Taj Mahal – Day trip from Delhi.

One of the most iconic sights of India, a UNESCO world heritage sight and one of the 7 Wonders of the World – The Taj Mahal. A symbol of love which attracts millions of tourists from India and around the world every year. A perfect day trip from the Capital – New Delhi. Lets discover Taj Mahal – Day trip from Delhi. 

Can you visit the Taj Mahal on a Day trip from Delhi.

Yes, this is achievable if you are in the Capital, New Delhi and want to visit the Taj Mahal in a day. I have put together some tips from our recent trip which might help you plan your visit to the Taj Mahal – Day trip from Delhi. The most popular way to travel is by train from New Delhi station to Agra . However this means travelling to the busy stations in the Delhi traffic. Fixed timings and less flexibility. We decided to hire a car and travel to Agra.

Things to know about The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra – One of India’s most populous cities of India. If you travel by road Agra is roughly 250 kms from the Capital city of Delhi. It is still visited by millions of people from India and across the world everyday so plan accordingly. It can get very busy so plan accordingly. I kept telling my wife that there is a wow moment when you first cast your eyes on this beauty and even on my third visit I was astonished.

History of Taj Mahal – Day trip from Delhi.

The Taj Mahal was built between 1631 and 1648 by over 20 thousand workers. It was built under the instructions of the Emperor Shah Jahan, a tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan were married for over 19 years and bore 13 children.

History says that they had a deep and everlasting love, and were best friends. In fact, she was one of his closest advisors in all of his royal affairs, and often traveled with him. When Mumtaz died at childbirth, Shah Jahan was completely devastated and built this in her honour and love.

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It is built from white marble brought to the site from Makrana over 300 km away in Rajasthan. It is elegantly decorated with floral decorations and bands of black marble with Arabic calligraphy. The main tombs were decorated with precious stones and gems and the finest craftsmanship. Artists and calligraphers were invited from as far as Syria and Iran to work on this monument, which stands till date as an architectural splendour.

How to get to the Taj Mahal – Day trip from Delhi.

How can i go to Taj Mahal from delhi? The Taj Mahal is easily accessible by car, bus, train or air plane. There are regular trains throughout the day from Delhi and Jaipur but depending on the train you chose it could be anything from 2 to 5 hrs. Book in advance for best rates.

The fastest way to get to the Taj mahal from Delhi is by road using the Taj Expressway from Delhi.

By Road – Once you escape the mad traffic of Delhi which took us approximately 1 hour you hit this lovely modern expressway. A 2 hour drive on the Expressway and you are 2 kms away from the Taj Mahal. The Taj Expressway is a 5 lane patrolled well managed road with plenty of services to refresh yourself. I was highly impressed with this and would recommend this to anyone looking to visit the Taj Mahal.

Best time to Visit the Taj Mahal

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is from October to March to avoid the unbearable heat of the summer. However you need to keep in mind you might get heavy smog during the winter months which may not present the perfect views of the monument. December is the peak tourism season – both domestic and internationally. Avoid visiting on weekends and during the peak season. Best time would be to visit early or late afternoon as we did.

The Most popular time to visit the Taj Mahal is at sunrise, sunset and during the full moon. It is said that the marble of the Taj shows off its beauty as the light reflects in different angles though the day and each view is spectacular.  

Vist the Taj Mahal at full moon.

Full moon night views are usually two days before and after the full moon and tickets need to be booked in advance.

Timings of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is open all year round from sunrise to sunset, excluding Fridays. You might get delays or partial closures when official visits from celebrities and state dignitaries are planned.

How much does it cost to visit the Taj Mahal?

Entry Charges for Taj Mahal -: There are different charges for locals and foreign tourists. Foreigners: INR 1000 / Domestic/Indians: INR 40.

Advantages of buying a foreign tourist ticket at Taj Mahal- This means that you can enter in a separate foreigner lines, which move much faster. It also gets you a free ride from the parking lot to the main entrance on an electric golf buggy and a bottle of water. A free shoe cover unless you want to walk the marble bare feet – You are not allowed to wear your shoes close to the monument.

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Should you take a Guide at the Taj Mahal?

You don’t have to hire a guide but there are advantages of hiring one. But make sure you choose an official one. We went with the option of a guide and I must say I was really happy I did. Our guide arranged to purchase our tickets, brief us about the do’s and don’t’s whilst at the Taj and Agra and some very interesting stories about the construction and the history of the TajMahal. From tips on the best photo spots to helping us avoid the long queues inside the mausoleum, it is something I would highly recommend  specially if you don’t live in India and are visiting.

You don’t NEED a guide to see the Taj Mahal but I wouldn’t go without one after experiencing all the help provided. It helped us spend our time where it was required rather then in the long queues or negotiating with the various vendors.

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How much time do you need to see the Taj Mahal?

It is tough to say how long you could spend there. For some a whole day is not enough but we managed to see most of the monument in a relaxed manner, not rushed in 2 hrs. Thanks to our guide. If you don’t hire a guide you will need more time. A very relaxed and fulfilling tour of the Taj Mahal and it was time to say are adieu to this beauty.

Refreshing stop at Oberoi Amarvilas

A refreshing break at the Oberoi Amarvilas before our drive back to the Capital. The Oberoi Amarvilas is a luxury 5 star hotel and is part of The Leading Hotels of the World.

The hotel is a stone throw away from the Taj Mahal and has hosted some of the most famous celebrities and leaders from around the World. It is a beautiful property and the most popular part of the hotel is the balcony view from its rooms which over look the Taj Mahal. The hotel is known for unparalleled service and helpful staff.

If you plan to spend the night in Agra then I would suggest this property (but it’s going to pinch your pocket) so check before you jump.

Some fine Darjeeling tea and cakes and we were back on the road on our way to Delhi.

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Taj Mahal – Day trip from Delhi Cost

• Total cost of the trip ( 2019) – INR 15,000 which included (transportation by private car chauffeur / Entry tickets / snacks and refreshments on route / high tea at the Oberoi). 2 adults and 2 kids.
• Time spent – 10 hrs.
• Experience – Unforgettable. 

Follow us on our journey to – The City of Lakes and Palaces Udaipur and Jaipur.

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