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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, the historic city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is world-renowned as home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Mughal-era city, once the capital of the powerful Mughal Empire, showcases some of India's most spectacular architectural achievements, including the imposing Agra Fort and the elegant tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, often called the 'Baby Taj'. Beyond its iconic monuments, Agra offers visitors a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage through its bustling bazaars, traditional handicrafts, and Mughlai cuisine. The city's marble inlay work, leather goods, and carpets are famous worldwide, while its strategic location on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit makes it an essential stop for anyone exploring northern India's historical treasures.

Top Things to Do in Taj Mahal

Sunrise Visit to the Taj Mahal

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise when the white marble monument glows with golden and pink hues in the soft morning light. This is considered the most magical time to visit, with fewer crowds and perfect lighting for photography. The changing colors of the marble as the sun rises create an unforgettable spectacle.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance (₹1,100 for foreigners) and arrive by 6 AM. Consider hiring a certified guide (₹500-800) for historical insights. Avoid Fridays when the monument is closed to tourists.

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, audience halls, and mosques, offering stunning views of the Taj Mahal from its ramparts. The intricate architecture and rich history make it a fascinating complement to your Taj Mahal visit.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is ₹650 for foreigners. Allow 2-3 hours for exploration and visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting. Audio guides are available for ₹118 and highly recommended.

Visit Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb

Often called the 'Baby Taj' or 'Jewel Box,' this exquisite tomb is considered a draft of the Taj Mahal and features the first use of pietra dura inlay work in India. The delicate marble lattice screens and intricate floral patterns showcase the evolution of Mughal architecture. It's less crowded than other monuments, offering a more peaceful experience.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is ₹310 for foreigners. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography. Combine with Mehtab Bagh for a full morning tour.

Sunset at Mehtab Bagh

This charbagh (Mughal garden) complex offers the perfect vantage point for sunset views of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. Originally designed as a moonlight garden, it provides an unobstructed rear view of the monument and is ideal for photography without crowds. The gardens also house archaeological ruins and offer insights into Mughal landscaping.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is ₹300 for foreigners. Arrive 1 hour before sunset for the best spots. Bring insect repellent during monsoon season and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Shopping at Sadar Bazaar and Kinari Bazaar

Immerse yourself in Agra's vibrant shopping scene at these traditional markets known for marble inlay work, leather goods, carpets, and textiles. Sadar Bazaar offers a mix of traditional and modern items, while Kinari Bazaar specializes in traditional Indian clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. These bustling markets provide an authentic glimpse into local life and culture.

Booking Tip: Bargaining is expected - start at 30-40% of the quoted price. Shop during daytime for better visibility of products. Be cautious of 'genuine marble' claims - real marble inlay work is expensive.

Getting There

Agra is well-connected to major Indian cities by air, rail, and road. The fastest option is flying into Agra Airport (Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport), which has direct flights from Delhi (1 hour). By train, the Gatimaan Express from Delhi is the fastest option (1.5 hours), while the Shatabdi Express takes about 2 hours. By road, Agra is 200km from Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway (3-4 hours by car). Many visitors arrive as part of the Golden Triangle circuit, combining Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

Getting Around

Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are the most common local transport, though negotiate fares in advance or use metered taxis. Uber and Ola operate in Agra and offer reliable, air-conditioned transport. For monument visits, many hotels arrange private cars with drivers (₹2,000-3,000 per day). Walking is pleasant within monument complexes but not recommended for longer distances due to traffic and heat. Battery-operated vehicles (eco-friendly rickshaws) are available near major monuments and are a good sustainable option.

Where to Stay

Taj Ganj (near Taj Mahal)
Sadar Bazaar area
Fatehabad Road
Mall Road
Agra Cantonment
Sikandra area

Food & Dining

Agra's culinary scene is dominated by rich Mughlai cuisine, featuring dishes like biryani, kebabs, and korma that reflect the city's imperial heritage. Don't miss local specialties like Agra ka petha (a sweet made from ash gourd), dal moth (spiced lentil snack), and bedai with aloo sabzi for breakfast. Popular dining areas include Sadar Bazaar for street food, restaurants along Fatehabad Road for mid-range dining, and hotel restaurants for upscale Mughlai cuisine. Vegetarian options are abundant, and many restaurants cater to international tastes while maintaining authentic flavors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Agra

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

View all food guides →

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
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Agra is from October to March when the weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15-30°C. Winter months (December-February) offer the most comfortable sightseeing conditions but also bring the largest crowds. Avoid summer months (April-June) when temperatures can exceed 45°C, making outdoor exploration extremely uncomfortable. The monsoon season (July-September) brings relief from heat but can cause humidity and occasional flooding. For fewer crowds and decent weather, consider visiting in October-November or February-March.

Insider Tips

Book Taj Mahal tickets online in advance and carry original passport/ID - entry is strictly regulated with only 40,000 visitors allowed per day
Hire a certified government guide at monument entrances rather than accepting offers from touts - official guides wear ID badges and charge fixed rates
Carry shoe covers or be prepared to remove shoes at certain areas within monuments, and bring a water bottle as dehydration is common during sightseeing

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