Is Taj Mahal Overrated or Worth Visiting? What You Need to Know about Taj Mahal Before Visiting
To be honest, the only reason I visited the Taj Mahal was to earn bragging rights. After all, it is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World (which increases its bragworthiness by at least tenfold).
When I travel, I’m most interested in nature, food, and local experiences. Buildings don’t hold that much appeal for me. But you can’t really say you’ve been to India if you don’t have a picture in front of the Taj Mahal, can you?
Table of Contents
What is the Taj Mahal?
Arguably the most beautiful building in the world, the Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum comprising a 42-acre complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, surrounded by gardens.
It was built in the 17th century by a Mughal emperor called Shah Jahan to honor his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Because of this backstory, the Taj Mahal is often considered a monument of love.
What's So Special about Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal took 20 years to complete, with the help of 20,000 workers, artisans, and stonemasons, as well as 1,000 elephants to help carry materials. Shah Jahan spent 32 million rupees on the project. Today, that amount would be close to USD 1,000,000,000.
Apart from being made of pristine white marble, there are several other reasons why the Taj Mahal is acknowledged as the “jewel of Muslim art” by UNESCO:
1. The Taj Mahal has near-perfect symmetry, from the main dome and surrounding minarets, to the gardens and canals.
2. The minarets are placed in a specific way to create an optical illusion, so that when you enter the gate, the monument appears close and large, but as you approach it, it shrinks in size. The minarets appear to be perfectly upright but actually lean outward.
3. The walls of Taj Mahal are covered with beautiful engravings and pietra dura, which is a method of inlaying marble with precious stones, such as amber, coral, and jade.
4. The white marble also serves as a canvas that changes color depending on the light of the day.
5. The reflecting pool in front of the Taj Mahal creates the illusion of the whole structure being suspended in the air.
The Ugly Secrets of the Taj Mahal
Romantic though it may have sounded, the love story between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal was not all sunshine and roses. The construction of Taj Mahal also harbored some dark secrets that are rarely mentioned:
- Shah Jahan was married 7 times. Mumtaz was his 4th (and favorite) wife.
- Mumtaz Mahal was initially married to another man. Shah Jahan killed the husband so that he could marry her.
- Mumtaz Mahal died at the age of 39, while delivering her 14th child.
- After Mumtaz’s death, Shah Jahan proceeded to marry her sister.
- It was rumored that after the completion of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan had chopped off the hands of all 20,000 workers, so that they would never be able to replicate the building.
- There is a small hole on the ceiling of the main hall of Taj Mahal — an act of sabotage by an artisan who found out about Shah Jahan’s plan to amputate the artisans’ arms.
- Five years after the completion, Shah Jahan’s third son overthrew him and locked him up in a tower cell at the Red Fort, overlooking the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan spent the rest of his life looking from afar the monument he worked so hard to build.
Getting to the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is located on the bank of the Yamuna river in Agra, some 230 kilometers away from Delhi. This can take anywhere from 3 to 7 hours by road (if you have seen the traffic in India, you’d understand the disparity).
You can take a bus from Anand Vihar terminal in New Delhi. Buses depart every hour during the day and the fare starts from 500 rupees per person. You can buy the tickets at the station, via tour agent, or online.
Alternatively, you can take the train. The main railway station in Agra is Agra Cantt. High-speed Shatabdi Express services operate from Delhi, Varanasi, and cities in Rajasthan. Or you can also fly from major Indian cities.
The easiest way is by hiring a private guide and driver. It is possible to make a day trip from Delhi. In fact, a lot of tourists do this instead of staying in Agra. The only downside is that you will arrive at almost the same time as the other tourists. Have fun queuing!
What to Expect at the Taj Mahal
Opening Hours
- Western Gate (Main Gate): An hour before sunrise and about 45 minutes prior to sunset.
- Eastern Gate: An hour before sunrise, and 45 minutes before sunset.
- Southern Gate: Only for exiting.
The Taj Mahal is open to the general public on all days of the week except Fridays.
Entrance Fees
- Indian Nationals: INR 50
- SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 540
- Foreigners: INR 1100
- Children (Below Age 15): FREE
My Experience at the Taj Mahal
I traveled to Agra from Delhi by bus and arrived in the late afternoon. On the tuktuk to my hostel, I could already get a glimpse of the gleaming white marble in the distance. But I didn’t want to look for too long, for fear of spoiling the surprise.
