? If you have a “High Value Ticket” (as you likely will), you completely skip that line and go right into the mausoleum, just as you skipped the line to get into the main doors to the courtyard.
9. Shoe coverings inside the Taj Mahal…
Upon walking into the mausoleum, you will be given little white paper elf boots to protect the ground from your footsies. They look great.
10. Foreigners don’t pay for the bathroom, but Indians do.
This was upsetting. See the sign below.
11. Look closely at the walls inside the Taj Mahal.
I’ve always known the Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, but I wasn’t prepared for how stunning the tiny details all over it would be. Ogle these unbelievable feats of marble inlay.
12. The Taj Mahal completely lives up to the hype.
Like the Great Wall of China or the David statue in Italy, there is some trepidation when heading towards a world-famous place. Will it be as great as everyone says? Hands down, the Taj Mahal is awesome. It is utterly worth it, so do what you can to go!
Hotels near the Taj Mahal, Agra:
- Top ratings go to this hotel (click for details and availability)
- Other good options are the Courtyard Agra and Trident Agra (click for pricing)
- Visitors also have positive experiences at the Ramada and the Doubletree
- Note: These affiliate links support this site at no extra cost to you.
Happy travels, and do feel free to leave comments with your experiences and questions!
Roslia santamaria says
Really nice blog and beautiful pictures would love to visit!! One of the best informative articles I have read on Taj-mahal. Your photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Lillie Marshall says
Thank you, Roslia!
Mikko says
I am going to Agra by end of July and I am just super excited!
Thanks for the tips (esp on the things not allowed inside the Taj Mahal).
Lillie says
You’ll have a wonderful time!!!
Susie Murphy says
I just saw it with my brother on 1/21/19 for the night viewing with full moon as well as during the morning of the 22nd. We had no lines! Easy breezy. For night viewing its hard to get tickets and very strict. You cannot go with mobile, food, bags, packs etc. just passport, cash and still handheld canera. Totally worth it. Patted down 2 separate check points and escorted in with armed gaurds. Morning we went at 8am, very few crowds. Just check your bags and packs. You can take in mobile, cash, passport, camera and i took toilet paper which is key! Depends on season but we had no fog and no lines. Definitely worth seeing!
Lillie Marshall says
Susie, huge thanks for the update on visiting the Taj Mahal! Really appreciate you taking the time to let us know how it was — it will help a lot of people!
Dinu says
NAMASTE ! Please help me !
I am Dinu, 58 from Romania. Can someone answer me, why I must wear those shoes bags to visit the Taj Mahal ? Because I, as usual, I can’t wear shoes. I go barefoot only.
Thank you !
Lillie says
Hello Dinu,
The white protective shoes are to protect the artwork of the floor from street shoes, but I don’t think you would need to wear them if you are barefoot, since bare feet wouldn’t scratch the art. Hope this is accurate and helps — someone else who has a more detailed answer can feel free to weigh in with a correction!
Liza says
Hi! thanks for the info – planning to go in a few days. Did you buy the high value ticket in advance? or when you got there? How long was the wait in line to get in initially? (or, if you bought your ticket there, how long was that line?)
Thanks!
Lillie says
Glad to help! We went with a tour group, so the guide arranged everything for us completely. Sorry I can’t add more details! I do recommend, however, getting a well-reviewed guide for at least part of your India travels. It made everything so much more efficient for us.
Jean says
Thanks Lillie, this is very helpful. Iam going on a trip to Taj Mahal. This is realky helpful. But why do the Indians pay and foreigners dont for the use of the toilet.
Lillie says
So glad it’s helpful! The bathroom detail is a bit confusing, I agree, but the price for foreigners is still very low, and foreigners enjoy many benefits when visiting the Taj Mahal, so I didn’t worry about it too much. Have a great trip and report back if you have time!
Tigger says
Great post, thank you very much. I am considering stopping by there in January 2017 and your post helps my decision. Still on the cusp though as this is a quick trip around the world but your page is well done and quite helpful in the info.
Lillie says
Glad to help!
Mimi says
Hi Lillie,
I just happened here in your article about Taj Mahal. Probably I will never see it even I know that it is beautiful place to see it, but thanks you shared your experience here! It was very interesting!
