Whenever you travel to any place ,first question came in our mind is that wheather is it safe place to visit means safety first comes in our mind before traveling.
So don't worry guys,when i am here.I will provide you a complete knowledge about the Taj Mahal.
Table of Contents
Toggle1.Is it safe to visit Taj Mahal ?
In general, yes, the Taj Mahal is safe to visit. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, and the Indian government takes steps to ensure the safety of visitors.
The Indian government implements several measures to ensure visitor safety at the Taj Mahal:
- Tourist Police: Several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh (where the Taj Mahal is located), have deployed tourist police. These officers are trained to specifically address tourist concerns and can be helpful in case of emergencies.
- Visitor Limits: To manage crowds and prevent overcrowding, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has proposed limiting the number of domestic tourists allowed per day. This helps maintain a smoother flow and reduces the risk of accidents or stampedes.
- Security Presence: The Taj Mahal complex itself is well-guarded by security personnel. This deters crime and ensures a sense of security for visitors.
- Helpline: The Ministry of Tourism has established a toll-free, multi-lingual tourist helpline. This allows visitors to report issues or seek assistance during their visit.Alternatively, you can contact the Taj Mahal tourist helpline numbers (https://www.tajmahal.gov.in/contact-us.aspx). These numbers might be able to connect you with the Ministry of Tourism helpline or provide you with relevant information.
- Code of Conduct: The government, along with tourism stakeholders, has adopted a “Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism.” This code outlines guidelines for tourism service providers to ensure a safe and respectful experience for visitors.
These initiatives work together to create a secure environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Taj Mahal.
2.Interesting Facts About Taj Mahal.
- The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Taj Mahal is taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar.
- There are more than 10 replicas of the Taj around the world.
- The colour of the monument keeps changing throughout the day.
- It took around 20 years to complete the Taj Mahal and some 20000 workers were employed in the construction work.
- In 1983, the Agra Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3.How to Reach Taj Mahal in India.
Reaching the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is relatively easy due to its popularity as a tourist destination. Here are several common ways to reach the Taj Mahal:
- By Air: The fastest way of reaching Taj Mahal, Agra is by air.The nearest airport to the Taj Mahal is the Agra Airport, which is located about 13 kilometers away from the monument.
- By Train: Agra is well-connected by train services from major cities across India. The Agra Cantonment Railway Station (station code: AGC) is the main railway station in Agra and is located about 6 kilometers away from the Taj Mahal.Apart from the main railway station of Agra Cantonment, there are other two stations also, that of Raja-ki-Mandi and Agra Fort.
- By Road: Agra is well-connected to major cities in North India by a network of national highways and expressways.
- Agra has a well-developed bus network, and several state-run and private buses operate between Agra and nearby cities.
There are 2 bus stands near Taj Mahal;
- The first stand is the Idgah Bus Stand, which is main bus terminal in Agra and located about 5 kilometers away from the Taj Mahal.
- And the second one is Purani Mandi Chauraha is the nearest bus stop to Taj Mahal, only a few hundred metres away.
- In summary, while Agra Idgah bus stand is a larger bus terminal catering to long-distance bus services while Purani Mandi Chauraha is a smaller bus stop located nearer to the Taj Mahal, offering convenience for travelers visiting the monument.
Local Transportation
After reaching the city also, you need some sort of local transport to reach Taj Mahal.
- You can easily get taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw in the city that will take you to your destination.
- Prepaid taxis are also available if you want to visit the various places near the city.
- For the adventurous kind, there are bicycles that can be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city.
- Since diesel and petrol vehicle are not permitted in the vicinity of Taj Mahal area, you can find battery-operated buses, horse-driven tongas, rickshaws and other pollution-free vehicles there.
4.Best time to visit Taj Mahal Agra
You can visit the Taj Mahal and explore it best during winter (from November to February). The weather in Agra is the most comfortable on those days. Visit it during the evening hours for the best experience. Morning hours are also suitable if you want to enjoy your visit with fewer people around.
For night views, however, visiting the Taj Mahal in summer is best. You’ll have a better chance to get a clear night and a moonlit Taj. Prepare for your trip accordingly.
5.Entry To Taj Mahal
There are three entrance gates to lead you to the monument—East, West and South.
1.South Gate
The Gate is towards the south, Which faces the old Mumtazabad (Modern Taj Ganj).
