The ULTIMATE Taj Mahal travel guide: How to get there, Tickets, Things to do, Tips & MORE

November 24, 2025

Where is Taj Mahal? What is the history and architecture of Taj Mahal Palace? Let Living Nomads tell you the story of Taj Mahal – a symbol of romantic love in India through The ULTIMATE Taj Mahal travel guide: How to get there, Tickets, Things to do, Tips & MORE.

The ULTIMATE Taj Mahal travel guide: How to get there, Tickets, Things to do, Tips & MORE

Leaning down to reflect on the Yamuna River in Agra city, Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan. This is not only a majestic architectural work but also an eternal symbol of love for Indians, when the king built it to commemorate his deceased wife. Behind the existence of Taj Mahal Palace is a classic love story, sculpted in marble and precious stones.

Coming to Taj Mahal, you will both see a majestic architectural work and feel a part of Indian history and culture. Let’s find out more interesting information about this place with Living Nomads.

Taj Mahal travel guide: Where is Taj Mahal?

Reflecting the Yamuna River, located in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh state in Northern India, the Taj Mahal palace perfectly combines traditional Indian architecture with spontaneous touches of Persian style.

No one knows when it started, but the name “Taj Mahal” has carried the meaning of eternal love for the Indian people. This architectural wonder was built in the 17th century, in place of the oath and proof of love of Emperor Shah Jahan for his late wife – Queen Mumtaz Maha.

Only go to the Taj Mahal as soon as possible to hope for a “clean” photo. | taj mahal travel guide

From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers

It is not an exaggeration to say that “the most beautiful mausoleum in the world” Taj Mahal is a sad and aesthetic love song, eternally hummed by precious stones and the superior construction techniques of ancient artisans. With a history of more than four centuries, Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourists from all over the world to visit every year.

The Love Story Behind the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world, is not only a magnificent architectural work but also an eternal testament to the touching love story between Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal. In 1631, Queen Mumtaz Mahal died while giving birth to their 14th child, leaving Emperor Shah Jahan with endless grief. To commemorate his wife, he decided to build the most magnificent mausoleum ever.

The Taj Mahal was built by a huge team, estimated to have more than 20,000 artisans and craftsmen mobilized from all over India, Persia and Central Asia, spanning 22 years, from 1632 to 1653. The work used white marble, transported from Makrana, Rajasthan. Thousands of precious stones such as jade, emeralds and turquoise have been intricately inlaid on the wall, creating a unique work of art.

image by: iamkoo.net | taj mahal travel guide

Old & New Delhi Private Luxury Tour By Car

How to get to Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world and a symbol of eternal love. To help you have a smooth journey of discovery, below is a detailed guide on how to travel from Vietnam to this famous landmark.

From Vietnam to India

Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi Airport) | taj mahal travel guide

From Vietnam, you will fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in the capital city of New Delhi, India. Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to New Delhi, so you will have to transit in another city.

Popular airlines include Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines. Flight time and transit location will depend on your choice.

From New Delhi to Taj Mahal (Agra)

The Taj Mahal is located in Agra city, about 200km from New Delhi. You can choose one of the following means of transport to travel.

Train

This is the most popular means of transport for tourists thanks to its convenience and cost savings. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, allowing you to admire the rural landscape of India.

Gatimaan Express: The most modern high-speed train, taking only about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Shatabdi Express: Another popular option, with a travel time of about 2 hours 10 minutes.

These trains depart from Hazrat Nizamuddin or New Delhi Railway Station and arrive at Agra Cantt. It is advisable to book train tickets online in advance through official websites to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

In the distance is the main gate to the Taj Mahal. source: iamkoo.net | taj mahal travel guide

New Delhi Old Delhi & India Gate Full-Day Private Tour

Rent a Car

If you are traveling in a group or want comfort and privacy, renting a car is the ideal option. The trip takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, you can book a package tour from New Delhi to Agra, which includes a driver, tour guide and tickets to other famous attractions in the city such as Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal Opening Hours

From Delhi/Agra: Private Taj Mahal & Agra Day Trip with 5* Lunch

The Taj Mahal opens to visitors 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset on weekdays. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayers. The Taj Mahal is open on the rest of the week.

