The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world. It’s a symbol of love and peace, but it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations. With millions of visitors each year, how do you ensure your visit is as peaceful and meaningful as possible? Here are some travel tips that will help you get more out of your travel trip:
Make it a day trip
Most people are familiar with the Taj Mahal, but few realize that it’s actually a long drive from Agra to see it. You must leave early in the morning (or prepare for an overnight stay) to arrive at sunrise when it opens. The Taj closes at sunset, so you’ll need time on your hands after your visit to explore other parts of Agra or head back home. Because of these travel logistics, it’s best to plan a day trip out of Delhi or Agra itself! If not, don’t worry—there are still plenty of things to do within those cities themselves!
Do Your Research
When planning a vacation, getting caught up in the excitement of exploring new places and forgetting about what you need to do before you can be easy. But doing your research ahead can help ensure that your trip goes smoothly and you have an amazing time.
The Best Time Would Be Early Morning
If you can, try to catch the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The crowds are thinner, and you’ll have an incredible view of the monument with its surroundings bathed in golden light. If visiting during sunset is more convenient for your schedule, try to arrive a few hours before sunset so that you can get an unobstructed view from all sides before the lights come on (and everyone else arrives).
Avoid Tourist Season
It’s the time of year when you’ll find the most crowds and highest prices, but it’s also when the weather is at its worst: hot, wet and humid. If you can plan your trip during a lean period—for example, January to March in India—you’ll have better luck getting accommodation at a good price and avoiding long lines at attractions like the Taj Mahal.
Stay Nearby
If you want to be close to the Taj Mahal, staying in Delhi is best. The city is home to many boutique hotels, which can be booked on sites like TripAdvisor and Airbnb. These places are often less expensive than those in Agra. Consider booking with a hotel booking app like Booking. Com—they have a wide selection of accommodations near the Taj Mahal (and other popular tourist attractions) at reasonable rates.
Ask Locals for Tips
Ask the hotel staff for tips. If you’re staying in a hotel, the staff will likely have some idea of what’s popular among their guests. If you ask them about activities and attractions, they can point you to things they know their guests have enjoyed.
Ask the people who sell you tickets (if any). You can ask workers at ticket offices or kiosks which places are worth visiting and what time of day is best to see them. The same applies when buying food or water from vendors; these folks often know how long it takes to get from one place to another and whether it’s better to wait until later in the day before heading out too far from your hotel/hostel/villa/etc.
Ask those who sell food and water at monuments or museums if there are other nearby places worth visiting while exploring this site. This can help save time by identifying attractions that are less well-known but still worth seeing while visiting.
Bring Water and Food with You
It’s always a good idea to bring water and food with you. You’ll be able to stay hydrated with the water. If you’re hungry, there are restaurants in the Taj Mahal that offer snacks such as samosas—an Indian pastry filled with spiced potatoes—or mango lassi—a yogurt drink topped with mango pulp.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
When traveling, you never know what terrain you’ll encounter, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential. Your feet will be taking a beating for several hours as you walk around the city or hike up some mountainside. Don’t let them pay for it later! Wear sneakers that are broken in and allow your toes to breathe (you can even roll them up), or bring along an extra pair just in case something happens to the ones on your feet. It’s also important not to forget socks: socks prevent blisters, which can ruin your day if they get too painful—or worse yet, infected!
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you to plan your trip to the Taj Mahal. While it can be busy, if you stick to our tips and prepare in advance, you will have an enjoyable visit. If there’s anything else we’ve missed, please let us know in the comments below!
