Dos and Don'ts for Visiting the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, India's most popular site and one of the world's most beautiful monuments described as "A Teardrop on the Cheek of Time" by Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature, is a must-see on any journey to this incredible country. For travelers planning to visit the Taj Mahal, knowing what to do and what not to do beforehand is absolutely necessary for a happy, hassle-free trip. Here are the dos and don'ts for visiting this iconic site.
Dos
Arrive Early to Witness the Stunning Sunrise
Early morning is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal not only because you can beat the crowds, but also because you can see it at its most stunning. As the morning glow increases, the rising red sun accompanied by the morning mist of the Yamuna River sprinkles the pure white semi-circular dome with golden-orange light, as if to awaken the Taj Mahal from a sound sleep.
Try to arrive at the site at around 5:15 am when there are fewer visitors, then find a quiet place to sit down and admire this remarkable monument majestically revealing itself. You can imagine the heart-touching love story of Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Related Post: A Brief History of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal At Sunrise
Choose Suitable Tickets to Discover Its Marvels up Close
The Taj Mahal has two kinds of entry tickets for foreign tourists. One is 1,100 rupees (about 16 US dollars), which only allows you to reach the platform where the left and right mosques of the Taj Mahal are located to see the Taj Mahal from a distance. The other ticket costs 1,300 rupees (about 19 US dollars), and enables you to enter the main mausoleum. The latter is more recommended!
At the entrance of the main mausoleum, you can marvel at the beautiful Quranic inscriptions and the gemstones engraved on the wall and appreciate their detail. After entering the mausoleum, you can see two stone sarcophagi: the large one is for Shah Jahan, and the smaller one, is for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. They were actually buried under the sarcophagus. Given a tip, the staff in the mausoleum will use a flashlight to light up the charming pattern on the marble which is just stunning!
The Main Mausoleum Of The Taj Mahal
Find a Licensed Tour Guide for a Better Experience
As a magnificent, centuries-old monument, the Taj Mahal carries deep architectural, historical and cultural connotations that are hard to understand by searching on the internet. That's why you need a professional, knowledgeable guide who can not only help you buy the best ticket, go through the security check, etc., but also tell you the stories behind this fascinating site.
Note: Some people inside the Taj Mahal claim to be tour guides, but they may not have the qualifications. It is best to find a licensed one through a travel agency in advance.
Sit on the Diana Bench to Gain Romantic Memories
In 1992, Princess Diana visited India and took a photo with the Taj Mahal which is a symbol of eternal love. The bench which she sat on has thus been called Diana Bench ever since. 24 years later, Prince William and Kate also came to this special place and sat on the same bench together for photos. Whether you are traveling solo or with a partner, with wishes for love or blessings on happiness, it is great to sit on the bench and have a photo with the Taj Mahal.
Note: Be cautious of photographers who want to help you take photos as it can be a scam. If you do want a photo, talk about the price with him/her first and don't pay until you get your photos.
A Young Boy Sitting On A Bench In The Taj Mahal
Stay Near the East Gate for an Easy Access
The Taj Mahal has three entry gates: South, East, and West. The West Gate is the most crowded entrance mainly used by locals and tour groups, and the South Gate doesn't open until 8 am. If you want to watch the sunrise, it is recommended to stay at a hotel near the East Gate which is nearby many good hotels. It should be noted that the ticket office of the East Gate is 1 km from the entrance, but you can take a battery bus (included in the ticket) to get there.
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Don't Wear Inappropriate Clothing
Although there's no enforced dress code by law, dressing moderately shows your respect for the local people and their culture. This is especially important when visiting temples and other important sites in India. When visiting the Taj Mahal, avoid wearing clothes that expose your arms, legs, cleavage and shoulders. Long-sleeved cotton shirts and trousers are a good option as they are also good for sun protection. Women visitors can also wear saris, which are quite popular. Please also note that you must take off your shoes or wear a shoe cover (included in the ticket) when you enter the main mausoleum.
Not A Bad Idea To Wear A Sari In The Taj Mahal
Don't Bring Too Many Unnecessary Items
The security check of the Taj Mahal is almost as strict as that of an airport, with a bag and body scanner to pass through. Male and female visitors are required to line up separately to enter. Basically, you can only bring in these items: bottled water (you might not need to bring it because half a liter of bottled water is included in your ticket), your camera, phone, and wallet. So it's wise to bring only what is necessary to save time going through the security and the hassle of finding a place to deposit your things.
Don't Bring These Things To Visit The Taj Mahal
Don't Break Photography Rules
Photography is not allowed inside the main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal. When having photos taken, do not jump or adopt indecent poses, which is prohibited. Taking photos of a brand logo or a national flag is also a big no-no.
No Photos Are Allowed Inside The Main Mausoleum
Note: video cameras, drone cameras, tripods, and camera stabilizers are not allowed to be brought inside the Taj Mahal.
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