I was back in New Delhi again with work, this time for a longer stay of 2 weeks, along with 3 people in my team who were visiting for the first time. I knew that at the weekend there was only one day trip we all had to do – the Taj Mahal.
I’ve heard people say before that there’s something almost unreal about seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time. I can honestly say it took my breath away. It is truly the most beautiful building I have ever seen. Its white marble shifts color with the light, its symmetry feels almost too perfect, and its story of love, loss, and empire adds a mythical atmosphere to it.
In short, it’s an absolute must see on any visit to India. And the good news? You don’t need an extended trip to experience it. A well-planned day trip from New Delhi is not only possible, but super enjoyable. You have to be prepared for an early start, but it’s so worth it to see this absolutely incredible place.
Here’s how to make the most of your day trip to the Taj Mahal.
Important: The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Fridays.
How to get to the Taj Mahal from New Delhi
Top Tip: Start early, really early!
The key to a successful day trip is beating traffic, crowds and the heat. We chose to start at 4am to try and get ahead on all three, and it definitely worked for us.
In terms of transport, there are two main options:
- Tour Packages: Many companies offer all-inclusive day tours with transport, guides, and meals. For ease, this is the option we chose and are really glad we did! The drive via the Yamuna Expressway takes about 3–4 hours depending on traffic, and it’s a really good road (once you’re out of Delhi).
- Train (Fastest & Efficient): The Gatimaan Express is a good choice as a cheaper alternative option. It departs around 8:10 AM and reaches Agra in under 2 hours. Breakfast is usually included, and it’s comfortable and reliable, but it won’t give you that early start to beat the crowds.
My Experience: We asked our hotel for a quote, and looked at the best reviewed tours online but both quoted in excess of £1,000 for the day (!) With that being unaffordable, we booked our tour with India Taj Tours. It wasn’t 5*, but it was still a great day out, and much more affordable at £200 for 4 of us.
Exploring the Taj Mahal
Once you arrive in Agra, go directly to the Taj Mahal. The earlier you get there, the better – for softer light, less intense heat and fewer crowds. We arrived at 7am, and our driver dropped us off at the entrance, where our guide, Kamal, met us.
It’s a short 0.5km walk from the entrance to the entry gate. At the entry gate you have to pass through bag and security checks. There are separate lines for men and women.
Important: You can only take in water, medicines (incl. sun-cream), fans and chargers. You cannot take food, tripods, glass bottles or obvious things like weapons.
Tickets: Our tour included tickets, but if yours doesn’t or you’re visiting independently, you will need to buy tickets online in advance. Tickets are c.£10 per person for non residents.
The Forecourt
On entering through security, you arrive in to the forecourt, which uses red sandstone and reflects the transition from the busy city outside to the highly ordered sacred garden inside. Key buildings and features in the forecourt include:
- Jilaukhana (front court), historically used for arrivals, processions, and accommodations for attendants and pilgrims.
- The Khawasspuras which were residential quarters, and are located on the east and west sides of the forecourt, likely used by attendants, guards, or court officials.
- Side gateways on the eastern and western edges, connecting the complex to surrounding neighborhoods and riverfront areas.
- The Bazaar and Caravanserai area which were once shops and lodging spaces around the forecourt to serve visitors and travellers.
- The Great Gate (Darwaza-i Rauza); the star of the show – a massive red sandstone entrance gateway that leads into the charbagh garden and frames the first full view of the Taj Mahal. Beautifully symetrical and so clever with perspective, it draws you to focus on the beautiful white marble of the Taj Mahal coming in to view.
As I walked through the Great Gate, the view took my breath away as I laid my eyes on the Taj Mahal for the first time. Just WOW!
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal’s original name was Arjumand Banu Begum. She married Shah Jahan in 1612 and became his closest companion and trusted adviser. Historical accounts describe her accompanying him on military campaigns and political journeys. She died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child during a war campaign.
According to court chronicles, Shah Jahan was devastated by her death. Soon afterward, he began planning a grand mausoleum that would preserve her memory forever. Construction started around 1632 in Agra, then one of the great capitals of the Mughal Empire.
