Seeing the Taj Mahal in person is a dream for the majority of tourists but planning a Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi and back in a day does feel like an impossible task. Don’t worry, it is quite doable provided you plan carefully and do your research. Agra is 220-230 km and a day is more than enough to explore the monument and its surrounding areas before heading back.
How To Make the Best Of Your Tour
Here is a quick guide on how to make the best of your tour
Choose the travel mode carefully
There are numerous ways of getting from Delhi to Agra.
Via Train – Several trains operate frequently from Delhi to Agra Fort railway station with the superfast ones, i.e. Shatabdi Express and Vande Bharat, departing as early as 6 am and arriving in Agra in 1.5 hours.
Via Bus – Several buses travel from Delhi, Kashmiri Gate to Agra, with the earliest ones departing at 12:20 am and taking approximately 5.5 hours
Via Car – A car or cab service picks you up from your doorstep or hotel gates and takes you to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway, covering 253 km and taking 3.5 to 4 hours. You can even take the NH-2, but it takes longer.
Usually, a Taj Mahal tour from Delhi via car is a flexible option that ensures your comfort, but a superfast one takes less time and helps you get there quicker.
Start Early from Delhi
Taj Mahal opens thirty minutes before sunrise and closes thirty minutes before sunset, and you need to start early from Delhi to reach there before it starts getting crowded.
Starting as early as 5 am – 6 am from Delhi helps avoid highway traffic and reach there by 9 am-9:30 am when the crowd is marginally less, and you can explore better.
Should you arrive there even earlier, you can get some amazing pictures of the masterpiece surrounded by a golden fog.
Book your Tickets in Advance
Truth be told, there is no point in going through the effort of planning the itinerary and reaching early if you are going to be stuck in a long waiting line. Some of the chief advantages of online booking for the Taj Mahal are
- Helps you minimise the long waiting lines at the ticket counters and get to the entrance quicker
- Ensures ticket availability so you are not turned away when the site has reached its visitor capacity
- Helps you select your entry slot and select the ticket type – the entry ticket to the gardens and the exterior, a ticket covering the interior and exterior or a combo ticket for the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal
- Enables special promotions or student/large group offers
You can comfortably book the online tickets from the ASI website, but some travel agencies offering a same-day Agra tour from Delhi can book the online tickets for you as part of the tour package.
Hire a certified guide
For first-timers to the Taj Mahal, a guide is highly recommended to guide you through the gates and navigate the place better.
There are two kinds of guides – certified and reliable ones who are authorised by the Ministry of India. Local guides whose accuracy can vary, but who are considerably cheaper.
If you are planning a Taj Mahal tour from Delhi, contact your travel agents to refer you to a qualified guide in advance to save time and make the best of your tour.
Be comfortable while following the dress code
There is no official dress code for the Taj Mahal, but it is advisable to opt for a modest and respectful attire covering the shoulders and the knees.
- Wear maxi skirts, flowing dresses and breathable fabrics like cotton and fabric
- that suit the dressing etiquette and
Keep you comfortable
Most importantly, wear comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear as you have a lot of walking to do.
While a one-day Agra tour from Delhi does not leave a lot of room for covering anything more than the Taj Mahal, there are several picturesque areas super close to the main monument that can be explored.
A mini list of things to carry during a one-day tour
A same-day Agra tour from Delhi can be hectic, and being travel-ready will ensure you stay comfortable.
Water Bottle – Taj Mahal has clean drinking water facilities, but carrying our own water saves time and having to rely on external spots.
Note – you will be allowed to carry your water bottle at the entrance and surrounding gardens, but will need to deposit it at the Chameli platform before entering the main courtyard
ID Proof – ID Proof is mandatory before entering the Taj Mahal, and failure to present a valid ID will result in denied entry inside for the safety of others
Powerbank – power banks are a lifesaver during long intercity tours that, help you stay connected and navigate without a low-battery panic attack. They are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal, and you need to leave them in the car.
Sanitiser – sanitiser is a necessary item of hygiene and is even allowed inside. Carry a small bottle that can easily pass through the scan machine and that will easily go inside your pockets or a small handbag.
Things to avoid on your one-day Taj Mahal Trip
During a Taj Mahal tour from Delhi, here are some things that you should avoid.
- Do not travel on a Friday, as the mausoleum is closed on this day for prayers.
- Do not carry tripods and electronics as they are not allowed inside.
- Avoid large rucksacks
- Avoid starting late, as it will disrupt the entire tour.
- Do not overplan your itinerary, and keep a few places in mind that you can explore properly before returning.
Final Thoughts
A Taj Mahal tour from Delhi and back all in a day can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience if you know the do’s and don’ts.
Pre-book your journey with SRM Holidays, and allow us to plan things carefully so you can make the best of your tour.
Irrespective of whether you opt for a one-day Agra tour from Delhi or integrate it in your Delhi one-day tour package, our aim is to make sure you have a great experience by balancing timing, planning and comfort.
