The Taj Mahal in Agra was built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, the late Mumtaz. It is also known as the "crown of palaces" and attracts many tourists from all over the world every year. The building is known for its combination of several architectural styles such as Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian, which make it an attractive monument. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, it is a tomb made of marble that took almost 22 years to complete the building.
Before planning a trip to the Taj Mahal, tourists should plan everything in advance, including accommodation, to overcome unwanted problems. Hotels near the Taj Mahal offer visitors exceptional facilities to make their trip memorable. They even offer different types of packages so that guests can enjoy a trip with their family or with others. In addition, they indicate how to schedule a trip in advance to ensure complete satisfaction.
Tips to follow before visiting the Taj Mahal
First time visitors to the Taj Mahal should consider some important things that can help them appreciate the beauty of the structure with ease.
1. Tourists should arrive at the Taj Mahal early to buy their ticket. It is open from 6 am to 7 pm every day. However, it will be closed on Friday noon for an hour or more for the prayer.
2. The entrance fee for the Taj Mahal is Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 1100 for foreign visitors. The fee is free for children under the age of 15.
3. The Taj Mahal has three entrance gates: east, west and south. Visitors should avoid the south gate as it only opens after 8am. The west gate is the main gate and most Indian visitors enter the building through this gate. Most foreign tourists will use the east gate as it is closer to a number of hotels.
4. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing when visiting the Taj Mahal. Wearing light and loose fitting clothes will help to avoid discomfort.
5. There are certain things that are strictly prohibited inside the Taj Mahal. These include food, headphones, tripods and personal care products. However, some stores allow tourists to keep their personal belongings safely at nominal rates.
6. Visitors may consider a full moon tour to the Taj Mahal as it allows them to see the moonlight shining through the marble structure. It is open for night tours and tourists must book them before a week.
7. Tourists can take pictures inside the Taj Mahal after purchasing a ticket. However, they must follow the rules and regulations before taking them.
8. The Taj Mahal has a limited number of licensed guides. However, tourists should beware of touts posing as guides or photographers.
9. It is advisable to take care of everything with great security to avoid theft and other problems.
10. The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is from October to March because the summer will be very hot from April to June. From July to September, it rains a lot, and tourists should avoid visiting the place.
11. Agra is well connected by rail and road, which allows tourists to get to the Taj Mahal as quickly as possible. The nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and tourists can hire a cab from the airport.
12. International tourists are advised to bring photocopies of important documents when visiting the Taj Mahal and other places in Agra.
13. Travelers should prepare an itinerary before planning a trip to the Taj Mahal, which can help make it a success.
14. Tourists should bring bottled water for drinking to prevent health problems to a large extent.
15. Visitors should avoid traveling to Agra at night to minimize theft and other criminal activities.
16. Hindi is the most widely spoken language in and around the Taj Mahal, so it is wise to learn some basic words to communicate.
17. There are great restaurants located near the Taj Mahal and tourists can go there to have a dining experience.
18. The Taj Mahal hosts a week-long festival, the Taj Mahasatov, from February 18 to 27 every year. It covers Indian handicrafts, arts, and other things allowing the tourists to get the trip a memorable one on for a long time.
19. Tourists can download the Taj Mahal CaptivaTour audio guide application on their cell phones which will help them to know the history and other details of the structure in detail.
20. Travelers must follow the rules and regulations issued by the tourism board while taking a trip to the Taj Mahal.
21. Visitors should have a map before entering the Taj Mahal, as it helps to know the directions correctly, including the entrance gates.
Where to stay in Agra?
Hotels in Agra are of different types and offer excellent amenities to visitors to ensure the best accommodation. However, tourists should consider booking hotels near the Taj Mahal as they allow tourists to visit other places in and around Agra. Moreover, they offer facilities for families and children to organize their trip according to their needs. The prices of the hotels are affordable and meet the expectations of the tourists.
Those who want to book hotels online should compare prices from several hotel websites. This will help them to select a hotel according to their choices. On the other hand, the terms and conditions may vary from one website to another before booking a trip. A hotel website will guide tourists in choosing a hotel that exactly fits their budget. In addition, it updates the latest hotel deals, allowing tourists to book the right hotel at lower prices and save more money. It is wise to read the testimonials of the hotel sites in detail before booking the rooms, which helps to make the right decision.