It took 22 years to build, and involved over 20,000 labourers and artisans. The white marble was brought from Rajasthan and precious stones from Persia and Central Asia. Craftsmen from India, Persia and Italy all contributed to the incredible building. The result is truly one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
The Taj Mahal’s design focuses on perfect symmetry, paradise imagery from Islamic tradition, light and reflection, and harmony between architecture, water, and gardens. The white marble changes colour through the day – it’s pinkish at sunrise, bright white in daylight and golden or blue under moonlight.
Late in life, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in the Agra Fort across the river. Tradition says he spent his final years looking toward the Taj Mahal from a window in the fort. When Shah Jahan died in 1666, he was buried beside Mumtaz Mahal inside the mausoleum. Their cenotaphs remain there today, though the actual graves lie in a lower chamber beneath them.
Top Tip: Many reviews say skip visiting inside the Mausoleum. You can’t take photos and it isn’t ornate, but I think you miss out on some of the love story if you don’t! You also get some lovely views from up on the balcony out to the river and back across the gardens.
Top Tips for visiting the Taj Mahal
- Arrive as early as possible; the Taj Mahal is open from sunrise everyday except Fridays.
- Visit with a guide to fully understand the history and story.
- Dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered.
- Bring water, sunglasses, and minimal bags (security is strict).
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Buy tickets in advance if they’re not included in your tour price.
- Don’t spend the day behind your phone taking pictures. Take time just to look at it.
Top Tip: Give yourself at least 2 hours at the Taj Mahal.
Agra Fort
After visiting the Taj Mahal, it’s likely to be breakfast time. Often tours include breakfasts at local hotels or restaurants, but if not, there are many rooftop spots to enjoy views of the Taj Mahal whilst re-fuelling.
I then highly recommend continuing on to visit Agra Fort. Again this is included in most tours, with the driver picking you up from breakfast. Even if you’re visiting independently, It’s just a short drive away and offers a different perspective on Mughal architecture. While the Taj Mahal symbolizes love and memory, Agra Fort represented imperial power, government, and military strength.
Agra Fort is deeply tied to the final chapter of Shah Jahan’s life. His son Aurangzeb seized power in a brutal war of succession and placed Shah Jahan under house arrest inside the fort in 1658. Tradition says Shah Jahan spent his last years in the Musamman Burj, gazing across the river at the Taj Mahal, the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Shopping & Local Crafts
Agra has many local crafts and a bustling market. If you’re interested, you could browse to take home a souvenir. Some traditional crafts here include:
- Marble inlay (Parchin Kari / Pietra Dura); the same technique used in the Taj Mahal.
- Leather goods such as shoes, bags, jackets, and belts.
- Zardozi embroidery & textiles.
- Petha sweets and Mughal-style souvenirs.
You could visit Sadar Bazaar, or visit a reputable workshop if you want to buy something. And after that, its time for the 4-5hour journey back to Delhi!
Important: Many day tours will take you to a workshop, and you’ll end up being guided around a shop and encouraged to buy things. The guides get commission. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything, and just tell the guide if you don’t want to go in at all.
My Experience: Throughout the day many vendors came up to us in the street trying to sell us things. They can be pushy but I find a wave of an arm and ignoring the best way. If you engage, they will keep persisting. It can feel inpolite, but it’s normal here.
Final Thoughts
A day trip to the Taj Mahal is intense, no doubt. It’s an early start and a long day. The drive was long – 3 hours there in no traffic, and 4.5 hours back in traffic later in the day. I managed to sleep a bit, but Delhi traffic chaos means that’s not always easy. At one point our guide opened the door to fix his wing mirror, as we were doing 80mph down the highway. That woke us up quickly!
But standing in front of one of the world’s most iconic monuments means it’s so worth it. We didn’t find the heat or the crowds too bad with our early morning visit, and we were all unanimously blown away by its beauty and its story. We’d all recommend it and we’d all do it again. So, if you’re planning a trip, I really hope this post is helpful.
As always in India I also felt like a celebrity; I had a lot of people ask me for photos pointing at my hair saying “red beautiful”. Most of the time, people mean well and are trying to be friendly, though it can definitely become a bit intrusive. I stopped for each and every person that asked me for a photo, and no-one took one without consent. It just means it took forever to get anywhere!
Stay safe and happy travelling!
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