Big Brother Hostel is only a 10-minute walk away from the Taj Mahal, and was one of the cheapest hostels I could find in the area (I paid only Rs 130 for one night with breakfast). If you’re not too fussy about cleanliness, I would definitely recommend it.
Early the next morning, right after breakfast at around 6 a.m., my roommates and I set out towards the revered building. We thought we were early.
Boy, were we wrong!
When we got there, there were already hundreds of visitors inside. They had probably arrived long before the gate opened.
Fortunately, the queue didn’t take very long, but do be aware that you will have to go through bag checks and metal detectors. A seemingly innocent item might be deemed offensive or dangerous, and will be confiscated if they see fit.
I had stupidly brought a book with me, thinking I’d have time to read. It was taken away at the security, presumably because it had the word “God” in the title.
My roommates and I didn’t hire a guide, so we just wandered around aimlessly, taking pictures. The front of the Taj Mahal was too crowded, so we went round the back, and discovered that it looked almost identical to the front view, albeit without the reflection pool and the garden. That was good enough for us. The reflection pool had no water that day anyway.
I noticed that a lot of visitors — locals and foreigners alike — had really dressed up for the occasion, donning colorful saris and shawls, and twirling for the gram. I was wearing the same clothes I had slept in the night before, and hadn’t even bothered to shower. In hindsight, I wish I had made more effort.
Next, we went inside to see the main mausoleum, where the Mughal and his beloved wife were buried. Here, you’ll have to wear protective foot covers (provided for free with your ticket), so as not to damage the marble floors.
The mausoleum doesn’t have any light on — you’ll be relying on the light coming from outside. In the mausoleum, which is quite small, there isn’t much to see other than two tombs placed side by side. After a quick look around, we walked back to our hostel to have another breakfast.
The Verdict
Is the Taj Mahal worth visiting?
Personally, I found the fee very expensive, especially when compared to everything else in India. So, that was a bit of a turnoff. But taking into account its status as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, I was willing to part with my money.
Fees aside, the Taj Mahal is indeed a majestic building. To see something in real life, after having seen it in pictures so many times, is always a surreal feeling — the same feeling you get when you see other iconic landmarks for the first time, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, or the Great Wall of China.
Nevertheless, I would highly suggest renting the audio guide (which I didn’t) or doing some research beforehand (which I also didn’t), in order to fully appreciate the greatness of the monument, in terms of its architecture and history. Otherwise, the Taj Mahal will be just another beautiful building, as it was for me.
Additional Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal
- Spend a night in Agra and visit Taj Mahal in the early morning. This way, you will avoid the heat and the crowd, as well as get better photos. There are a lot of hotel options in Agra to suit travelers of all budgets.
- Hire a guide or do your own research before visiting. There are also audio guides available on site.
- Night viewing of the Taj Mahal is available on five nights in a month, i.e. on the full-moon night, and two night before and two nights after. Tickets are available at the office of Archaeological Survey of India one day before the scheduled viewing.
- If the front of the Taj Mahal is too crowded for a good picture, try going round the back — you’ll still get a decent view of the building.
- Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
- Ticket counters are open one hour before Sunrise & close 45 minutes before Sunset. Tickets can also be bought online through ASI Agra Circle or the official Taj Mahal website.
- Drone camera is strictly prohibited inside the Taj Mahal.
- Tourists are advised to stay inside the monument as per the directions mentioned on tickets or issued by ASI authorities
- Tourist must carry his/her Identity Proof issued by Govt. Authorities.
- Water bottle is allowed inside the monument. Shoe cover, water bottle, tourist guide map of Agra, battery bus and golf cart services are provided free of cost with the foreigner’s entry ticket of the Taj.
- Shoe racks are available just below the main mausoleum free of cost.
- Ticket window and cloak rooms are available at both gates of the Taj Mahal.
- For visiting main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal one has to buy additional ticket of Rs.200/- along with regular ticket.
Where to Stay Near the Taj Mahal
Here’s a list of places to stay that are within 3 kilometers from Taj Mahal, and have good reviews (over 7.0 rating score on Booking.com):
Budget
Taj Street Hostel, Agra – Situated 1.4 kilometers from Taj Mahal, this hotel features a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge, a kitchen, and a terrace. It also provides room service, currency exchange, and bike and car hire services. All rooms include a private bathroom, while some also come with a balcony. From Rs 315 for a bed in a 6-bed mixed dormitory room.
