How To Reach The Taj Mahal in India

The simple no-nonsense guide for how to reach the iconic monument, Taj Mahal in India.

Embarking on a voyage to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is a dream for many, and was definitely a dream for me.

As a luxury travel writers, I’m going to share the remarkable journey I experienced, from the moment I landed in Delhi to stay at the illustrious Taj Palace Hotel, drove to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal itself, explored this iconic wonder, and then returned to Delhi for shopping and dining out.

Before you go, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience exploring not onlythe Taj Mahal and its surroundings in style and comfort but India – this is a country that makes you feel alive.

Step 1:

Arrival in Delhi Upon landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, you’ll be greeted by the warm and welcoming Indian hospitality. To ensure a seamless and luxurious start to your journey, I recommend booking a stay at the iconic Taj Palace, New Delhi where I stayed for 3 nights. This magnificent five star hotel offers a perfect blend of opulence and comfort, making it an ideal choice for discerning travellers.

It has a fantastic gym in the basement, and very high level food and dining experiences from the iconic Orient Express Restaurant (European) to Spicy Duck (Chinese) the newly renovated Loya serving northern Indian and much more.

Step 2:

Traveling to Agra. Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, is just a few hours away from Delhi. To make this journey in style, consider a driver with an SUV or luxury car, as tghe journey can be very lng and dusty depending on time of day, weather and traffic conditions.

The Taj hotel has options, but there are loads, and not uber and Ola work well all over India.

The Taj Palace Hotel offers exclusive transportation services, offering a range of options, including chauffeured cars and even private helicopters.

Your journey to Agra will be marked by scenic landscapes and glimpses of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Step 4:

Stay: The Taj Hotel Agra. is simply the easiest option as it is so close to the Taj Mahal. If it wasn’t so hot the day I was there I would have walked.

Known for its regal charm and impeccable service, this hotel is a sanctuary of comfort and tranquility amidst the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

The rooftop pool and restaurant is a highlight – and the Taj Mahal itself can even be seen from the rooftop.

Rooms at The Taj Hotel Agra are comfortable and elegant with lovely bathrooms.

Savour exquisite Indian and international cuisines at the hotel’s fine dining restaurants. The breakfast buffet is fabulous and very generous in its offerings including freshly made to order eggs.

Step 3:

Taj Mahal Exploration. The Taj Mahal stands as a testament to eternal love and architectural brilliance. To truly savor this experience, plan your visit early in the morning to witness the enchanting sunrise over the marble masterpiece or at the end of the day.

The easiest and most stress-free way to see the Taj Mahal is to ask Taj Hotel Agra to organise a guide. This can be done one on one which is far better than a group, and the buggies can drop you door to door. It takes around 2 hours.

The second time you go you will only need access to the main gate and the building if you want to go inside the memoriam a second time – and again the Taj Mahal Hotel can arrange this for you.

Although an insider tip is to go mid-afternoon as it is often very quiet and a great time for photos – and weekdays there are less people.

There are multiple professional photographers on hand, and I found this intrusion overwhelming. They took over 150 photos of me, none of which I needed as my guide took some on my iphone. If I was with my family, it might have been helpful.

It is prudent to be aware there is a high level of commercialism at every turn at The Taj Mahal, and saying no is a simple way to eliminate it from your visit, and again why a hotel recommended guide is a good option the first time you go.

Beat the crowds and capture stunning photographs as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the monument’s pristine white façade. Engage a knowledgeable guide to uncover the Taj Mahal’s captivating history and stories.

Step 5:

Other Things To Do And See: Exploring Agra’s Heritage While in Agra, take time to explore other historical treasures, such as Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. Again your Taj Hotel concierge can assist in arranging guided tours to these iconic landmarks.

Another insider tip is that Agra is home to over 500 designer shoe factories. This is where some of the most exclusive shoe brands and designs are manufactured. The majority are exported globally, but the samples, off cuts and over-runs are all sold at a fraction of the cost. Again the hotel can help with this if you are interested. I was super frustrated I did not have enough time.

Step 6:

Return to Delhi As your enchanting journey to the Taj Mahal concludes, return to Delhi in style, either by private transportation or the renowned Indian luxury train, the Maharajas’ Express.

Spend two more nights at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, where you can indulge in a sumptuous, memorable farewell dinner at The Orient Express and reminisce about your unforgettable adventure.