A recent visit to Agra for a Taj Mahal experience was awesome! A few travel tips though could’ve elevated it to an out-of-the-world experience.
Tip #1: Use the train service between Delhi – Agra.
Tip #2: Schedule to enjoy Taj at sunset & sunrise.
Tip #3: Schedule your Agra visit for a weekday (except Friday).
Tip #4: Allocate some non-guide time.
Tip #1: Use the train service between Delhi – Agra.
Trying to be adventurous, I opted to do this trip by road & wasted almost 10 hours on the road. Road traffic is BAD on both sides of the trip – Delhi & Agra. Train service is the preferred option saving you time & effort. Check here for more information on the train options.
Tip #2: Schedule to enjoy Taj at sunset & sunrise.
Day 1 (4-5 pm): Arrive at Agra by early evening (4-5 pm)
Day 1 (6-8 pm): Catch a glimpse from across the Yamuna. Get a moonlit view from within the Taj complex. Note that the closing time is 7 pm.
Day 2 (6-10 am): Sun rise view followed by a detailed tour of the Taj. Note that the opening time is 6 am.
Day 2 (rest of day): Agra Fort & other attractions in / around Agra.
Tip #3: Schedule your Agra visit for a weekday (except Friday).
The difference between a Taj experience and a great Taj experience could be the huge tourist crowds. Apart from using a crowd avoiding schedule (like above), you could also plan to visit Taj on a weekday. Note that the Taj complex is closed on Friday.
Tip #4: Allocate some non-guide time.
While a good guide is recommended for a truly appreciative & studied experience of the Taj, do allocate for some non-guide time. More often than not, the first few minutes of a visit (especially if it is your first visit) pass by with a dropped jaw, eyes focused on the Taj & you turning deaf to people around you. A non-guide slot will allow you to soak in the beauty of the monument without the verbal or time pressures of the guide.
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~ Coorg & Kodavas
~ Spit to Manly Scenic Walk
Great post – covers almost everything! I would also add a couple more things:
– If you do end up driving to Agra, do not plan on parking close to the Taj. Hiring an electric or man-cart might be the best way to get around. Agra is full of small gallis with barely any room to make a U-turn if you end up on the wrong road – make sure you only take the major roads.
– No food allowed in the Taj – make sure you (and kids if you are travelling with family) have eaten enough to hold you over for three hours, which is the least amount of time you will need to cover the Taj leisurely.
very useful tips thanks keep it up. Sushil Ahmedabad