Taj Mahal in Agra is built by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife late Mumtaz. It is also known as the “crown of the palaces” that attracts a lot of tourists from various parts of the world every year. The building is known for its combination of several architectural styles such as Persian, Islam, Turkish, and Indian that stand as an attractive monument. Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, it is a tomb made out of marble that took nearly 22 years to complete the building.
Before planning a trip to Taj Mahal, tourists should plan everything in advance including accommodation for overcoming unwanted problems. The hotels near Taj Mahal offer outstanding facilities for visitors allowing them to make a memorable trip. They even provide different types of packages for guests to enjoy a trip with family and others. In addition, they show ways to schedule a trip in advance for ensuring complete satisfaction.
Tips to follow before visiting the Taj Mahal
People who visit the Taj Mahal for the first time should consider certain important things that can help to enjoy the beauty of the structure with ease.
1. Tourists should arrive early to Taj Mahal for buying the ticket. It is open from 6 am to 7 pm every day. On the other hand, it will be closed on Friday noon for an hour or more for prayer purposes.
2. The entry fee for Taj Mahal is 50 rupees for Indians and 1100 rupees for foreign visitors and the fee is free for children who are below 15 years old.
3. Taj Mahal has three entrance gates east, west, and south. Visitors should avoid the south gate because it will only open after 8 Am. The West gate is the main gate and a majority of Indian visitors enter the building through this gate. Most foreign tourists will use the East gate because it is closer to a number of hotels.
4. Visitors should wear appropriate dresses while making a trip to Taj Mahal. Wearing light and loose clothing will ultimately help to avoid discomforts.
5. There are some things that are strictly prohibited inside the Taj Mahal. Some of them include food, headphones, tripods, and personal care products. However, there are some shops which allow tourists to keep their belongings safely at nominal rates.
6. Visitors can consider a full moon tour at the Taj Mahal because it allows them to view the moonlight that glows through the marble structure. It is open for night tours and tourists should book them before a week.
7. Tourists can take photographs inside the Taj Mahal after buying a ticket. On the other hand, they should follow the rules and regulations properly before taking them.
8. Taj Mahal has only limited number of approved guides. However, tourists should aware of the touts who pose as guides or photographers.
9. It is advisable to take care of everything with high safety in order to avoid thefts 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 heavily, and tourists should avoid visiting the place.
11. Agra is well-connected by train and road networks allowing tourists to reach Taj Mahal as soon as possible. The nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi international airport in Delhi and tourist can hire a taxi from the airport.
12. It is advisable for international tourists to bring photocopies of important documents when they like to visit Taj Mahal and other places in Agra.
13. Travelers should prepare an itinerary before planning a trip to Taj Mahal that can help to make it a successful one.
14. Tourists should bring bottled water for drinking purposes for preventing health issues to a large extent.
15. Visitors should avoid traveling in Agra during the night to minimize thefts and other criminal activities.
16. Since Hindi is the widely spoken language in and around Taj Mahal, it is a wise one to learn some basic words for communication purposes.
17. There are leading restaurants located near Taj Mahal and tourists can visit them to get a fine dining experience.
18. Taj Mahal hosts a weeklong festival Taj Mahasatov from February 18 to 27 every year. It covers Indian crafts, arts, and other things allowing tourists to get the trip a memorable on for a long-time.
19. Tourists can download Taj Mahal CaptivaTour audio guide app on their mobile phones that will help to know the history and other details of the structure in detail.
20. Travelers should follow the rules and regulations issued by the tourism board while making a trip to the Taj Mahal.
21. Visitors should carry a map before entering Taj Mahal because it gives ways to know the directions correctly including the entrance gates.
Where to stay in Agra?
Hotels in Agra involve different types which provide excellent amenities for guests to ensure the best accommodation. However, tourists should consider booking hotels near Taj Mahal because they allow tourists to visit other places in and round Agra. Moreover, they cover facilities for families and children to plan a trip according to needs. The prices of hotels are affordable which fulfil the expectations of tourists.
Those who want to book hotels online should compare the prices from multiple hotel websites. This will help to select a hotel based on the choices. On the other hand, the terms and conditions may vary from one website to another website before booking a trip. A hotel website will guide tourists to choose a hotel which exactly fit their budgets. In addition, it will update the latest offers of hotels enabling tourists to book the right one at lower prices that can save more money. It is a wise one to read the testimonials of hotel websites in detail before booking the rooms which ultimately give ways to make the right decision.