If you want to visit the Taj Mahal in 2025, this guide gives you everything you need to know — from the best time to visit, ticket prices, entry gates, what to carry, and what to avoid. The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, attracts millions of tourists every year to Agra, India. Whether you’re visiting at sunrise, sunset, or during the night viewing days, this complete travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to this iconic monument of love.
Ultimate Agra Itinerary: Visiting the Taj Mahal and Beyond in 2025
Complete Guide to Visiting the Taj Mahal: Timings, Tickets, Tips & Travel Info
Taj Mahal – Symbol of Love
The Taj Mahal, often hailed as the ultimate symbol of love, stands gracefully on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632, this breathtaking white marble mausoleum was created in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth.
Crafted by thousands of artisans over two decades, the Taj Mahal is not just an architectural wonder but also a heartfelt tribute to eternal love and devotion. Its stunning symmetry, intricate carvings, and changing hues with the light of day make it one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More than a monument, the Taj Mahal is a timeless reminder that true love lives on beyond life and death. Whether bathed in the golden glow of sunrise or shimmering under the moonlight, it continues to inspire poets, lovers, and travelers from around the world.
Visiting Hours
- Open: Sunrise to Sunset (approx. 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM)
- Closed: Every Friday
- Entry Fee for Indian: ₹50 + 200 mausoleum (optional)
- Entry Fee for Foreigners: ₹1100 + 200 mausoleum (optional)
- Entry Fee for SAARC and BIMSTEC Citizens: ₹540 + 200 mausoleum (optional)
- Children under 15: Free
Taj Mahal Ticket Information
Ticket Window Timings
- Opens: 1 hour before sunrise
- Closes: 45 minutes before sunset
These timings apply to on-site ticket counters for day visits.
Online Booking
Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance online at:
- asiagracircle.in (Official ASI website)
- tajmahal.gov.in (Tourist information & ticketing portal)
Benefits of Online Booking:
- Skip long queues
- Choose your preferred time slot
- Book Mausoleum entry add-on in advance
Night Viewing of the Taj Mahal
Night viewing of the Taj Mahal is a unique and magical experience, available only five days each month:
When is it available?
- On the full moon night
- Two nights before the full moon
- Two nights after the full moon
**Not available on Fridays and during the month of Ramadan.
Night Viewing Timings
- Between 8:30 PM and 12:30 AM
- Visitors are allowed in 8 batches of 50 people each
- Each batch gets 30 minutes inside the viewing area
Tickets & Booking
- Tickets must be purchased a day in advance from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) office near Agra Circle.
- ID proof is required for booking.
- Ticket Prices:
- Indians: ₹510
- Foreigners: ₹750
- Children (3–15 years): ₹500
Viewpoint Location
Visitors are allowed to view the Taj Mahal from a specific area in front of the main gate—entry into the monument itself is not permitted at night.