Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset, Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Fridays). Gates open 30 minutes before sunrise. Entry fees: Indians ₹50, SAARC nationals ₹540, Foreign tourists ₹1,100. There is an extra ₹200 charge to enter the main mausoleum. The best time to visit is just after sunrise (6–7 AM) for soft light and fewer crowds. Full moon nights have special night viewing (book separately). EZPZ Taxi offers Delhi to Agra day trips starting at 5:30 AM for perfect sunrise arrival — call +91-9871121217.
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The Taj Mahal is open sunrise to sunset, Sunday to Friday. It is closed every Friday for mosque prayers. Here are the complete details:
Taj Mahal Entry Fees (2026)
| Visitor Type | Main Complex | Mausoleum Interior | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian nationals | ₹50 | ₹200 | ₹250 |
| SAARC nationals | ₹540 | ₹200 | ₹740 |
| Foreign nationals | ₹1,100 | ₹200 | ₹1,300 (~\$14) |
Children under 15: Free for all nationalities.
Opening Hours
- Summer (April–September): 30 min before sunrise to 30 min before sunset
- Winter (October–March): 30 min before sunrise to 30 min before sunset
- Closed: Every Friday (all day)
Night Viewing (Full Moon)
Special night viewing available 5 nights around each full moon — the night of the full moon plus 2 nights before and 2 after. Timings: 8 PM to midnight, limited to 400 people per night in batches of 50.
Night view tickets: Indians ₹510, Foreigners ₹750. Book through ASI at asi.ticketing.in.
Best Time to Visit
| Time | Crowd | Light | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise (6–8 AM) | Low | Soft golden | ✅ Best — book first slot |
| 9–11 AM | Medium | Good | ✅ Good |
| 12–3 PM | Peak | Harsh | ❌ Avoid |
| 4–5:30 PM | Medium | Warm | ✅ Good for photos |
| Night (full moon) | Very low | Moonlight | ✅ Magical but limited |
Gates
- West Gate (Taj Ganj): Most popular, nearest to guesthouses
- South Gate: Near Shilpgram — less crowded
- East Gate: Near Taj Mahal Nature Walk — least crowded, furthest from parking
Pro Tips
- Bring socks — footwear must be removed at the white marble plinth (shoe covers ₹5 available at gate)
- Water, food, selfie sticks, tripods: Not allowed inside
- Photography of the exterior and gardens: Free. Video of mausoleum interior: prohibited
👉 Book your Delhi–Agra taxi — Sedan from ₹2,499 | +91-9871121217
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