The Hosteller Agra – This 3-star hostel situated 1.6 kilometer from Taj Mahal offers air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom, a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. From Rs 315 for a bed in an 8-bed mixed dormitory room.
Mid-Range
Hotel Taj Resorts, Agra – This hotel, featuring a rooftop pool, sauna and spa is located only 500 meters from Taj Mahal. It also offers complimentary pickup from Agra Cantonment Railway Station. From Rs 3,676 for an Executive Double, including breakfast.
Crystal Sarovar Premiere Agra – Only 1.9 kilometers from Taj Mahal, the rooms come with a flat-screen TV, desk, minibar and free toiletries. Aside from the on-site restaurant and bar, the property also offers breakfast in the room and packed lunches. From Rs 5,322 for a Superior Twin Room.
Luxury
ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra – Set amidst 23 acres of lush greenery, 3 kilometers away from Taj Mahal, this resort offers two spacious outdoor pools, a spa, business center, fitness center, and 5 dining options. From Rs 26,500 for a Royal Mughal Suite with Lounge Access, including breakfast.
The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra – Just 600 meters from Taj Mahal, this 5-star hotel boasts beautiful rooms with stylish modern interiors and large windows, a spa, swimming pool, and gym. There are four dining options including a bar with fine wines and cigars. From Rs 65,000 for a Premier Room with Taj Mahal View.
Have you visited the Taj Mahal? What did you think about it? Share your thought in the comment section below.
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seronoknya dapat makan angin ke luar negara. Memang tak sabar nak travel selepas Covid19 ni reda.
Sama la. Kalau berhajat nak ke India nanti, jangan lupa jejakkan kaki di Taj Mahal. Dan ada banyak lagi destinasi lain di India ni. Boleh refer pada artikel2 saya yang lain 🙂
Good writeup. I have been to india many times but until now never been to taj mahal. I want to visit it one day too.
Thank you, Kayathre. Wow, that’s quite unusual for someone to go to India many times and not visit the Taj Mahal. For most people, this is the one thing they want to see. But I guess to each their own. You don’t have to go see a place just because everybody else does. Personally, I’m not so much into history or architecture either, and if this was any other building, I wouldn’t have bothered. But this is the famed Taj Mahal. I had to go and see if it lived up to its reputation. 😄
I visited this place when I was a kid when my parents were posted to New Delhi, India… everytime during holidays dad will drive and Taj Mahal was one of the destination. Those days it was more clean n beautiful yet sacred as still remembered when late mum found a stone that chipped off and when kept it disappeared intonthin air huhu
Oh wow, it must be so cool when your parents are posted to places like this. Must have been a great learning experience for you. I’m sure Taj Mahal was much cleaner then. It has suffered from overtourism these days.
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Wow… Tajmahal antara lokasi yang semua orang nak pegi. Nak lihat seni bina nya yang cukup klasik dengan penceritaan sejarah yang tersendiri. Dan Opkos nak selfie kat sana! Hehee…
Beruntung Ummi dah sampai.
Taj Mahal ni memang antara destinasi yang popular untuk pelancong Malaysia yang berkunjung ke India. Lebih2 lagi utk yg Muslim, sebab nak tengok senibina Islam kat sini, dan di samping tu senang nak dapat makanan halal. Ada kesempatan nanti Nina pergi la. Kalau taknak pergi sendiri, kat Malaysia rasanya banyak jual pakej pelancongan ke Agra ni. 🙂
Taj Mahal kebanggan negara India, memang ada niat nak travel ke sana, tengok gambar-gambar semua menarik.. Berangan kejap hehehe
Ya, Bonde, Taj Mahal ni memang kebanggaan negara India. Buat masa sekarang ni kita semua boleh berangan je la. Tapi bila keadaan dah ok semula nanti, Bonde cuba la plan untuk travel ke sana. 🙂
I tak pernah ada wishlist nak ke India, tapi ada wishlist nak ke Taj Mahal, so memang kena pergi India laaa kan heheehe.. yaaa sangat cantik!! Dari filem dan tengok gambar kengkawan pergi arghhhhh rasa meronta nak pergi juga… one day./..
