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Taj Mahal, India - Things to Do in Taj Mahal

Things to Do in Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal, India - Complete Travel Guide

Agra, home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, is one of India's most visited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh along the banks of the Yamuna River, this historic city served as the capital of the Mughal Empire and showcases some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the world. Beyond the iconic ivory-white mausoleum, Agra boasts other architectural marvels including Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, making it an essential stop on India's Golden Triangle circuit. The city seamlessly blends its glorious past with modern tourism infrastructure, offering visitors a chance to witness breathtaking monuments while experiencing authentic Indian culture. From sunrise views of the Taj Mahal to exploring bustling local markets filled with marble inlay work and leather goods, Agra provides an unforgettable journey through India's rich Mughal heritage. The city's compact size makes it possible to see the major attractions in a day or two, though many visitors find themselves captivated by the intricate details and stories behind each monument.

Top Things to Do in Taj Mahal

Visit the Taj Mahal at Sunrise

Experience the world's most famous monument to love as the first rays of sunlight illuminate its pristine white marble facade. The early morning visit offers the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience with this architectural masterpiece. The changing colors of the marble from soft pink to brilliant white as the sun rises creates an unforgettable spectacle.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance (₹1,100 for foreigners) and arrive by 6 AM for sunrise entry. Consider hiring a certified guide for ₹500-800 to learn about the monument's history and architectural details.

Explore Agra Fort

Discover this massive red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for generations. The fort complex houses beautiful palaces, mosques, and gardens, offering stunning views of the Taj Mahal from certain vantage points. Walk through the same halls where Emperor Shah Jahan spent his final years under house arrest, gazing at his beloved Taj Mahal.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is ₹650 for foreigners, and the fort is open from sunrise to sunset. Allow 2-3 hours for exploration and visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting and Taj Mahal views from the fort.

Day Trip to Fatehpur Sikri

Journey to this abandoned Mughal city, built by Emperor Akbar and later deserted due to water scarcity. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases perfectly preserved Indo-Islamic architecture including the massive Buland Darwaza gateway and the tomb of Sufi saint Salim Chishti. The ghost city offers insight into Mughal urban planning and religious tolerance.

Booking Tip: Located 40km from Agra, hire a taxi for ₹2,000-3,000 for the round trip or join a guided tour. Entry fee is ₹550 for foreigners, and it's best visited in the morning to avoid afternoon heat.

Sunset at Mehtab Bagh

Watch the sun set behind the Taj Mahal from this beautifully landscaped garden across the Yamuna River. Originally designed as a moonlight garden by the Mughals, it offers unobstructed views of the Taj Mahal's rear facade and is perfect for photography during golden hour. The peaceful setting provides a different perspective of the monument away from the main crowds.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is ₹300 for foreigners, and the garden is open until sunset. Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset to secure a good spot and bring insect repellent during monsoon season.

Shopping for Marble Inlay Work

Browse the local markets and workshops to witness artisans creating intricate marble inlay work using techniques passed down through generations since Mughal times. Sadar Bazaar and areas around the Taj Mahal offer authentic pieces ranging from small decorative items to furniture. Watch craftsmen carefully embed precious and semi-precious stones into marble using the same methods used to decorate the Taj Mahal.

Booking Tip: Visit government-approved shops for authentic pieces and fair prices. Bargain respectfully and expect to pay ₹500-5,000 for small items, ₹10,000+ for larger pieces. Ask for certificates of authenticity for expensive purchases.

Getting There

Agra is well-connected to major Indian cities by train, road, and air. The fastest option is the Gatimaan Express from Delhi, which takes just 100 minutes and offers a comfortable journey with onboard meals. Regular trains from Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities also serve Agra Cantt railway station. By road, Agra is 200km from Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway (3-4 hours by car), and many visitors opt for private taxis or join Golden Triangle tours. Agra's Kheria Airport has limited domestic flights, making train travel the most popular option for most visitors.

Getting Around

Agra is a compact city where most major attractions are within 10km of each other, making it easy to navigate by various means of transport. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are abundant and perfect for short distances, while prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber offer comfort for longer journeys. Many hotels provide bicycle rentals for eco-friendly exploration, and walking between nearby attractions is pleasant during cooler months. For day trips to Fatehpur Sikri, hire a private taxi or join organized tours, as public transport options are limited for tourist sites outside the city center.

Where to Stay

Taj Ganj (near Taj Mahal)
Sadar Bazaar area
Fatehabad Road
Agra Cantt (near railway station)
Mall Road
Sikandra area

Food & Dining

Agra's culinary scene blends Mughlai flavors with North Indian cuisine, offering everything from street food to fine dining experiences. The city is famous for its petha (sweet candy), dalmoth (spicy lentil snack), and rich Mughlai dishes like biryani and kebabs. Sadar Bazaar and areas around the Taj Mahal offer numerous restaurants serving both Indian and international cuisine to cater to tourists. Don't miss trying local specialties at heritage hotels, which often serve authentic Mughlai cuisine in royal settings, or explore street food stalls near Agra Fort for budget-friendly local flavors like chaat, parathas, and lassi.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Agra

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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The Salt Cafe

4.6 /5
(11037 reviews) 3
bar cafe night_club

Sasural The Restro (Best restaurant in agra)

4.8 /5
(4280 reviews) 2

The Nawaabs

4.6 /5
(2525 reviews) 2

Hotel Dasaprakash/ Udupi Brindavan

4.9 /5
(2365 reviews) 2

Heart of Taj Café & Kitchen - Agra

4.6 /5
(2103 reviews)
cafe

THE ROYAL DINING RESTAURANT

4.7 /5
(1625 reviews) 2

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When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Agra is during the cooler months from October to March when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winter months (December-February) offer the most comfortable weather with clear skies perfect for photography, though this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. Avoid visiting during summer months (April-June) when temperatures can soar above 45°C, making outdoor exploration extremely uncomfortable. The monsoon season (July-September) brings relief from heat but can cause occasional closures of monuments and muddy conditions, though the post-monsoon period offers lush green landscapes and fewer crowds.

Insider Tips

Book Taj Mahal tickets online to skip long queues and consider buying the Archaeological Survey of India pass if visiting multiple monuments
Carry a valid photo ID as it's mandatory for Taj Mahal entry, and note that Fridays are closed for prayers
Hire certified guides at monument entrances rather than unofficial touts, and always negotiate prices beforehand for transportation and shopping

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