Advantages of South Gate Entry:
- Shorter Queues: Compared to other gates, the South Gate often has shorter queues, allowing visitors to enter the Taj Mahal complex more efficiently, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
- Convenient Access: The South Gate provides convenient access to various parts of the Taj Mahal complex, including the main mausoleum, gardens, and other attractions within the expansive grounds.
2.West Gate
It is the main entrance to the Taj Mahal and this gate faces towards Green Shahjahan Garden, Agra cantonment and Agra city.
Advantages of West Gate Entry:
- Historical Significance: The West Gate holds historical significance as one of the original entry points to the Taj Mahal complex.
- Convenient Access: The West Gate provides convenient access to the Taj Mahal, allowing visitors to enter the monument with ease. Its central location within the complex makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the various attractions, including the main mausoleum and surrounding gardens.
Because of its central location, you will see the longest queue of people throughout the day. If you use this gate, the best time will be during sunrise when you can expect fewer crowds.
3.East Gate
- This gate faces towards beautiful Taj Nature Walk & Fatehabad Town.
- The East Gate is mainly used by the foreign visitors, especially because it is closest to a number of hotels.This gate is also known as ‘Sirhi Darwaza’.
- If you get your ticket in advance, this will be the best option to use for an entry to the Taj Mahal.
Advantages of East Gate Entry:
- Beautiful Views: The East Gate offers beautiful views of the Taj Mahal as you approach, especially during sunrise.When you walk towards the Taj Mahal from the East Gate, you’ll see an amazing sight: the Taj Mahal against the backdrop of the rising sun. It’s a perfect time for taking stunning photos and getting a first look at the grand Taj Mahal.
- Nearby Fun: The East Gate is close to cool places like the Taj Museum and the Mehtab Bagh gardens , providing visitors with additional opportunities for exploration and cultural enrichment.
6.Things to keep in mind when visiting Taj Mahal.
- Tourists are advised to stay inside the monument as per the directions mentioned on tickets or issued by ASI authorities
- Tourist must carry his/her Identity Proof issued by Govt. Authorities.
- Water bottle is allowed inside the monument. Shoe cover, water bottle, tourist guide map of Agra, battery bus and golf cart services are provided free of cost with the foreigner’s entry ticket of the Taj.
- Shoe racks are available just below the main mausoleum free of cost.
- Separate lines for men and women are present at entry gates.
- Battery buses and golf carts are available from parking to the Taj Mahal.
- Luggage can be stored for free beside the ticket offices.
- Photography is prohibited inside the mausoleum chamber.
- Drones are prohibited in and around the Taj Mahal complex.
- Tripods also aren’t allowed anywhere in the complex.
- Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited.
- Mobile phones must be kept silent, switched off, or in flight mode.
- Please avoid carrying big bags and books inside the monument, this may increase your security check time.
7.Things to do in Taj Mahal Agra.
1. Admiring Taj Mahal’s grandeur – The main points of the Taj Mahal complex for tourists are the mausoleum building and its garden. The mausoleum is an architectural marvel of white marble adorned with intricate carvings and delicate inlays.Take your time to appreciate its grandeur.
2. Relaxing in the gardens – Taj Mahal is surrounded by a beautiful garden, beginning from the entrance and spreading across to the base of the mausoleum.This scenic setting makes for a beautiful backdrop for some memorable photos.
3. Visiting the Mosque and the Jawab – You’ll find two identical structures on both sides of the Taj. One is a mosque, and another is Mehman Khana (assembly hall) referred to as Jawab (meaning response, in Urdu).
The assembly hall is built as a mirror image of the mosque to maintain the symmetry of the complex. Both these buildings are made with red sandstone. You can visit them to get a closer look at their architectural beauty.
4. Exploring the Taj Museum collection – A small museum is located within the Taj complex. It houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the Taj Mahal as well as many original miniature paintings from the Mughal era.
A pair of ivory portraits of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal from the 17th century is the primary attraction. It also provides insights into the Taj Mahal’s significance.
5. Marvelling at the entrance gate – Another point of interest in the complex is the gigantic entrance gate. It’s referred to as darwaza-e-rauza (gate of the mausoleum), and it’s worthy of all the attention it gets.
This monumental piece of architecture stands on a raised platform that leads you to the garden.
8.Taj Mahal,Agra Timings.
Taj Mahal opens 30 Minutes before sunrise and closes 30 Minutes before sunset during normal operating days.The museum inside is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Day | Timing |
---|---|
Monday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
Tuesday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
Wedesday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
Thursday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
Friday | Closed / Holiday |
Saturday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
Sunday | 5:00 am – 6:30 pm |
9.Taj Mahal,Agra Entry Fees.
