General Travel Info
Taj Mahal Timings
The Archaeological Survey of India has decided that Taj Mahal
will remain closed on Fridays for the public except for those
who go for afternoon prayers in the mosque next to the 17th
century monument. The monument, which attracts thousands of
visitors every day, previously remained closed on Mondays.
The Taj will remain open from 6 am-7 pm
everyday except Fridays.On Fridays, people will be allowed to
go for the customary prayers between 1200 hrs 1400 hrs at the
mosque in the Taj Mahal complex.
Described by the Indian classical poet Tagore
as a "tear on the face of eternity",
the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Moghul architecture
and quite simply one of the world's most marvellous buildings.
Volumes have been written on it s perfection, and its image
adorns countless glossy brochures and guide books; nonetheless,
the reality never fails to overwhelm all who see it, and few
words can do it justice.
A Day at Taj Mahal in Agra
Taj Mahal in the Morning
The glory of the monument is strangely undiminished by the crowds
of tourists who visit each day, as small and insignificant as
ants in the face of this immense and captivating monument. That
said, the Taj is at its most alluring in the relative quiet
of early morning, shrouded in mists and bathed with a soft red
glow. As its vast marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflect
the sun, its colour changes, from soft grey and yellow to pearly
cream and dazzling white; it's well worth visiting at different
times. This play of light is an important decorative device,
symbolically implying the presence of Allah, who is never represented
in anthropomorphic form.
Beauty of Taj Mahal during Day
The Taj Mahal shows a different aspect of beauty at different
times of the day. The sight of the Taj awash with the subtle
pinks of dawn is an unforgettable sight. Sunsets stain the Taj
an exotic shade of orange. But nothing beats the poignant beauty
of the Taj seen when the cool white marble is bathed in the
soft silver light of the moon. Even in the bright light of the
day, this wonder of the world shines with an awe-inspiring loveliness.
There's no time limit on visits to the Taj,
and some people spend most of the day here, sitting, reading,
dozing or picnicking in the beautifully kept gardens. Hawkers
and salesmen are not allowed in, and official guides are not
available on site, but can usually be provided by hotels, and
always accompany organized tours. The ticket office, just outside
the western gate, is rarely blocked by long queues, except between
4 and 5 pm before the admission fee increases; bring the right
amount of money as the ticket booth attendants rarely have change
and tend to pocket the difference.