Taj Mahal

What to see

• •The Great Gate. The red sandstone gateway frames your first view of the Taj. Pause here before walking down to the gardens.
• •The gardens and reflecting pool. The classic photo is taken from the long pool in the centre of the charbagh garden. Arrive early to get it without crowds.
• •The mausoleum. Inside, the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan sit behind a carved marble screen inlaid with semi precious stones. The actual tombs lie in a crypt below.
• •The mosque and the river terrace. The red sandstone mosque on the west side and the terrace behind the mausoleum give quieter views over the Yamuna towards Agra Fort.
• •Mehtab Bagh. A garden across the river with a view of the Taj from behind, especially lovely at sunset when the monument itself is closing.

A short history

Shah Jahan began the Taj Mahal after Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631, and the main tomb took around twelve years to complete, with the wider complex finished some years later. Thousands of artisans worked on it, using marble from Rajasthan and stones brought from across Asia.

Shah Jahan was later deposed by his son Aurangzeb and spent his last years held in Agra Fort, from where he could see the Taj across the river. He was buried beside Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Tips for your visit

• •Remember it is closed every Friday. Plan your Agra day around it.
• •Go at opening time. Queues at the gates build quickly from mid morning, and the light is softest at sunrise.
• •Bring very little. Large bags, food, tripods and many other items are not allowed inside, and lockers are limited.
• •Shoe covers are given out for the mausoleum platform. Dress modestly and keep your voice down inside the tomb.
• •On a tour your guide will handle tickets and explain the symbolism of the gardens and inlay work, which is easy to miss on your own.