Taj Mahal & Agra
The eternal monument to love — and the city of the Mughals
About Taj Mahal & Agra
The Taj Mahal needs no introduction — this ivory-white marble mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is the most famous monument in India and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Watching it glow at sunrise is a bucket-list moment for travellers the world over.
But Agra offers far more than the Taj. The mighty red-sandstone Agra Fort, the jewel-like 'Baby Taj', and the abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri nearby make it a treasure trove of Mughal architecture — and an essential stop on India's Golden Triangle.
Top Things to Do
See the Taj at sunrise
Beat the crowds and the heat for the most magical light on the marble.
Explore Agra Fort
Wander the palaces and audience halls of the Mughal emperors, with distant views of the Taj.
Day trip to Fatehpur Sikri
Discover the red-sandstone capital Akbar built and then mysteriously abandoned.
Watch marble artisans
See craftsmen continue the inlay tradition used to decorate the Taj itself.
Highlights
- Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, when the marble turns soft pink and gold
- The red-sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Itimad-ud-Daulah, the exquisite 'Baby Taj'
- Sunset Taj views across the river from Mehtab Bagh
- The perfectly preserved ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri
- Marble inlay (pietra dura) handicraft, a Mughal-era art form
Know Before You Go
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays — plan your visit around this.
- Arrive at opening time for the best light and the smallest crowds.
- Many bags and items aren't allowed inside, so travel light on visit day.