How to visit the Taj Mahal and the other wonders of India on an amazing group trip

If you’re planning a trip to India, one of the stops that will most excite you and give real meaning to your journey is undoubtedly a visit to the Taj Mahal. 

In all likelihood, you’ll only visit this wonder of the world once in your lifetime… so we thought we’d write this article to help you understand how to make the most of your visit.

Visiting the Taj Mahal: here’s what you need to know about this wonder of the world

6 essential cultural facts to know about the Taj Mahal 

So, you want to visit it—but do you actually know what it is? The Taj Mahal mausoleum is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world, and you probably already know that. But what you may have missed is that it is a funerary monument—the most beautiful and best-preserved in the world. And now, here’s a handy list of interesting tips:

• The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum.
• In the past, it was suggested that another Taj be built opposite this one, but in black marble.
• It was created by Shah Jahan for his third wife (whose tomb is still inside).
• Replicas of the Taj can be found in Dubai and Bangladesh.
• Some say the Taj will not stand forever because of structural problems (so it’s better to visit it now, before it’s too late).
• It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—though of course, we already knew that!

First things first: where is the Taj Mahal located? 

Now that you know what it is, it’s also useful to know where it is. The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, and is part of the so-called cultural triangle that includes Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi. 

This enormous white mausoleum is just a few hours from Delhi, so many people take a day trip from there instead of staying overnight in Agra. 

What is the best time of day to visit the Taj Mahal (and enjoy the spectacle)?

Visiting the Taj Mahal in India is a bit like adding fresh basil to a pizza—the finishing touch on a trip that would otherwise feel incomplete. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences that appears on almost everyone’s bucket list.

Which means…

It gets crowded. Very crowded! And it’s no wonder—you’re thinking of going too…

So, the ideal thing is to arrive very early: it’s not unusual for there to already be a long queue at the entrance at first light. 

In general, the best time to visit the Taj Mahal is at the beginning of the Indian summer, from March to June. 

Many people avoid the winter months, from November to February, because you can’t see the Taj Mahal in all its beauty due to the fog. 
During this period, you wouldn’t be able to see it clearly even if you were just a few meters away.  The best days to go are between Monday and Thursday.
Also keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayers. 

On the other hand, if you happen to visit on weekends or public holidays, the site will be very crowded and it will be harder to appreciate the beauty of this monument with a crowd of tourists trying to grab the best spot for an Instagram photo. 

Coming back to it, the best time to see the Taj Mahal is early in the morning, when it is relatively less crowded and you won’t have to deal with the scorching heat.

That said, it’s also important to check the weather conditions before leaving for India. The weather may change a thousand times during your trip, but it’s still worth trying to plan ahead and choose the right season.

Read also: Where to stay in Wadi Rum: tented camp or Martian domes?!

Here’s the best time to visit the Taj (month-by-month guide)

So, the Taj Mahal is always worth visiting, but depending on the time of year you visit Agra, the conditions of your experience will be different. 

• From October to March the temperatures are more pleasant, but there are also more crowds. In November, there are high levels of smog caused by stubble burning (the burning of leftover straw that takes place across northern India during this period), and from December to February there is notoriously fog, especially early in the morning;
• from April to May it can get very hot (45°C / 113°F) at midday, so if you plan to visit during this period, make sure you arrive early to avoid the heat;
• from June to September it is monsoon season. This can be a great way to find very good prices on flights and accommodation, and it will be the least crowded period of the year. June and July usually see the heaviest rainfall, but if you’re willing to take a chance on potentially rainy weather, you may get lucky in August or September.

How long does it take to visit the Taj Mahal?

At Sto Gran Tour, we’ve allowed one morning to stroll through the beautiful gardens and visit the inside of the Taj and the other adjacent buildings. 
This way, we have plenty of time to admire this wonder from every angle and then, not to miss a thing, we’ve also included a stop at Agra Fort (discover the other stops on our tour by clicking here!).

Read also: Malaria prophylaxis in India: should you take it or not?

Conclusions

In this article, we’ve looked at some tips to make your visit to the Taj Mahal unforgettable.

So, if you’re planning your trip to India but don’t know where to start—or simply don’t want the hassle of organizing everything—we can take care of it for you. As it happens, Sto Gran Tour is a tour operator, and we can handle all the planning for you.

Take a look at the stops on our eleven-day road trip itinerary!