Taj Mahal Entrance Fees

Here are the suggested entrance fees to the Taj Mahal, including the entrance fee to the main mausoleum:

Foreigners: 1100 Rupees
Indian citizens: 50 Rupees

Note:

You have to pay an additional 200 Rupees (approx. 60,000 VND) to enter the main mausoleum area. This ticket is optional.
Discount when buying tickets online: 5 Rupees discount for each ticket for Indian citizens and 50 Rupees discount for each ticket for foreign visitors when buying tickets online.
Children under 15 years of age (including foreign visitors and Indian citizens) are free of charge.

Where to Buy Taj Mahal Tickets?

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, please refer to the following ways to buy Taj Mahal tickets.

Buy Tickets Online

This is the best way to save time and avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons.

Official Website: You should buy tickets online through the official website of Taj Mahal. This website provides full information about ticket prices, opening hours and necessary regulations.
Klook: You can also book package tours on Klook. These tours usually include entrance tickets, a tour guide, and transportation services.

Buy Tickets Directly At The Counter

As soon as it was dawn, the Taj Mahal was crowded with people. | taj mahal travel guide

You can buy tickets directly at the ticket counters at the gates of the Taj Mahal.

Western Gate: Tickets are sold at the counter near Saheli Burj.
Eastern Gate: Tickets are sold at the counter at the gate.
Southern Gate: This gate is currently for exit only, there is no ticket counter.

The ticket counters are open from 1 hour before sunrise until 45 minutes before sunset. When you buy tickets and enter the gate, you will see that there are separate entrances for international and domestic tourists.

What to do at the Taj Mahal

Coming to the Taj Mahal, you will not only admire the architectural beauty but also have many other memorable experiences. Below are the activities that cannot be missed at this wonder.

Explore the Exquisite Architecture

Step inside the Taj Mahal and you will admire the sophistication of Mughal architecture. Every detail from the jade-inlaid stone pillars to the flower carpets is meticulously cared for. This great work was built over 22 years, from 1631 to 1653, with the participation of more than 20,000 workers and craftsmen. The artisans used up to 28 types of precious and semi-precious stones to inlay on the white marble surface, creating sophisticated and luxurious motifs.

source: mariam-uz-zamani.blogspot.com | taj mahal travel guide

The architecture inside the Taj Mahal is a harmonious combination of Islamic art and Indian cultural elements. Standing out in the center is the mausoleum of King Shah Jahan and Queen Mumtaz Mahal made of white marble. The main dome of the work is in the traditional Mughal style, shaped like an onion. The patterns, carvings and inscriptions praising Allah are delicately carved, contributing to creating a sacred and solemn space.

Watch the Beautiful Sunrise at Taj Mahal

Delhi Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Private Day Tour

The best time to see the Taj Mahal is at dawn. When the first rays of the new day shine on the white marble dome, the entire structure will change from pale pink to pure white, then gradually turn to golden yellow. The early morning sunlight spreads through the doors and graceful curves of the Taj Mahal, creating a space filled with light and romance, while at the same time being elegant and solemn.

Stroll at the Taj Mahal Garden

Designed in the Mughal style, the Taj Mahal garden is an indispensable part of this architectural complex, with deep symbolic meaning. The garden is called Charbagh, meaning “four-part garden”, symbolizing the Garden of Eden in the Quran.

Agra Taj Mahal & Fort Full-Day Private Tour

The garden is divided into four perfectly symmetrical areas by canals and paths, meeting at a central lake. The entire space is decorated with fountains, ornamental plants and lush green lawns. This is an ideal place for you to walk, take pictures and admire the majestic beauty of the Taj Mahal from a wide and peaceful perspective.