Hahaha. Memang kena pergi India jugak la kalau mcm tu. Unless ada direct flight from KL to Agra. Lepas tu hire driver bwk pegi Taj Mahal. After dah siap ambil gambar semua, terus fly balik. Tapi rugi, sis. India ni byk sebenarnya tempat-tempat menarik. Boleh refer pada artikel-artikel saya yang lain. 😃
Thanks for the super close-up of this Taj Mahal building. Supposedly I going there earlier this year to attend my friend’s wedding but turn out we have the cancel the plan. Hopefully still get a chance to visit this place in near future.
I hope you will! If you haven’t visited India already, it’s a great country, both in size and in character. And Taj Mahal is one of the major highlights. 🙂
I never been there before. But i used to read all the information about Taj Mahal and I’ mind blown with the fact. Thank you for bring me here Ummi. Atleast i can see the picture.
You’re welcome, Qbal. It’s my pleasure to ‘bring’ my readers along in my journey. Yes, some of the facts about Taj Mahal can be mind-blowing. Whether they’re facts or myths, that’s another story.
love the detailed review here. nevertheless, it is still such a wonderful destination and i really hope to see it one day!
Thank you, Grace. Taj Mahal is indeed a wonderful destination. As is the whole country of India. I hope you’ll get to visit it someday. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this tp dari review2 yang i baca semua kata cam overrated kan? Tp berbaloi la untuk sampai sekali dlm seumur hidup sebagai pengalaman kan..hehe
Ya, Min. Sebab kalau nak kata bangunan ni bangunan tercantik di dunia, rasanya macam banyak je lagi bangunan lain yang cantik-cantik. Cuma mungkin sebab saya tak ambil guide pada hari tu, jadi saya tak nampak apa yang istimewa sangat. Agaknya kalau saya dapat penjelasan yang lebih mendalam, baru saya dapat hayati betul2 keistimewaan Taj Mahal ni.
Wow tengok gambar semua memang kita pun rasa excited! I tak rasa overrated pun. Best apa dapat jalan-jalan dan melihat culture dan negara orang 🙂
Memang best, Yaya. Tapi disebabkan tempat ni mengenakan caj yang agak mahal (sesuai dengan namanya Taj Mahal 😅), maka orang ramai pun mula pertikaikan sama ada tempat ni worth it ke tak dengan harga tu. Atau sekadar indah khabar dari rupa. Tapi itu pendapat masing2 la. Bagi saya, Taj Mahal ni memang cantik (kena pergi waktu pagi sebelum matahari naik dan ramai orang), tapi kalau nak kata bangunan tercantik di dunia, mungkin tak kot…
Cantiknya Taj Mahal. Selalu tengok gambar je. rasa teringin nak pergi sana . Insya Allah kalau ada rezeki boleh lah ke sana hehe tapi kene tunggu encik covid balik kampung la 😀
Nanti bila keadaan dah ok semula, boleh la iena start planning untuk ke Taj Mahal ni, ya. Mesti akan ada banyak promo tour package bila border dah dibuka nanti.
Memang cantik Taj Mahal l blm sampai lg ke sana mybe bila covid 19 dah aman damai blhlah fikir2 psl nak travel lg
Ya, Halimah. Taj Mahal ni memang cantik. Bila COvid 19 dah reda nanti, boleh la Halimah buat perancangan untuk berkunjung ke sini, ya.
Sangat menarik dan sudah pasti menjadi destinasi wajib kalau ke sana..
Ya, Mus. Terima kasih atas komen anda. Taj Mahal memang antara tempat yang wajib pergi kalau berkunjung ke India 🙂
I selalu juga baca sejarah taj mahal ni. Kisah2 bila nk bina, perbalahan antara muslim semua. Mcm2 juga kontroversi nya
Ya, memang macam-macam kontroversi Taj Mahal ni, cuma tak pasti je yang mana betul, yang mana tak. Kira sejarah dia tak berapa bersih la. Tapi sebagai tempat pelancongan, bangunan ni memang cantik. Tak kisahla sejarah buruk tu. Sedangkan tempat-tempat peristiwa hitam seperti Auschwitz dan Chernobyl pun jadi tarikan pelancong.
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I recently had the privilege of visiting the Taj Mahal, and it’s impossible not to be captivated by its ethereal charm. The way it effortlessly blends cultural richness with artistic finesse is awe-inspiring.