I see you still missing my native country Bulgaria. I will leave you here one of my web site about Bulgaria, check it and you will find there some pictures in the galleries and news. 🙂
Go to see Bulgaria a day, you will like it! You can also work there as a teacher as many Americans do it.
Best wishes!
santosh says
lillie u must come in delhi,india here also so many historical places like qutub minar, red fort, india gate, lotus temple, tomb of humanyu
Lillie says
Thanks, Santosh. We had a great time in Delhi, and were able to see most of those places. All my India articles are here: https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/category/locations/india/
Evan says
This brings back amazing memories from visiting in January of 2014. I still think seeing the intricate gems and jewels from all over the world inlaid inside the Rajasthanian marble amazed me the most. its important to look at the fine details instead of the marvel of the most symmetrical building in the world.
one thing I learned about it was that it is completely symmetrical except one thing…as you may know it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. her tomb (actually in the basement) and the cenotaph (on main level that tourists see) is placed exactly in the centre of the domed room…but when Shah Jahan died, his tomb (also in basement) and cenotaph on main level is off to the right side of her making it the only symmetrical imperfection.
Namaste
Lillie says
Fascinating!
Soledad D says
I’ve always wanted to go to the Taj Mahal. It looks so beautiful! I think it’s ridiculous that simple things (such as crayons and books) aren’t allowed there. What harm could they do? 😛
tarren says
so people dont vandilize the taj mahal, books i don’t know why and also they dont want any litter, so no gum, food, etc.
Chloe says
I had no idea that there would be so many rules when entering the Taj Mahal! I actually cant even recognize what some of the rules are. I think this is cool!
Henry Perez says
I like that you added that the buildings next to the Taj Mahal aren’t just to be left alone, but they are also a good place to look at when you go in. It’s also kind of funny that you have to wear those wierd looking shoes to enter. It makes want to go to India and if I do, I have this to give me some helpful tips!
Afton M. says
I loved your India pictures. They’re beautiful. But anyways, getting on to what I really like was when I was reading your trip to India. The fact I loved the most was about the Taj Mahal monument and about how it’s the world’s most famous monument, and who built the monument and why – “built by emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 in memory of his wife.†I also really liked the fact about the view behind the Taj Mahal, which I see was “WHITENESSâ€, and how its has a There’s a “completely wild back yard.†Touch such an amazing monument. Oh and also you looked amazing in those “silly booties.†It was a privilege reading this ☺.
Frankie K says
This article is so interesting. I did not know that before walking into the Taj Mahal you had to wear special shoes to protect floors. Also no crayons in the Taj Mahal, that is hilarious. I never thought of that ever. The last thing that I find interesting is that behind it there is a swamp and that it is foggy all around.
Madhava Rao says
Dear Lillie,
We just have visited your website and noted your wonderful travels in the world.We touched by beautiful pictures you took when you visited India.
We missed a lot to meet you when you visited India. Could you visit again India?. Do you have any plans to visit south India.
We are located in south India and we are running an orphanage and School there.
Blessings to you and your family.
Lillie says
Madhava,
Thank you for your comment and for the good work you do. At this time, we do not have immediate plans to go back to India, but will keep you in mind!
Lina @ Divergent Travelers says
Really great article!! We are planning a visit to India in January and the Taj is high on the list for a visit. Glad to know that the High Value ticket means skipping those long lines, will be buying one of those!
Lillie says
So glad to help! You’ll have a wonderful time.
SaravanaKumar says
Faster entry with a high value ticket – this seem to happen only in India. I should admit that your photographs a very beautiful. I liked the first photo in this post with the Taj Mahal background (the one you are leaning with one leg). That really has come out well.
Lillie says
Thanks!
Piyush says
The reason for banning crayons is, people might deface the monument using them.
Also, banning newspapers, flower garlands or books serve the purpose of preventing litter. As you might have noticed from the trip to India, the general public is not so much concerned about searching for the dustbin.
Lillie says
Ah, good points!
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
Wow, beautiful photos with the mist and interesting facts you wouldn’t think of! Thanks for sharing!
runawaybrit says
I will be visiting the Taj Mahal for the second time later this year. The first time I went was 10 years ago. Judging from your post, I should expect a very different experience!
