The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited landmarks around the world. In fact, it is considered to be one of the world’s seven modern wonders. Located in Agra, it attracts both Indians and foreigners alike and is easily one of the most visited places in the country. The Supreme Court, in 2022, issued an order that would ban all commercial activity near the iconic monument.
The Supreme Court issued an order to ban all commercial activities within 500 meters of the Taj Mahal in Agra. This release has put all those businesses near the Taj Mahal into a fix since they’re uncertain about what’s going to happen next.
The SC asked the Agra Development Authority (ADA) to quickly put a stop to all commercial activities. This order was formulated when a group of people filed a petition because they were requested to move their business elsewhere, while several other businesses were still functioning.
How To Visit The Taj Mahal?
By Air
The fastest way of reaching the Taj Mahal is by air. Agra, the city in which the Taj Mahal is located, has its own domestic airport – known by the name of Agra Airport. It is well-connected to other major airports in Delhi, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Mumbai, etc. The Agra Airport is about 8 km from the Taj Mahal. From the airport, taxis and cabs to the Taj Mahal and the main city are readily available in a price range of INR 500 to INR 1,000.
By Rail
Agra enjoys good rail connectivity, being connected to many major railheads in the country. Apart from the main railway station of Agra Cantonment, there are two other stations – Raja ki Mandi and Agra Fort – that are also well connected to other parts in India. From the Agra Cantonment Railway Station, the Taj Mahal is about 5.5 km away. You can easily find rickshaws and cabs to reach the monument from the railway station.
By Road
Agra is well-connected to a number of cities in Uttar Pradesh as well as other parts in North and Central India. With direct road connectivity to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Varanasi, Prayagraj, etc, there are regular bus services available from these cities. You can also hire taxis from the cities, however, that would be quite expensive.
Also Read: How To Visit Red Fort: Ticket Cost, Timings & Best Routes
Do’s And Don’ts While Visiting The Taj Mahal
Do’s
- Co-operate in keeping the monument neat and clean.
- Only hire certified guides and photographers.
- Polluting vehicles are not allowed within a 500-meter radius of the monument. Parking near Taj Mahal West Gate is at Amrood Ka Teela, whereas parking near Taj Mahal East Gate is at Shilpgram.
- Make use of battery buses and golf carts to reach the Taj Mahal from the parking areas.
Don’ts
- Do not use a drone camera inside and around the Taj Mahal complex.
- Do not eat or smoke inside the Taj Mahal complex.
- Carrying arms, ammunition, tobacco products, liquor, eatables, headphones, knives, tripods, mobile chargers, etc is prohibited. Make sure you do not carry any of these items with you inside the complex.
- Do not engage in photography inside the main mausoleum.
- Do not touch, scratch, or damage the surfaces of the monument.
- Do not create disturbances in the monument complex, be it talking loudly, creating noise, or other such instances.
