Rudyard Kipling once called the Taj Mahal “the embodiment of all things pure,” and it lives up to that description in every sense. This majestic monument is a timeless ode in white marble, symbolizing the profound love of an emperor for his queen. Perched on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1631 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his beloved wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth. Her final wish was for a tomb “the world has never seen before.” The construction of this extraordinary mausoleum spanned over 17 years, involving 22,000 workers and 1,000 elephants.
Recognized as one of India’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Taj Mahal is set within a tranquil Mughal garden and rises gracefully on a raised marble platform facing the river. Its four sides exhibit perfect symmetry, adorned with soaring arches, intricate Pietra Dura inlay, and Quranic verses in delicate jasper calligraphy.
As one of India’s most visited landmarks, it continues to enchant photographers and travelers from across the globe. Even today, the Taj Mahal stands as pristine and breathtaking as it did when it was first completed, leaving every visitor spellbound.
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Where to Buy Taj Mahal Night Viewing Tickets?
Night viewing of the Taj Mahal is available on five nights each month: the full moon night, as well as two nights before and two nights after it.
Night Viewing Timings: 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM, conducted in 8 batches with a maximum of 50 visitors per batch. Each batch is allotted 30 minutes for viewing.
Visitors must report 30 minutes before their scheduled viewing time at Shilpgram for security checks. Please note that everyone is required to carry a valid ID during the visit.
Taj Mahal Night View Ticket Price
| Adult – | Rs. 510/- (Indian) |
| Adult – | Rs. 750/- (Foreigner) |
| Child (3-15 years) – both Indian & Foreigner | Rs. 500/- |
Note:
Tourists are advised to contact their travel agent, hotel, local tourist office, or the Archaeological Survey of India for information, or visit http://www.asiagracircle.in. Visitors must arrive at Shilpgram, near the Eastern Gate of the Taj Mahal, at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time on their tickets for security checks.
Night Viewing of the Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday & in the month of Ramzan.
Do’s and don’ts of Taj Mahal timings
Information for Tourists Visiting the Taj Mahal:
Water bottles are permitted inside the monument. Shoe covers, a half-litre water bottle, and the Tourist Guide Map of Agra, along with Battery Bus and Golf Cart services, are provided free of charge with SAARC, BIMSTEC, and foreigner entry tickets to the Taj Mahal. Wheelchairs for differently-abled visitors and a first aid box are available at the ASI Office at the Taj Mahal.
Contact: 0562-2330498
Do’s for Visitors in the Taj Mahal
- Tourists should help keep the monument clean by using the dustbins.
- Visitors are advised to hire only approved guides and photographers who display valid identity cards.
- The Taj Museum, located within the Taj Mahal Complex, is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free entry.
- No polluting vehicles are allowed within a 500-meter radius of the Taj Mahal. Parking is available at Shilpgram for the East Gate and at Amrood ka Teela for the West Gate.
- Battery buses and golf carts are available from the parking areas to the Taj Mahal gates.
Don’ts for Visitors in the Taj Mahal
- Use of drones is strictly prohibited inside and around the Taj Mahal.
- Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the Taj Mahal.
- The following items are not allowed: arms, ammunition, fire or smoking items, tobacco products, liquor, eatables (including toffees), headphones, knives, wires, mobile chargers, electric goods (except cameras), and tripods.
- Mobile phones must be switched off or kept on silent mode.
- Avoid carrying large bags and books inside the monument, as these may increase security check time.
- Photography is not allowed inside the main mausoleum.
- Do not touch or scratch the walls and surfaces, as they are protected heritage structures requiring special care.
- Visitors are requested to maintain silence inside the mausoleum.
- All the above-mentioned prohibited items, including mobile phones, are also banned during night viewing of the Taj Mahal. Video cameras and extra batteries are not allowed, though still cameras are permitted after security checks.
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information Taj Mahal, Agra Timings
Operating Hours:
- The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset on regular days.
- The monument is closed for general viewing on Fridays but open on all other days.
Ticket Outlets:
- Western Gate: Tickets are available near Saheli Burj.
Timing: 1 hour before sunrise to 45 minutes before sunset. - Eastern Gate: Tickets are available at the Eastern Gate.
Timing: 1 hour before sunrise to 45 minutes before sunset. - Southern Gate: Currently, no entry is allowed from this gate; it is used for exit only.
There are separate queues for Foreign tourists and Domestic tourists to enter to Taj, and signs will direct you accordingly.
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Entry Fee Taj Mahal Price
| Tourist Type | Amount (Rs.) (Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees) |
| Foreign tourist | 540/- + 200/- Additional for visiting the main mausoleum (Optional) |
| Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries | 540/- + 200/- Additional for visiting main mausoleum (Optional) |
| Domestic/Indian/OCI Cardholder | 1100/- + 200/- Additional for visiting the main mausoleum (Optional) |
Taj Mahal Ticket Information
Online Booking Discounts:
- Indian tourists: Rs. 5/- discount per ticket
- Foreign tourists: Rs. 50/- discount per ticket
- Children: Free entry for children below 15 years (applies to both domestic and foreign visitors).
- Main Mausoleum Visit: An additional charge of Rs. 200/- per person is applicable to visit the main mausoleum.
- Booking Tickets Online: Tickets can be booked through the official websites: asi.payumoney.com and www.asiagracircle.in. These portals provide ticketing services and information for both domestic and foreign visitors to the Taj Mahal and other ASI monuments.