Entry Fee | ||
S.No. | Tourist Type | Amount (Rs.) (Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees) |
1. | Foreign tourist | 1100/- + 200/- Additional for visiting main mausoleum (Optional) |
2. | Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries | 540/- + 200/- Additional for visiting main mausoleum (Optional) |
3. | Domestic/Indian/OCI Cardholder | 50/- + 200/- Additional for visiting main mausoleum (Optional) |
Note-
- Tourists buying tickets online will get discount of Rs.5/- for per Indian ticket & Rs. 50/- for per Foreigner ticket.
- No Entry fee for children below the age of 15 years. (both Domestic and Foreigner).
- Additional Rs.200/- will be charged if one wants to visit main mausoleum.
Buying Taj Mahal Ticket from Entry Gate Ticket Counter.
- Taj Mahal Western Gate :- Tickets are available on Western Gate near Saheli Burj. (Timing-One Hour before Sunrise upto 45 Minutes before Sunset).
- Taj Mahal Eastern Gate :- Tickets are available at Eastern Gate of Taj Mahal. (Timing-One Hour before Sunrise upto 45 Minutes before Sunset).
- Taj Mahal Southern Gate :- No Entry from this gate at Present only Exit is allowed.
Buying a Taj Mahal Ticket Online
Official Website asi.payumoney.com & www.asiagracircle.in offers information and ticketing service for Taj Mahal tickets. Both foreign and domestic visitors may use the e-ticket booking for the ASI Taj Mahal and other monuments.
10.Taj Mahal Night View Timings and Fees.
Taj Mahal night views are allowed five nights a month: on the full moon and two nights before and after the full moon. But it’s not organised on Fridays and during the month of Ramzan.
Night view timings of the Taj Mahal are from 8.30 PM to 12.30 AM, and it’s carried out in eight batches of about 30 minutes each. You can watch it from a distance, from the Shilpgram centre in the complex. Only around 50 people are allowed in each batch.
Taj Mahal tickets for night views are ₹510 per person for Indians and ₹750 for foreigners. For kids between 3 and 15 years of age, the ticket costs Rs 500. Other kids (below 3 years of age) are allowed free entry.
11.Time to explore Taj Mahal Agra.
The complex is spread across a large area. It includes the mausoleum, museum and mosque, among other structures. So, you should have about 2-3 hours to explore the complex properly.
12.Top places you should visit after visiting taj mahal.
1.Agra Fort
The Agra Fort, also known as Lal Qila (Red Fort), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a massive red sandstone fort that served as a Mughal residence for almost a century and encompasses an area of about 94 acres, surrounded by massive walls standing up to 70 feet in height.
It’s one of the most popular historical places to visit in Agra. No tour to Agra is ever complete without visiting the Agra Fort.
- Entry Fee:The entrance fee for Agra Fort is ₹50 for Indian citizens and ₹650 for foreign tourists.
- Timings: Sunrise – Sunset(6:00 am – 6:00 pm)
- Distance : It’s about 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal.
2.Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is another tourist place with historical monuments from the Mughal era.This heritage site is a spectacular showcase of the grandeur of Mughal architecture.
Here, you can explore many places like Jodha Bai’s Palace, Panch Mahal and the tomb of Salim Chishti.
- Entry Fee: The entrance fee for Fatehpur Sikri is ₹50 per person for Indian citizens and ₹610 per person for foreign tourists
- Timings: Sunrise – Sunset ( 6:00 am – 6:00 pm)
- Distance : The distance from Taj Mahal to Fatehpur Sikri is approximately 40 kilometers west of Agra. The journey takes approximately 1 hour by car or taxi.
3.Humayun Mosque
The Humayun Mosque was built in 1565 by Akbar’s favourite wife, Haji Begum.
Visitors to the Humayun Mosque can explore the mosque’s magnificent architecture, take a walk around the central courtyard, and soak in the serenity of the mosque’s surroundings. The mosque is also a great place to learn about India’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Sunrise – Sunset ( 6:00 am to 6:00 pm).
- Distance from Agra: It’s about 7 km from Taj Mahal.
Frequently asked questions.
Q1. Who built the Taj Mahal?
Q2. What is Taj Mahal famous for?
Q3. What is inside Taj Mahal?
Q4. Is the Taj Mahal a mosque?
Q5. Can I visit the Taj Mahal at night?
Q6. When is the Taj Mahal closed?
Q7. What is the entry fee for Taj Mahal?
Q8. Is there a dress code for Taj Mahal?
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