A must for any Bucket-list, the Taj Mahal in Agra, a place that will leave you speechless in the sheer size and awe-inspiring story behind the structure.
The ultimate token of love.
In 1632, Shah Jahan commissioned to have built a mausoleum which would house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal complex is situated on the south bank of the Yamuna River in Agra. With the tomb as the centrepiece of a 17-hectare complex surrounded by formal gardens, a mosque and guesthouse. It took 20,000 skilled artisans to complete the ivory-white marble mausoleum, almost 20 years.
With 7-8 million people coming through the gates at the Taj Mahal per year, most will immediately go for the classic shots, meaning 7-8 million people will have the same photo. Nothing wrong with that, but this beautiful building has so many magnificent facets, you could spend hours photographing. So is it possible to get a new angle, well with so many visitors, maybe not but that does not mean that you can’t get creative.
Taj Mahal visiting tips
First, a few tips before you arrive.
Make sure to visit early in the morning, as it can get crowded. The West gate is the main entrance to the Taj Mahal, the ticket offices opens one hour before sunrise.
Tickets can be bought at the gate or online. Tickets are priced Rs.1100 entrance, add on Rs.200 if you wish to visit the main mausoleum. Buying the tickets online you will receive an Rs.50 discount. (accurate when published, do check)
Note the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
I would suggest bringing along a wide-angle lens.
They have strict rules on what you can take into the Taj Mahal, here are a few, but not limited too)
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- No tripods of any kind
- Drones are not allowed
- You can’t take in food or drinks, only a water bottle is allowed
- Photographs inside the mausoleum are not permitted
- Rather leave your large bag or backpack (advised by our guide)
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Best time to visit
In my opinion, early morning to explore the complex itself and sunset from the Moonlight gardens opposite the Yamuna river. Through out the day it is as if the Taj Mahal changes colour, from pearl white to golden glows, soft pastels, and various of tones and hues in-between as the sun plays on the marble.
We went during August and was extremely lucky to have a clear day when we visited, as it was monsoon season which ranges from July to September. The best time would probably be during the winter months and even up to March before the hot summer months.
Want to know my three day itenary of New Delhi to Agra?
*Before I start with the tips, I would like to inform you that all the photos was taken with my Samsung Galaxy. So just too note, you do not always need a professional camera to get amazing photos.
1. The Framed
Probably one of my favourites, as you set eyes on the Taj Mahal for the first time, this magnificent structure is framed by the gateway. Seemingly not so big, but as you step closer it is as if the building expands in front of your eyes. Growing into a phenomenal structure that will most likely take your breath away.
2. To the left, to the left (or right)
Take a walk to either the left or right and you will notice that the building is not four-sided but has eight sides. This is so that the base structure can support the nearly 35-metre high marble dome. Beautiful detail, a great depth created from this angle.
3. Capturing the size
The Taj Mahal is grandiose, and trying to capture the sheer size of the building is not difficult, just look the comparison when you have a person in the image.
4. Look up
Yes, just look up, but be warned it is high, don’t fall over (like I almost did). The size and detailed craftsmanship are incredible, all the way from the base to the top.
5. Get creative
Walk back to the gate via the outer edge of the garden, get creative with adding nature or yourself into your view finder.
6. Look back
Don’t forget to look back when you are taking photos of the Taj Mahal, the Redstone gateway is also a beautiful building with its own reflection pond if you are in the middle of the two ponds.
7. The mosque and guesthouse
To the side of the Taj Mahal, you will find a mosque and a guesthouse. Made famous as most Instagrammers have taken photos from inside their entranceways of the Taj Mahal.
8. Agra Fort
Framed yet again but this time by the balcony detail at Agra Fort, overlooking the Taj Mahal and Yamuna river.
9. On looking
After his son placed him under house arrest at Agra Fort, Shah Jahan would sit on this balcony watching over the Taj Mahal where his beloved was.
10. It is in the details
From afar you might not notice the amount of detail that covers the Taj Mahal. Incredible craftsmanship, you can understand now why it took 20,000 artisans, 20 years to complete.
11. Moonlight Garden
Another of my favourites, legend has it that Shah Jahan planned to build a black marble mausoleum across the river of the Taj Mahal. He, however, was never able to do so, as Shah Jahan son overthrew him.
Our own seated style
So, too concluded, arrive early for a sunrise shot. When you visit, do no rush, take your time there is so much to see. And for the best sunset spot, visit the Moonlight Garden on the opposite side of the Yamuna river. Where ever you are in Agra, always be on the lookout if you can spot the Taj Mahal. You might just get an amazing photo.
I Still say it is a must for a bucket-list.
Do you have any other tips or angles you have captured? Would love to hear from you.
xxx
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All photos were shot on my Samsung phone
*Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are my own
