Why the Taj Mahal in Agra is a Must-Visit in 2025
The Taj Mahal remains a once-in-a-lifetime sight in 2025, with clear visiting rules, online ticketing, sunrise/sunset timing, and a simple add-on for the main mausoleum that make planning straightforward for every traveler. The official schedule ensures soft morning and evening light, helping visitors enjoy cooler temperatures, better photos, and smoother crowd flow across most months.
Taj Mahal Entry Process – Step by Step
- Choose the approach: East and West are entry gates; the South Gate works as exit-only, so plan entry via East or West to save time and avoid detours.
- Get tickets: Book online in advance for a small discount, or use on-site counters near East and West Gates that operate around sunrise-to-sunset windows; keep passport/ID handy.
- Security and queues: Follow clearly marked lines (domestic/foreign), carry minimal items to speed screening, and decide on the ₹200 mausoleum add-on before joining the main platform queues.
Online & offline ticket booking options
- Online booking: Use the official portal for e-tickets, small discounts, and quicker entry; e-tickets are widely recommended for busy days and sunrise slots.
- Offline counters: Open close to operating hours near East/West gates; lines can build after early morning, especially on weekends and holidays.
Taj Mahal entry fee for Indians, foreigners, SAARC visitors, children
Below is the clear breakdown for daytime tickets and the optional main mausoleum add-on.
| Category | Entry fee | Main mausoleum (optional) | Notes |
| Indian citizens | ₹50 | +₹200 | Valid ID required |
| SAARC/BIMSTEC | ₹540 | +₹200 | SAARC/BIMSTEC passport required |
| Foreign tourists | ₹1100 | +₹200 | Passport required |
| Children (under 15) | Free | N/A | Daytime only, all nationalities |
Taj Mahal Timings and Visiting Hours
The Taj Mahal operates daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset, varying with seasons; plan for earlier arrivals in winter for fog and in summer for heat management. Fridays are closed for general viewing, so consider visiting Agra on Saturday through Thursday and pair it with a visit to Agra Fort on the same day.
Taj Mahal opening and closing time (daily schedule)
For trip planning, use this compact schedule overview.
| Session | Time window | Days | Notes |
| Day visit | 30 min before sunrise to 30 min before sunset | Sat–Thu | Changes with sunrise/sunset |
| Friday (general viewing) | Closed | Friday | Mosque prayers day |
| Night viewing | 8:30 PM–12:30 AM (30‑min slots) | 5 nights/month | Full moon, 2 days before/after; separate tickets |
Taj Mahal closing time & weekly closing day (Friday)
Close time is 30 minutes before sunset each operating day, with Friday fully closed to tourists due to mosque prayers. Reschedule night viewing and sunrise plans around non-Friday dates to avoid disappointment and logistical changes.
Taj Mahal sunrise entry & night entry details
Sunrise entry offers the coolest temperatures and the best light, making it the top recommendation for first-time travelers and photographers. Night viewing runs in 30-minute slots on five nights each lunar cycle between 8:30 PM and 12:30 AM; tickets must be booked in advance due to limited capacity.
Taj Mahal Gates – Which One Should You Use?
Picking the right gate saves time and simplifies logistics. The East Gate typically flows better for early hours and offers smooth access from the Shilpgram parking/shuttle area. The West Gate is convenient from the Agra Fort side but can get busier after 8 AM as group traffic builds through the morning.
Taj Mahal East Gate (best for tourists)
The East Gate is often preferred by independent travelers and sunrise visitors because of shuttle access and generally smoother queues. Ticketing and cloakroom support are available nearby, making it easy to store restricted items before security.
West & South Gate differences
The West Gate has ticket counters and suits itineraries that combine the Taj with Agra Fort on the same morning, but sees more domestic group flow mid-morning. The South Gate is exit-only; planning an entry here will cause delays and backtracking, especially at sunrise.
Which gate is less crowded?
For early morning entry, the East Gate usually has steadier movement and shorter waits, especially on busy days. After 8 AM, expect thicker queues at the West Gate because of bus and group arrivals.
