Taj Mahal Visiting Hours

Planning a trip to India’s most famous monument? Knowing the exact Taj Mahal visiting hours and entry rules will help you make the most of your visit and avoid any surprises at the gate.

The Taj Mahal’s timings and ticket rules are set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and can change for security or maintenance. Always check official updates before your visit.

Hospital Overview

The Taj Mahal is not a hospital, but a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most visited monuments. It is a 17th‑century marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The site is managed and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Government of India.

The complex is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. The main components of the site include:

• The white marble mausoleum (the main Taj Mahal structure)
• A mosque and a guest house
• Formal Mughal gardens with reflecting pools
• Entry gates including the main southern gate and eastern and western gates

Visitor access, opening hours and ticket prices are regulated to protect the monument and manage large crowds. Official details are published by ASI and the Government of Uttar Pradesh tourism authorities.

Visiting Hours

According to the Archaeological Survey of India, normal Taj Mahal visiting hours are as follows:

• Open: From sunrise to sunset
• Days: Open every day of the week except Fridays
• Closed: Every Friday for general visitors

On Fridays, the Taj Mahal remains closed to tourists and is only accessible for prayers at the mosque in the complex for practicing Muslims at designated times. This closure is clearly stated by ASI and on official tourism websites such as the Uttar Pradesh Tourism portal and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Night viewing

Night viewing of the Taj Mahal is not part of daily visiting hours and is allowed only on specific days and under strict rules set by ASI:

• Night viewing is allowed on five nights each lunar month:
  • The night of the full moon
  • Two nights before the full moon
  • Two nights after the full moon
• Night viewing is not available on Fridays and is suspended on days of major religious or national security concerns, as notified by ASI.
• Night viewing timings are usually in pre-booked slots between 20:30 and 00:30, with limited visitors per batch and per night. Exact timings and arrangements can vary and must be checked on official ASI and government tourism sites before booking.

Official information about timings, ticket rules, and any temporary changes (for example, conservation work or special security advisories) is issued through:

• Archaeological Survey of India (asi.nic.in)
• Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (incredibleindia.org)
• Uttar Pradesh Tourism (uptourism.gov.in)

Because sunrise and sunset vary seasonally, the exact clock time of opening and closing shifts throughout the year. Visitors should arrive early in the day to clear security and enjoy cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.

Contact Details

For the most accurate, up‑to‑date Taj Mahal visiting hours, tickets, and entry rules, rely on official channels. Key points of contact include:

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) – Agra Circle
  • Website (national): https://asi.nic.in
  • Regional / circle pages linked from the main ASI site provide contact numbers and emails for Agra monuments including the Taj Mahal.
• Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
  • Official tourism portal: https://www.incredibleindia.org
• Uttar Pradesh Tourism (Government of Uttar Pradesh)
  • Website: https://www.uptourism.gov.in

These official portals regularly publish and update information on:

• Opening and closing hours
• Ticket categories and prices (domestic and foreign tourists, children, etc.)
• Online ticket booking links (for example, through Government of India ticketing platforms referenced by ASI and Incredible India)
• Special instructions for night viewing bookings
• Temporary closures or restricted areas due to restoration or security

When planning your visit, use these websites for current phone numbers and email addresses for Taj Mahal–related queries, as contact details can change.

Important Visitor Guidelines

Visitor rules and guidelines are issued to protect the Taj Mahal and ensure safety and order. While specific lists are published and updated by ASI and government tourism sites, core guidelines consistently include:

• Security checks:
  All visitors must pass through security screening at the gates. Bags and personal items may be checked. Allow extra time, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Restricted and permitted items:
  ASI and local authorities restrict certain items inside the Taj Mahal complex to prevent damage and maintain security. Prohibited items typically include:
  • Tobacco products and lighters
  • Alcohol and narcotics
  • Firearms, sharp objects and tools
  • Drones and certain electronic equipment
  • Large bags and tripods (except with special permission)
    Visitors are encouraged to bring only essential personal items. Updated lists of permitted and prohibited items are posted at entry gates and on official tourism and ASI pages.
• Photography rules:
  Photography is generally allowed in most parts of the complex, but flash and tripods may be restricted, and photography is often not allowed inside the main mausoleum chamber. Signs and staff instructions on‑site must be followed at all times.

• Dress and behaviour:
  Modest, respectful clothing is advised. Climbing on structures, defacing surfaces, or touching inlaid marble and delicate stonework is prohibited. Littering is strictly forbidden; visitors must use designated waste bins.

• Ticketing and entry:
  Tickets are required for entry, with different rates for Indian citizens, foreign visitors, and certain concessions (such as children under a specified age). Official portals offer online booking links to avoid queues. Tickets and IDs may be checked at the gate.

Because rules can be adjusted for conservation, security, or public health reasons, always confirm current guidelines on ASI and government tourism sites before your visit.

FAQs

1. What are the regular Taj Mahal visiting hours?
The Taj Mahal is open to tourists from sunrise to sunset, as per guidelines from the Archaeological Survey of India, on all days of the week except Fridays, when it is closed to visitors and open only for prayers at the mosque.

2. Is the Taj Mahal open on Fridays?
No. The Taj Mahal is closed to tourists every Friday. On this day, access is restricted to people attending prayers at the mosque within the complex, as specified by ASI and local authorities.

3. Can I visit the Taj Mahal at night?
Night viewing is allowed only on five nights each lunar month—the full moon night plus two nights before and two nights after the full moon—subject to security rules and ASI notifications. It is not available on Fridays, and tickets must be booked in advance through official channels referenced by ASI and government tourism sites.

4. Where can I confirm the latest Taj Mahal visiting hours and any changes?
For the latest official information on Taj Mahal visiting hours, closures, and ticket details, consult the Archaeological Survey of India (https://asi.nic.in), the Incredible India portal (https://www.incredibleindia.org), and Uttar Pradesh Tourism (https://www.uptourism.gov.in).

5. Are there special rules for what I can bring inside the Taj Mahal?
Yes. For security and preservation, ASI restricts various items such as weapons, large bags, tobacco, alcohol, and drones. Visitors should carry only essential items and review the current list of permitted and prohibited items on ASI and official tourism websites or posted notices at the entry gates before visiting.