You already know about the Taj Mahal. When is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal, and when will it be open to tourists? If you do not go to the Taj Mahal on your vacation to India, your journey will be incomplete. In addition, this is not an exaggerated statement.
Here are some of the greatest strategies that can spare you from the sadness so that you can enjoy the event with your loved ones.
Entry Gates
There are several types of entry gates.
There are three gates that bring you to the monument: one on each side, one on each side of the monument, and one on each side of the monument.
If, after doing internet research, you decide to use the South Gate, you will encounter a less number of people. Given that the South Gate is the least-used of the three entrances, you will not have to wait in a longer line than you would at the other two gates. Until 8 a.m., it is not open. As a result, if you wish to get at the gate before sunrise, you may skip this one.
The West Gate, which serves as the primary entrance, is utilized by the vast majority of tourists from the surrounding area, since it gets around 60-70 percent of all visits. Throughout the day, it has the largest line of people waiting to get in. If you want to utilize this gate, the optimal time will be at morning, when there will be less people around.
The East Gate is primarily frequented by international tourists, in part because it is the most convenient to a lot of hotels. If you purchase your ticket in advance, this will be the most convenient method of entering the Taj Mahal.
There is a separate queue for males and women at the east gate entry to the Taj Mahal. The women’s line takes longer than the men’s, as is customary in such situations. If you’re travelling with someone of the opposite sex, make sure you’re prepared to split and establish a meeting area on the other side of the checkpoint since it may become congested quickly on the other side.
If you’re visiting the Taj Mahal with children, be aware that this entry may get quite packed, so keep your small ones near so that they don’t become disoriented in the crowds.
Tips To visit Taj Mahal
Visiting North India during the months of October to March is the most ideal time of year, with nice days and refreshing evenings. The Taj Mahal may be obscured by fog throughout the months of December and January, making dawn and morning viewings difficult. Aside from that, owing to stubble burning in the surrounding districts in November, the pollution that blankets Delhi, Agra, and other places may interfere with viewings at any time of day.
Although it is impossible to forecast, it is important to be mindful of seasonal interferences. The Taj Mahal has the greatest number of international visitors from December to March, although the iconic monument is crowded at all times throughout the year.
There are some local touts who would approach outsiders and try to persuade them to use their guide service. Use cautious while dealing with them since they are not licensed by the government, have low English understanding, and provide erroneous information.
Generally speaking, we would recommend hiring a guide since it generates employment opportunities for locals. The Taj Mahal, on the other hand, is known for being targeted by persons acting as tour guides. According to reports, the Taj Mahal has just 50-60 licensed guides, while more than 3,000 touts sell their services to visitors, acting as guides and photographers.
Many tour operators will not quote the guiding costs up advance, which might result in bargaining and disappointment once the trip is over. Instead, arrange for a guide in advance via a reliable firm to assist you.
If at all possible, avoid visiting the Taj Mahal on Saturday and Sunday. Local crowds might contribute to the length of the lineups!
Did you know that the greatest spot to see the Taj Mahal is really outside of the complex, rather than inside? From across the Yamuna River in the flood plains, according to Shah Jahan, was the greatest place to see the Taj Mahal. “Moonlit Garden” (Mehtab Bagh) was built for the Emperor to enjoy his masterpiece at night, with an octagonal pool and a river reflecting the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in the background. Visit around sunset for the finest lighting conditions.
Because the garden is rather uncrowded, it provides you with the finest opportunity to snap your photos/portraits without having other people photobomb you. An extra plus is that overseas entrance is merely INR 300 ($4 USD) for Indian citizens.
This is just for entertainment purposes, but if you want to snap a nice photo of yourself in front of the Taj Mahal, bright colors stand out exceptionally well against the white marble of the structure. You’ll find Indian ladies and tourists alike dressed in vibrantly colorful saris..
Time To visit
When it comes to a visit to the Taj Mahal, timing is important, and this is one instance in which the early bird really does get the worm. Sunrise is typically the ideal time to visit, since there are less people and more soft light for photographs (assuming there isn’t any pollution, which the noon sun might occasionally burn out during the summer).
Sunset is also a wonderful alternative for the same reasons as sunrise, albeit it is still more crowded than the latter. Due to severe fog in the mornings throughout the months of December and January, avoid early morning trips.
Every Friday, keep in mind that the Taj Mahal will be closed! Because the monument is popular with both Indians and visitors, avoid being overwhelmed by the crowds, which may be particularly dense on weekends.