Taj Mahal Timings
The Archaeological Survey of India has decided that Taj Mahal
will remain closed on Fridays for the public except for those
who go for afternoon prayers in the mosque next to the 17th
century monument. The monument, which attracts thousands of
visitors every day, previously remained closed on Mondays.
The Taj will remain open from 6 am-7 pm everyday except
Fridays. Entry costs Rs 970 for Foreigners and for indians
during the sunrise and sunset entry costs Rs 110 and during
the daytime Rs 20/-. On Fridays, people will be allowed to go
for the customary prayers between 1200 hrs 1400 hrs at the
mosque in the Taj Mahal complex.
Described by the Indian classical poet Tagore as a "tear on
the face of eternity", the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith
of Moghul architecture and quite simply one of the world's
most marvellous buildings. Volumes have been written on it s
perfection, and its image adorns countless glossy brochures
and guide books; nonetheless, the reality never fails to
overwhelm all who see it, and few words can do it justice.
A Day at Taj
Mahal in Agra
Taj Mahal in the Morning
The glory of the monument is strangely undiminished by the
crowds of tourists
 who
visit each day, as small and insignificant as ants in the face
of this immense and captivating monument. That said, the Taj
is at its most alluring in the relative quiet of early
morning, shrouded in mists and bathed with a soft red glow. As
its vast marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflect the sun,
its colour changes, from soft grey and yellow to pearly cream
and dazzling white; it's well worth visiting at different
times. This play of light is an important decorative device,
symbolically implying the presence of Allah, who is never
represented in anthropomorphic form.
Beauty of Taj Mahal during Day
The Taj Mahal shows a different aspect of beauty at different
times of the day. The sight of the Taj awash with the subtle
pinks of dawn is an unforgettable sight. Sunsets stain the Taj
an exotic shade of orange. But nothing beats the poignant
beauty of the Taj seen when the cool white marble is bathed in
the soft silver light of the moon. Even in the bright light of
the day, this wonder of the world shines with an awe-inspiring
loveliness.
There's no time limit on visits to the Taj, and some people
spend most of the day here, sitting, reading, dozing or
picnicking in the beautifully kept gardens. Hawkers and
salesmen are not allowed in, and official guides are not
available on site, but can usually be provided by hotels, and
always accompany organized tours. The ticket office, just
outside the western gate, is rarely blocked by long queues,
except between 4 and 5 pm before the admission fee increases;
bring the right amount of money as the ticket booth attendants
rarely have change and tend to pocket the difference.
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