Explore the Mosque and Guest House

In addition to the Taj Mahal mausoleum, the complex also has two symmetrical structures built of red sandstone. One is the mosque in the west, the other is the guest house in the east. Both of these structures have a contrasting architecture with the pure white color of the main mausoleum, creating a harmonious and impressive whole.

You can visit and admire the typical details of Mughal Islamic architecture, such as onion domes, large arches and intricately carved patterns. This is also where visitors can find a unique, panoramic view of the Taj Mahal.

Famous Tourist Attractions Near Taj Mahal

After admiring the magnificent beauty of Taj Mahal, you can easily explore many other famous landmarks in Agra city and neighboring areas.

Agra Fort

Just about 2.5km from Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built with red sandstone, this fort was once the residence of Mughal emperors. Inside the fort is a complex of palaces, mosques and beautiful gardens. This is a combination of Indian, Persian and Mughal architectural styles. You can admire the Taj Mahal from several locations inside the fort, creating unique perspectives.

Fatehpur Sikri

Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The citadel is built mainly of red sandstone, with notable structures such as the Jama Mosque, the Buland Darwaza Gate and the tomb of Salim Chisti. Fatehpur Sikri also has well-arranged gardens and fountains.

Itimad-ud-Daulah Mausoleum

The Itimad-ud-Daulah Mausoleum, also known as the “Little Taj Mahal”, was built in the 17th century by Empress Nur Jahan in memory of her parents. The mausoleum is a major step forward in Mughal architecture, combining Islamic and Indian architecture, with intricate patterns inlaid with precious stones on a white marble base. The mausoleum is located on a large campus with gardens and lakes, creating a peaceful and solemn space.

Soami Bagh Temple

Soami Bagh Temple is a unique architectural work, located near the Taj Mahal. Built with white marble and still in the process of completion, this temple attracts visitors with its sophisticated carvings and the combination of modern and traditional architectural styles. Different from the hustle and bustle of the Taj Mahal, Soami Temple offers a peaceful and quiet space, an ideal destination for you to learn about local culture.

Mehtab Bagh Garden

Located opposite the Taj Mahal, across the Yamuna River, Mehtab Bagh Garden is a beautiful Mughal garden designed to offer a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal from a unique perspective. Its name, “Moonlight Garden,” says it all: it’s the perfect place to view the Taj Mahal at sunset, when it’s bathed in a brilliant orange hue, or on full moon nights, when the moonlight shimmers off the marble dome.

Frequently Asked Questions When Visiting the Taj Mahal

source: iamkoo.net | taj mahal travel guide

Is there a dress code when visiting the Taj Mahal?

You should wear modest, modest clothing, covering your shoulders and knees to show respect for a religious structure.

Are cameras allowed in the Taj Mahal?

You are allowed to bring cameras to take photos in the outside area, but tripods are not allowed. Also, you are not allowed to take photos inside the main mausoleum.

What are the best photo angles at the Taj Mahal?

You can take photos from the main gate, the symmetrical angle by the canal, or from Princess Diana’s chair. A little tip is to visit the Taj Mahal early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get the best photos.

The portraits of Empress Mahal Mumtaz and King Shah Jahan.

Is the Taj Mahal lit at night?

The Taj Mahal is naturally lit by moonlight on full moon nights and the two nights before and after the full moon. Night openings are usually not applicable during Ramadan.

Where is the real tomb of Emperor Shah Jahan and Queen Mumtaz Mahal?

The two real tombs of the Emperor and Queen are located in the basement right below the two symbolic tombs located in the main chamber.

The Taj Mahal is a must-see destination for tourists all over the world. The mausoleum is a beautiful symbol of India and a testament to the eternal love of Emperor Shah Jahan. You will be overwhelmed by the exquisite beauty, magnificence and grandeur of the Taj Mahal, especially when viewing this work from the banks of the poetic Yamuna River. The Taj Mahal will always be an attractive and fascinating destination, for each person to explore and feel in their own way.

Are you ready to visit the Taj Mahal palace in India?

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to New Delhi you can refer to

Read more India guide here.