Best time to travel to Taj Mahal and Agra

Sunrise and Sunset near Taj Mahal in Taj Mahal and Agra

Experience the true grandeur of The Taj Mahal, the iconic landmark of India and the Seventh Wonder of the World

Best time: October–March

Sunrise and Sunset near Taj Mahal
Sunrise and Sunset near Taj Mahal
Sunrise and Sunset near Taj Mahal
Sunrise and Sunset near Taj Mahal

Nothing compares in Agra and even in the whole of India to the majestic Taj Mahal! The white-splendored mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his favourite wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, better known as Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth. The inconsolable Shah Jahan decided to commemorate his wife building a tomb the likes of which had never been seen before, called the Taj Mahal.

For many centuries it has been synonymous with love and romance. Everyone who comes to Agra visits this marvellous gem on the banks of the River Yamuna. It is made of pure white marble with exquisite ornamentation, gold blotches, iridescent pearls, and precious gemstones.

The entire complex is situated among the beautiful gardens and consists of a number of buildings comprising a mosque, a guesthouse, the mausoleum, and two tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. A long and beautiful walkway built of pure white marble leads to the main mausoleum; four waterways divide the gardens into four parts and then, meet in a pool at the center.

The Taj Mahal is marvelous at reflecting a different aura in different seasons and weather. But the best time to visit the Taj Mahal is generally from October to March. Its radiance and charm are simply dazzling and changes with every passing hour. The peak of visual beauty is during sunrise and sunset. Sunrise above the Taj Mahal is transformed from soft grey and pink to a soft red glow that awakens the great mausoleum. When the sun goes down it transforms to an elegant white under the moonlight. When the full moon appears over the Taj and lights this architectural treasure, this fascinating spectacle may outshine your other experiences.

Practical info

When is the weather mild and pleasant for visiting Taj Mahal and Agra?

To visit Agra and the Taj Mahal at a comfortable time, it's best to travel between October to March. The beautiful gardens surrounding the monument are also in bloom during this period. It is also the time when the Taj Mahal looks most magnificent during the early sunrise and at sunset. Show more

What is the reason behind the Taj Mahal's construction?

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who had died in childbirth. The tomb took 22 years to build with the help of thousands of laborers. The monument is made of white marble and features intricate inlaid work of different precious stones. Show more

Is it possible to enter the Taj Mahal complex during either sunrise or sunset?

The Taj Mahal is open every day from sunrise to sunset, except on Fridays when it's closed for prayers. There is also an extra charge for those who want to go in during sunrise or sunset timings. Visitors can take the opportunity to witness the Taj Mahal's magnificence under the early morning sunrise and at sunset. Show more

What is the purpose of the four waterways surrounding the Taj Mahal?

The four waterways surrounding the Taj Mahal are more than just an aesthetic feature. They serve a functional purpose by helping to keep the monument in a good condition by acting as a source of ventilation. The design also symbolizes the four rivers of Islamic Jannah or paradise. Show more

What is the best place for tourists to watch the reflection of the Taj Mahal during a full moon?

Tourists can get the best view of the Taj Mahal's reflection during a full moon from the white marble platform at the center of the waterways. This site offers the most splendid and clear reflection of the monument. The Taj Mahal's reflection during a full moon is an awe-inspiring sight and is a famous attraction among tourists. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin