Planning your visit to India’s crown jewel? Understanding the Taj Mahal entry timings is essential to make the most of your experience. This iconic white marble mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, draws millions of visitors each year. Visiting in 2025-2026 offers new opportunities to enjoy sunrise views, night-time full moon experiences, and less crowded timings with smart planning. From ticket prices to insider tips, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate every aspect of your Taj Mahal Agra trip.
Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is more than just a monument—it’s a symbol of eternal love, architectural mastery, and Mughal history. Whether you are planning a Delhi to Agra trip, a Golden Triangle India tour, or a dedicated photography journey, knowing the right Taj Mahal entry timings, ticketing nuances, and practical travel tips is key to an unforgettable visit. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from opening hours and fees to sunrise vs sunset experiences, night viewing, and advice to avoid crowds.
Taj Mahal Visiting Hours & Opening Timings in 2025-2026
The Taj Mahal Agra is open every day except Friday, when it remains closed for prayers at the mosque. Timings are carefully designed to allow visitors to catch the monument in the best light and avoid peak crowds.
- Standard Opening Hours: Approximately 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM (varies slightly by season).
- Night Viewing (Full Moon): Available on full moon nights, two days before, and two days after. Limited slots require advance booking.
- Friday Closure: Closed to tourists for the entire day, but accessible for worshippers.
Seasonal Considerations
- Winter (December – February): Sunrise is later (~6:30 AM) and sunsets around 5:30 PM. Crisp mornings offer excellent photography opportunities with minimal haze.
- Summer (April – June): Openings can start as early as 5:30 AM. Afternoon heat can be intense, so early morning visits are strongly recommended.
- Monsoon (July – September): Light rains can enhance the marble’s reflective beauty but can make pathways slippery.
- Autumn (October – November): Arguably the best time for clear skies and moderate crowds.
Planning your visit according to Taj Mahal entry timings 2025 ensures you catch the monument at its most magical light.
Taj Mahal Entry Fees & Ticket Prices
Understanding ticket pricing is crucial to avoid surprises at the gate. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has structured fees based on nationality:
- Indians: ₹50 for garden entry + ₹200 for mausoleum = ₹250 total
- Foreigners: $15 (₹1100) garden entry + ₹200 for mausoleum = ₹1300 total
- SAARC & BIMSTEC Nationals: ₹540 + ₹200 = ₹740 total
Additional notes:
- Children under 15 often have discounted or free entry.
- Night viewing tickets have separate fees and are limited in number.
- Online booking may offer faster entry and avoids long queues. Learn how to book Taj Mahal tickets online below.
Best Time to Visit Taj Mahal: Sunrise, Sunset, or Night Viewing?
Choosing when to visit is critical for both comfort and photography.
Sunrise Visits
- Advantages: Soft golden light, fewer crowds, cooler temperatures.
- Tips: Enter through the East Gate for best sunrise views across the reflecting pool.
- Best Practice: Arrive 15–20 minutes before the gate opens.
Sunset Visits
- Advantages: Rich, warm hues reflecting off the white marble, ideal for dramatic photos.
- Disadvantages: Slightly more crowded as day-trippers and tour buses arrive.
Night Viewing
- Availability: Only on full moon nights and two days before/after.
- Advantages: Unique, serene experience with moonlight illuminating the Taj.
- Limitations: Tickets limited; advance booking is essential.
Pro Tip: For photography lovers, consider visiting twice—sunrise for quiet serenity, sunset for dramatic light. Combine this with Yamuna River views for unique angles.
Insider Tips to Avoid Crowds & Make Your Visit Unforgettable
Visiting the Taj Mahal can be overwhelming without proper strategy. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Arrive Early: Beat crowds by entering at first light.
- East Gate Entry: Less busy than the South and West gates.
- Carry Essentials: Water, sunscreen, hats, and a light scarf for dust.
- Avoid Fridays: ASI closures for prayers mean no tourist access.
- Photography Tips: No tripods or drones inside; handheld shots are best. Use side corridors for symmetrical photos.
- Plan for Mausoleum Visit: Security checks can take time; go prepared.
- Footwear: Shoes must be removed for mausoleum entry; wear socks or easy slip-ons.
These Taj Mahal insider tips to avoid crowds will elevate your visit and help capture iconic shots without stress.
How to Book Taj Mahal Tickets Online & Entry Gates Guide
Booking Online
- ASI provides official online ticketing; third-party platforms may offer convenience but check authenticity.
