Your date with the Taj Mahal - Ten things to remem

When you visit the Taj, keep sufficient time at your disposal. ~Fly-by-day~ visits must be discouraged! You need to set aside quality time for the Taj & the surrounding monuments.

-Spend at least one night at Agra - the city of love, romance & monuments.

-Taj Mahal is best viewed in soft light - Best seen at sunrise & during sunset. As far as possible avoid afternoon visits, when the sun is at its brightest.

-The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, avoid visiting on Thursday afternoon when crowds are at its peak.

-If there is one particular time of the year when you shouldn't be doing the Taj, it is the period between third week of December to the second week of January. Historically fog descends in North India during this period, making the visit terribly chaotic & to a certain degree, disappointing.

-Make it a point to visit the monument at least twice during your stay, once is during or the period roundabout sunrise, the second is before sunset. Two spectacular moments when the effect of the sun ray's on the mausoleum is at its ethereal best.

-Unless there is a change in the way `Taj by Moonlight' is organised, moonlight viewing is not recommended. Night `viewing' of the Taj from the South Gate leaves many visitors disappointed.

-Avoid carrying guide books & other items, this will increase waiting time at the security gate. Besides your camera, leave all other items behind. Incidentally due to security reasons, mobile phones need to be switched off & tripods are disallowed.

-A guide can work to your advantage at the Taj, he will organize your tickets, as well as take you to vantage spots inside the complex. Needless to say, guides provide valuable information. Hire guides & photographers recognized by the tourism department.

- Make it a point to visit the Agra Fort, Baby Taj, Sikandra Tomb as well as Agra Fort in & around Agra. Taj Mahal serves as the icing on the cake.