Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is the white-marble Mughal mausoleum built in Agra for Mumtaz Mahal by Emperor Shah Jahan. Construction of the main mausoleum began in 1631 and was completed in the 1640s, with the larger riverfront garden complex, mosque, guesthouse, gateways, water channels, and decorative work forming one of the best-known examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. UNESCO highlights its symmetry, marble inlay, garden setting, and craftsmanship; the modern Seven Wonders vote added it to a global visitor checklist.

First-time visitors should enter through one of the main gates, pause for the classic axial view over the reflecting pool, then continue to the marble platform, mosque, guesthouse, and river side. The interior tomb chamber is crowded and photography is not allowed inside the main mausoleum, so much of the experience is in the exterior marble, pietra dura inlay, changing light, and garden geometry. The Taj Museum, when open, adds useful context and is commonly listed as free during daytime hours.

Official tourism information lists the Taj Mahal as open 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset, closed on Fridays except for prayers. Published ticket categories include foreign, domestic, and SAARC/BIMSTEC rates, with an additional charge for entry to the main mausoleum and free entry for children under 15. Night viewing is offered around the full moon on limited dates in half-hour batches, except on restricted days, and must be ticketed separately. Vehicles using petrol or diesel are not allowed within 500 meters, so expect to walk, use battery buses, or take golf carts from parking areas.

Visitor Tip: Go at sunrise, carry only essentials, and use the official online ticket option when available; food, tripods, drones, tobacco, and several large items are restricted, while cloakrooms and wheelchairs are available at the gates.

Information current as of 2026-07-19. Access, hours, prices, reservations, ticket availability, transportation, accessibility, closures, weather impacts, and other visitor details can change; verify current details with official sources before visiting.