- Steps: Choose date → Select East, West, or South gate → Select ticket type (Indian/Foreign/SAARC) → Payment → E-ticket confirmation.
Entry Gates & Queues
- East Gate: Recommended for sunrise, minimal crowds.
- South Gate: Standard entry, crowded mid-morning.
- West Gate: Usually for group tours; less recommended for individual travelers.
For a stress-free, fully coordinated experience, you can generate a personalized itinerary using AI to include tickets, timing, and gate selection.
Planning Your Trip to Agra & Taj Mahal
A well-planned trip makes all the difference. Consider the following:
- Flights: Book flights to Delhi or Agra via Ziarah’s flight search.
- Transfers: Private, comfortable Delhi to Agra transfers save hours and ensure timely arrival for sunrise.
- Hotels: Stay near the Taj Mahal for early entry and convenient access to Yamuna River viewpoints. Explore curated hotels in Agra.
- Activities: Combine your visit with guided tours of Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and local markets by booking authentic activities.
- Itinerary Planning: For multi-day or Golden Triangle trips, best trip planners can integrate flights, transfers, accommodation, and sightseeing.
Insider Tip: Consider combining Taj Mahal sunrise and night viewing in one trip for a complete experience, especially if visiting Agra for 2–3 days.
FAQs About Visiting the Taj Mahal
What is the Taj Mahal entry fee for foreigners in 2025?
Foreign visitors pay ₹1100 for garden entry plus ₹200 for mausoleum access, totaling ₹1300. This fee is mandatory for all non-Indian tourists. Advance online booking is recommended to avoid long queues, especially during peak season or full moon nights.
Is the Taj Mahal open on Fridays?
No. The Taj Mahal remains closed every Friday for prayers at the mosque. Other days are open from approximately 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with seasonal variations. Night viewing is available on select full moon nights and requires separate tickets.
What are the best insider tips for visiting Taj Mahal at sunrise?
Arrive early (at least 20 minutes before opening) and enter through the East Gate for fewer crowds. Bring water, light snacks, and handheld cameras. Focus on symmetrical reflections in the central pool and avoid peak tour group timings.
Can I visit the Taj Mahal at night?
Yes, night viewing is available on full moon nights, two days before and after. Tickets are limited, must be booked in advance, and allow a unique, serene perspective of the monument. Avoid flash photography and maintain quiet decorum.
How much time should I spend at the Taj Mahal?
A thorough visit typically takes 2–4 hours, depending on photography, mausoleum exploration, and garden strolls. Add extra time if attending night viewing or combining with Agra Fort and nearby attractions.
What are the Taj Mahal photography rules and tips?
- No drones or tripods inside the mausoleum.
- Handheld cameras are allowed; side corridors provide symmetrical shots.
- Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting.
- Respect other visitors; avoid obstructing pathways for photos.
How do I book Taj Mahal tickets online?
Visit the official ASI ticketing portal, select the date, ticket type, and entry gate, and pay online. Ensure you save or print the e-ticket. For combined planning with flights, transfers, and hotels, consider AI-generated packages.
What is the best time to visit Taj Mahal to avoid crowds?
Early morning (sunrise) or late afternoon (sunset) are ideal. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and October–November or February–March offer moderate weather with fewer tourists.
What is the Taj Mahal entry fee for Indians in 2025?
Indians pay ₹50 for garden access and an additional ₹200 for mausoleum entry, totaling ₹250. Fees are subject to seasonal adjustments and official ASI updates.
Are there multiple entry gates at Taj Mahal?
Yes, there are East, West, and South gates. East is recommended for sunrise; South is standard, often crowded mid-morning; West is mainly for group tours. Choose your gate according to timing and crowd preference.
Plan Your Perfect Taj Mahal Trip
Visiting the Taj Mahal Agra in 2025-2026 can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience when you plan strategically. By understanding Taj Mahal entry timings, ticket prices, sunrise vs sunset views, night viewing, and insider crowd-avoidance tips, you ensure a memorable, stress-free visit. Combine this knowledge with curated hotels in Agra, reliable flights, and transfers, and you’ll enjoy every moment at one of the world’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
For frequent travelers, using Ziarah.ai’s best trip planner or custom AI-generated packages simplifies multi-destination planning across India’s Golden Triangle, guaranteeing a seamless, unforgettable experience at the Taj Mahal and beyond. Don’t wait—book your tickets, plan your sunrise, and get ready for a magical journey through history, architecture, and love.