To compare gate choices at a glance, use this quick table:
| Gate | Entry/Exit | Best for | Ticket counter | Typical crowd |
| East (Shilpgram side) | Entry/Exit | Sunrise visitors, tourists near Shilpgram | Yes, near gate | Smoother in early hours |
| West | Entry/Exit | Arriving from Agra Fort side | Yes, near gate | Busier after 8 AM |
| South | Exit only | Exiting to Taj Ganj area | No | Not for entry |
Taj Mahal Parking & Nearby Facilities
Parking is kept away from the monument to protect air quality and reduce congestion, with eco-friendly shuttles bridging the last mile to the gates. The main hubs are near Shilpgram (East) and the West approach, each with ticket windows and cloakrooms near security.
Here’s the parking and last‑mile snapshot:
| Area | Parking availability | Last-mile transport | Notes |
| East (Shilpgram side) | Designated lots | Electric shuttles/golf carts | Convenient for sunrise entry |
| West approach | Designated lots | Electric shuttles/golf carts | Handy from Agra Fort side |
| Near monument | Not permitted | Pedestrian and eco-vehicles only | Conservation zone |
Quick Reference: Core Facts
Place this table near the top or after timings for fast scanning.
| Topic | Key details |
| Opening/closing time | Opens 30 minutes before sunrise; closes 30 minutes before sunset |
| Closing day | Friday closed for general viewing |
| Daytime entry fee | Indians ₹50; Foreigners ₹1100; SAARC/BIMSTEC ₹540; Children under 15 free |
| Main mausoleum add-on | ₹200 per person (optional) |
| Night viewing | 5 nights per lunar cycle, 8:30 PM–12:30 AM in 30‑minute slots |
| Best gate for tourists | East Gate generally smoother; South Gate exit-only |
Best Visiting Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Go early: Sunrise slots deliver better light, cooler weather, and fewer crowds than late morning and afternoons.
- Book online: Secure e-tickets ahead of time to save a little money and skip counter lines, especially in peak season.
- Travel light: Keep bags small; avoid restricted items to move fast through screening; separate domestic/foreign lines are clearly marked.
- Mausoleum choice: Add ₹200 if planning to step inside the inner chamber; remember no-flash and tight crowd management inside.
- Avoid Fridays: The Taj is fully closed for general viewing on Fridays; align Agra plans accordingly and consider night viewing on adjacent days if available.
- Route smartly: Use the East Gate for sunrise and Shilpgram access; choose West Gate if coming from Agra Fort; do not plan entry via South Gate.
Security-friendly packing glance:
| Carry | Avoid |
| ID, phone, small bag, water bottle | Big bags, tripods, drones, food items, sharp objects |
Night Viewing Essentials
If planning a full‑moon experience, skim this mini-table before booking.
| Item | Detail |
| Frequency | Full moon night + two nights before and after (5 nights) |
| Time | 8:30 PM–12:30 AM (30‑minute slots) |
| Capacity | Limited batches; advance booking required |
| Friday applicability | No night viewing on Fridays |
FAQs About Taj Mahal Entry, Fees, and Timings
How much is the entry fee for Indians?
- Indian citizens pay ₹50 for daytime entry; add ₹200 to access the main mausoleum.
Is Taj Mahal closed on Fridays?
- Yes, the Taj Mahal is closed for general viewing on Fridays and reopens the next morning according to sunrise timings.
What is the best time to enter Taj Mahal?
- Sunrise is the best time for cooler temperatures, softer light, and thinner crowds, particularly on weekdays.
Can I visit Taj Mahal at night?
- Yes, on five nights each lunar cycle—full moon, plus two nights before and after—between 8:30 PM and 12:30 AM in 30-minute slots with limited capacity and advance tickets.
How long should I spend inside the monument?
- Plan 2–3 hours to cover the gardens, main platform, and photos; add time for mausoleum entry and expect steady flow management inside.
Final Travel Tip – Make the Most of Your Agra Visit
For a perfect day, combine Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort late morning, and Mehtab Bagh at sunset to enjoy the monument from different angles with manageable crowds and light changes. Booking e-tickets, choosing the East Gate, and adding the ₹200 mausoleum access creates a smooth and complete Taj Mahal experience in 2025, while Friday closure awareness keeps itineraries on track.
Book your Taj Mahal tour now — secure your spot with instant confirmation and expert local guidance. Reserve today for the best sunrise or same-day experience!
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