The first light of the morning had just begun to creep through the window. The distant honking of horns signalled the city was slowly waking up. Time was slipping away. We hurried out of the hotel and went through the streets while a swirl of emotions accompanied us- a slight giddiness, part excitement and curiosity.
Taj Mahal, Agra — Photo: Sumia Zahid
We stepped out of the auto-rickshaw and walked to the ticket counter. We saw a massive crowd in front of us. Even in the early morning, there wasn’t a single spot left to stand! People from different cultures, races, and countries united in this vibrant place.
When we stood in line for the ticket, we got ours faster than most because we were foreigners. Even at the entrance security check, we enjoyed the perk of shorter lines for being foreigners. But deep down, our mind was chanting, how much longer?
Droja-e-Rouza, the entrance to the Taj Mahal
— Photo: Sumia Zahid
We spotted a door ahead of us and wondered what was behind it. Can we finally get to see what we want to see? Glancing around, we noticed a few monkeys climbing up and down the high walls. With curiosity pulling us forward, we walked through the door.
Our gaze was immediately drawn to 93 feet high and 150 feet wide Droja-e-Rouza, the main entrance known as the ‘tomb door’, crafted from red sandstone.
This grand entrance is a sight, flanked by two minarets on either side and topped with eleven consecutive dome-like structures in the centre.
The intricate carvings feature Hindu motifs, beautifully complemented by Arabic calligraphy inscribed on black marble- “O SOUL, THOU ART AT REST. RETURN TO THE LORD AT PEACE WITH HIM, AND HE AT PEACE WITH YOU.”
Beyond the Droja-e-Rouza, we saw the white marble formation, just like in the trailer before the movie. Our excitement didn’t diminish; instead, it heightened our anticipation.
We walked through the door and stopped for a few moments. From childhood until now, I have read countless stories, seen it depicted in films, and imagined its beauty in my mind. Yet, none had ever exaggerated its splendour. Words felt insufficient to capture the essence of the mighty Taj Mahal- sophisticated, fascinating, beautiful, and sacred.
The Droja-e-Rouza, the entrance to the Taj Mahal, is said to be a threshold between the world of the senses and the realm of the soul, ushering in a cosmic feeling.
The Taj Mahal may appear minor when viewed through this door, but its grandeur reveals itself in full splendour as you draw closer. It stands in awe, a timeless marvel that has captivated hearts for centuries.
The Taj Mahal maintains its captivating allure no matter from which angle you view it.
It is a geometric wonder. It’s astounding how the entire structure transforms its beauty with the day’s mood- that is cosmic. The symmetry of the Taj Mahal conveys a message of peace and prosperity, reflecting a harmony that resonates with the soul.
Unfortunately, the original beauty of the Taj Mahal has been diminished by the declining navigability of the Yamuna River. Much of the Taj Mahal’s fascination has revolved around its reflection in the river’s waters. However, as the river continues to dry up, this enchanting image is increasingly challenging to behold.
How to collect tickets
Tickets cost INR 50 for Indian citizens, INR 540 for SAARC countries and INR 1100 for tourists from other countries. There is no entry fee for children below 15 (Indian & foreign)—the ticket windows for the Taj Mahal open one hour before sunrise & close 45 minutes before Sunset.
Ticket windows and cloakrooms (where you have to put your backpacks) are available at the gates of the Taj Mahal. To visit the main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal, one has to buy an additional ticket of Rs.200/- along with a regular ticket. Once you purchase a ticket, you can use it for the next three hours.
An angular view of Taj Mahal — Photo: Sumia Zahid
Time to Travel
The Taj Mahal opens 30 Minutes before sunrise and closes 30 Minutes before Sunset during regular operating days. Note that the Taj Mahal is closed to tourists every Friday. Jummah prayers are offered at the Taj Mahal mosque on Friday at noon.
Things to remember
Drone cameras are strictly prohibited inside the Taj Mahal. Water bottles are allowed inside the monument, but there are good drinking water amenities for tourists.
They said shoe covers, water bottles, tourist guide map of Agra, battery bus and golf cart services are provided free of cost with the foreigner’s entry ticket to the Taj. But we had to pay for the battery bus and shoe covers when we arrived.
Be careful with the guides
Be careful when hiring guides and photographers. The guides can sometimes be irritating since they constantly request you, forcing you to hire them. You can complete the tour without any guide with the help of Google. But if you want someone to explain history, then hiring a guide is okay. But you must bargain.
Many photographers are around to take photos, and they will show some printed-out pictures and say they are their own. But when they hand over your photos after hiring them, they will never look like those beautiful pictures printed out. Most photographers need to be more clumsy and learn about camera framing.
Eating and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the Taj Mahal. Photography is not permitted inside the central mausoleum. Despite this, many took the opportunity to take pictures, avoiding the attention of the security personnel.
Taj Mahal in full moon
“Only let this one tear-drop, this Taj Mahal, glisten spotlessly bright on the cheek of time, forever and ever.” - Rabindranath Tagore.
As a child, I read in a book that the moonlight bathing the Taj Mahal’s marble stones on a moon night creates a celestial glow. To experience this ethereal beauty, one must plan at least 12 to 13 days, eagerly awaiting that magical moment when the full moon casts its light on this iconic masterpiece.
Night viewing of the Taj Mahal is available five days a month, i.e., on a whole moon night, two nights before, and two nights after the full moon. Night viewing timing starts at 8:00 pm and ends at 11:59 pm, in 8 batches of max, 50 people each.
The time duration for each batch is half an hour (30 minutes). Tourists must report for security checks half an hour before the viewing time mentioned on their ticket at Shilpgram. Everyone has to have one’s ID during the visit.
Tickets for the night view of the Taj Mahal are released 10 days in advance and must be purchased online at asi.payumoney.com. Due to high demand, these tickets are often sold out, as only a few people can experience this magical sight.
If you miss out on tickets, you can head to Mehtab Bagh to view the Taj Mahal under the full moon. From 6 pm to midnight, you can enjoy its beauty while sitting by the banks of the Yamuna River, with tickets costing INR 50 per person.
Unfortunately, we missed the opportunity to enter the Taj Mahal on the moon night due to a lack of proper information. However, there’s always a chance to return and make that experience happen!
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