The white marble mausoleum on the Yamuna — one of the most photographed buildings on earth, and one of the most restricted for anything beyond a personal camera.
Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is widely considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles. The white marble facade shifts in tone through the day — pink at dawn, white at midday, golden at sunset — which is why sunrise entry is consistently recommended for anyone shooting here.
The complex includes the main mausoleum, a charbagh (four-part) garden, a mosque, and a guest house, symmetrically arranged along a central axis reflected in a long water channel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the New7Wonders of the World.
For photography specifically: personal, non-commercial stills are permitted with standard entry, but tripods, professional video equipment and any commercial shoot require separate advance permission from the Archaeological Survey of India. Entry to the actual mausoleum platform requires shoe covers or removing footwear, and bags beyond a small personal bag are restricted at security.
Nearest airport
Agra Airport (Kheria) — 13.0 km
Parking
Designated visitor parking available near the main entrance (paid).
Full address
Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
Entry timings
6:00 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry ~1 hour before close); night viewing on select full moon dates
Open days
Tuesday–Sunday
Closed on
Monday, and Fridays before 12pm (jumma prayers nearby)
Drone policy
Drones are not permitted anywhere near the Taj Mahal complex — this is a strict no-fly zone under Indian aviation and heritage security rules, not just a site policy.
Permission requirements
Permission is required for shoots at this location. See the process below.
Permission process
Personal photography is included with a standard entry ticket. Commercial shoots, tripods, and professional video require a separate permit applied for in advance through the ASI Agra Circle office — budget several days for approval and expect additional fees on top of the visitor entry ticket.
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