Taj Mahal Tours and Activities

Taj Mahal showing a monument, heritage architecture and mist or fog
Taj Mahal which includes a garden, heritage architecture and a monument
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal featuring heritage architecture and a monument
Taj Mahal featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage elements


The white mausoleum for Shah Jahan’s third wife is a timeless, ingenious work of art. Decorative carvings, stone inlays and mosaics inspire awe of Mughal culture. 

On the banks of Agra’s Yamuna River is one of the world’s best-known architectural masterpieces, the Taj Mahal. Conceived by grieving Emperor Shah Jahan for his deceased wife, the marble mausoleum was built over 22 years, involving tens of thousands of stone workers and European inlay experts. Discover its beauty at daybreak as dawn colors light up the white marble.

Enter through red sandstone gates decorated with Quran inscriptions. As you approach, notice the symmetry of the complex, from the structures standing on either side of the mausoleum to the layout of the canals and gardens.

Sitting atop a raised base, the Taj Mahal’s only background is the sky. The huge dome and towering minarets cast a stunning silhouette at dawn. Throughout the day the marble seems to change color with the angle of the sun. Some say the grandiosity of the building was intended to represent the glory of the Mughals.

Look up to notice carved arches with gemstone flowers and calligraphy set into the marble. Once inside, listen for echoes created by the shape of the dome this ensured prayer would reverberate before fading away. In the octagonal main hall, cenotaphs of the Shah and his wife stand amid mosaics and marble screens with spectacular gemstone inlays. The shah’s tomb is not symmetrical, as his intentions for a mausoleum of his own were thwarted when his son seized power.

Get an in-depth history of this remarkable place, including architectural plans, in the Taj Museum located in the western mosque. Here you’ll find examples of artworks, weapons, literature and craftsmanship from the time of Shah Jahan.

Photography is not allowed inside the mausoleum. It is closed to tourists on Fridays. Electric buses, which help reduce smog levels, take you from the ticket office to the monument. Tickets are reasonably priced and discounted for Indian nationals. Your ticket includes entry to nearby Agra Fort, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son.

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Best Lodging Options Near Taj Mahal

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

5 out of 5
Taj East Gate Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra

ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra

5 out of 5
Taj Ganj Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra
Courtyard by Marriott Agra

Courtyard by Marriott Agra

5 out of 5
Taj Nagri, Phase II, Fatehbad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Courtyard by Marriott Agra
Radisson Hotel Agra

Radisson Hotel Agra

5 out of 5
C-1, C-2, Taj Nagari Phase 1, Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Radisson Hotel Agra
Tajview,Agra-IHCL SeleQtions

Tajview,Agra-IHCL SeleQtions

5 out of 5
Taj Ganj Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Tajview,Agra-IHCL SeleQtions
Fabhotel Jimmy Palace

Fabhotel Jimmy Palace

3 out of 5
Plot No: 147, Sector- B-1, Block-1, Taj Nagri, Taj Ganj, Agra
Fabhotel Jimmy Palace
Taj Agra

Taj Agra

5 out of 5
Taj East Gate Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Taj Agra
Grand Mercure Agra

Grand Mercure Agra

5 out of 5
Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Grand Mercure Agra
Trident, Agra

Trident, Agra

5 out of 5
Tajnagri Scheme, Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Trident, Agra
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Things to do near Taj Mahal

When visiting the Taj Mahal, you can enjoy a variety of activities including sightseeing and guided tours of this iconic monument. Be sure to explore top tours that cover other popular tourist spots in Agra, indulge in a relaxing foot bath, and take some time for shopping to pick up local crafts and souvenirs. Experience the rich culture and history of this stunning city during your stay.

Shopping

Experience local shopping at Sadar Bazar, a bustling public market only 3.2km from the Taj Mahal, offering a mix of city vibes. Agra Marble Emporium, also 3.2km away, features exquisite marble handicrafts. For a family-friendly outing, visit TDI Mall, just 1.6km from the Taj.

Adventure

The Taj Nature Walk, located 805m from the Taj Mahal, offers a serene trail surrounded by lush greenery. It's perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure vibes while enjoying birdwatching and tranquil scenery, making it an ideal escape from the bustling city atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Taj Mahal

When visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, explore its historic forts, monuments, and beautiful private gardens that offer a rich cultural experience. Ideal for those seeking romance and history, you can capture stunning views of the Taj Mahal and discover nearby attractions. Don't miss the chance to take memorable photos of this iconic site, enhancing your journey with the vibrant essence of Agra.

  • Mosque and the Jawab: Located 483m from the Taj Mahal, this mosque offers a serene atmosphere and rich cultural vibes. It's a perfect spot to admire the stunning architecture that complements the monument.
  • Agra Fort: Just 1.6km from the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history. Explore its impressive red sandstone walls and intricate designs, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the region.
  • Mehtab Bagh: This private garden, located 644m away, offers a luxurious and secluded experience with friendly locals. It's an ideal place to relax while enjoying beautiful views of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Best time to go to Taj Mahal

Visitor numbers around Taj Mahal is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Taj Mahal can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Taj Mahal falls in June, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Taj Mahal falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January59.4°F (15.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
February66.4°F (19.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March78.3°F (25.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April89.4°F (31.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May96.3°F (35.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June97.2°F (36.2°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
July89.6°F (32.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August86.2°F (30.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September85.5°F (29.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October82.4°F (28.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November73.2°F (22.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
December63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Taj Mahal

To save money during your visit to the Taj Mahal, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Sadar Bazar, Soami Bagh Temple, and Kinari Bazar. The best time to visit is during the off-peak months of May to June and August, with Thursdays offering the cheapest hotel rates. Book your accommodation a month in advance for better deals, or check Expedia's last-minute offers. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings, and use the price filter on Expedia to find the best value for your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Taj Mahal are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Taj Mahal about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Taj Mahal is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Taj Mahal is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Taj Mahal with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.