Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal · Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
An epic of love written in white marble, the pinnacle of Mughal architecture.
Know before you go
- On Fridays it is open only to Muslims attending prayers and closed to other visitors
- drones are banned throughout the site
- don't make noise at religious places.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The fourteenth child
In 1631 Shah Jahan's empress Mumtaz Mahal accompanied the army to Burhanpur in the Deccan, where, after giving birth to her 14th child, a daughter named Gauhar Ara, she died of postpartum haemorrhage aged just 38. Her body was first buried temporarily in a garden on the banks of the Tapti River at Burhanpur. The grief-stricken Shah Jahan began building the Taj Mahal for her in 1632.
History
The prisoner who gazed at the Taj Mahal from his window
In 1658 Shah Jahan fell seriously ill, and a war of succession broke out among his sons; his third son Aurangzeb won, executing his brothers, including the crown prince Dara Shikoh. When Shah Jahan recovered, Aurangzeb kept him under house arrest in Agra Fort until his death in 1666. He was buried in the Taj Mahal beside Mumtaz Mahal.
Source: Wikipedia: Shah Jahan
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died young, employing more than 20,000 craftsmen over about 22 years (1632–1653). The building is perfectly symmetrical, its white marble inlaid with floral patterns in precious stones from many lands. It became a World Heritage Site in 1983 and is India's most iconic cultural symbol.
Local customs
- Entry involves strict security checks
- large bags, food and lighters may not be taken in
- keep quiet inside the main mausoleum and don't touch the marble walls.
Religion & beliefs
- The Taj Mahal is an Islamic mausoleum with a minaret at each corner and a mosque and guest house on either side
- dress appropriately in the religious areas.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
India: some states ban alcohol completely
- Before visiting Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland or Lakshadweep, learn the alcohol rules
- Drinking or carrying alcohol in a dry area
- Drinking in parks and other public places
Drinking or possessing alcohol in a dry state can lead to arrest without bail and 5 to 10 years in prison.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice
India: e-cigarettes are banned
- Leave your e-cigarette at home
- Bringing an e-cigarette into India or buying one there
E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice
India: no satellite phones or GPS devices without a permit
- Before you leave, check whether your equipment needs a permit
- Carrying a satellite phone or satellite navigation device without a permit (even in transit)
Illegal; you can be fined or arrested and the device confiscated. British tourists have been arrested for this.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- On Fridays it is open only to Muslims attending prayers and closed to other visitors
- drones are banned throughout the site
- don't make noise at religious places.
Locals appreciate DO
- Locals like to bring their families to picnic and take photos on the lawns in the early morning
- during the wedding season you'll often see couples having photos taken here.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Arrive before sunrise for fewer people, soft light and reflections in the pool
- ticket prices vary by season, and buying online saves queuing
- it's about 2 hours from Delhi by fast train — check official websites for current details.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Petha
- Mughlai pilaf / biryani
- Roast chicken / tandoori
Petha (ash-gourd candy, Agra's speciality), Mughlai biryani, tandoori chicken, bedai with potato curry + jalebi for breakfast, dal moth (crunchy savoury lentil snack)
| Where to eat | Panchhi Petha (a long-established petha shop), Sadar Bazaar's Chaat Gali snack street, the restaurant area outside the Taj's East Gate |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | The Taj is a mausoleum / mosque — dress appropriately; food may not be taken inside (security is strict), and some Mughlai food is halal |
| Typical price per person | INR 400–800 ≈ CNY 34–67 |
| Tips | Petha comes in many flavours (saffron, angoori) — buy a small box to try; check menu prices at restaurants by the entrance first. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Rsrikanth05 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Srividya Bharadwaj · CC BY-SA 2.0
Malpaniashutosh · CC BY-SA 4.0
Manish Jhawar · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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