I don’t recall a High Value Ticket system. Foreigners paid a higher price and that was it. Our mobile phones were taken from us as contraband at the door; of course, they didn’t have cameras on them in those days so we didn’t mind. We were using film cameras and worried that our pictures wouldn’t come out, but we were lucky to have blue sky behind the monument. Once inside, there were no long queues, and not so many people – but it was during monsoon season, which might explain that. Maybe I should wait until the monsoon before I go again?!
Your dress is lovely. Did you buy that in India?
Lillie says
I’m curious to see how your visit this time compares! Don’t be worried about the crowds. With the High Value ticket you zip through, and all those visitors actually make it exciting.
Thanks for the dress compliment. In fact I got it at a discount warehouse in Boston called “Frugal Fannie’s” 😀
Escape Hunter says
It must be breathtaking. I hear the details on the walls of the Taj Mahaj are very delicately carved out…
Nice photos, by the way!
Dan @ A Cruising Couple says
What a great read! I haven’t been to the Taj Majal yet but Casey has and she says it’s every bit as awesome as she imagined it. We are so used to foreigners paying more (which never bothered us too much as long as it’s within reason), but it’s so strange to see an express lane and free bathrooms for tourists.
Lillie says
I had the same background idea coming in, which is why it was so surprising!
Terry at Overnight New York says
Pretty weird about the natives-only bathroom costs — and the fact that you can’t carry books into the Taj. Fascinating.
Gabi@TheNomadicFamily says
Taj Mahal is so magnificent! i can’t stop loving that place … just too much adorable 🙂 hugs-Gabi 🙂
Micki says
Oh wow, that general admission line is incredibly long! As a Canadian, where we have a pretty sparse population, I think that the crowds in India will take some getting used too 🙂
Lillie says
For sure!
Lily Lau says
Taj Mahal… I wish somebody could build up such a marvelous monument in my memory, I think past times were perhaps not better but definitely more romantic.
Rashaad says
I’m not surprised that foreigners pay more to enter the Taj Mahal considering that seems to be commonplace for many landmarks. But it is shocking – to me – that foreigners don’t pay to use the restroom considered they’re viewed as cash cows.
Bethaney - Flashpacker Family says
That dress is amazing on you!!!!!!!!
kimberly @ red shutters says
This is such a helpful post – I am going India next month and was looking for some Taj Mahal insight – thanks!
Lillie says
Glad to help! My whole set of India articles can be found at https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/category/locations/india/ . Bear in mind we went with a tour group that had a fabulous guide, so I cannot speak to how all this works without a guide. Good luck and you will have a wonderful time! I look forward to hearing about it.
rubin pham says
india is still a capitalist country the last time i look. so yes it’s ethical to have 2 tiers.
noel says
OMG – it really is a zoo but I’m sure a once in a lifetime experience. I’m surprised by all the countryside you show outside of the grounds, I was expecting this to be in a busy urban environment. But I have no real concept of India for the time being.
Laura @Travelocafe says
Back in high school I was dreaming to visit this place one day. I am still dreaming. One day.
Valen-This Way Paradise says
Wow, I don’t know if I would have the patience to make it through the ticket line!!
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas says
My trip to the Taj was definitely surreal! We didn’t know much of what to expect, but got a clear day with few lines, few scams (at least inside the Taj) and plenty of decent pictures.
Lillie says
Awesome!
penny sadler says
Nice tips Lillie. I wish but it’s not looking good for me to make there. Then again, I’m not dead yet.
Tony says
Wow!!! I’m stunned. We just visited in 2008 and everything was totally different. Foreigners had to pay a lot more than Indians but once inside there were no lines. We just walked in and out. In fact, we walked inside several diffent times while we were there. Has the number of tourists increased that much in 4 years?
Lillie says
Fascinating that your experience was so different! Perhaps when we were there (December) was high season? Maybe tourism has boomed there in general? I’m curious now!
Jessie Voigts says
No crayons?! sheesh! 🙂
Gran Canaria Local says
The second prohibited item would appear to be a hand. Or perhaps a prosthetic hand? Also wine by the glass or bottle doesn’t seem to be allowed, but we’re assuming beer’s fine?
Lillie says
I had the exact same interpretation! Hehe 🙂
Jennifer says
That “high value ticket” sounds like it’s worth every penny!
Lillie says
For sure! But the question is, is it ethical to have these two tiers?