Words fall short to describe the beauty of Taj Mahal when you first see it. However, nothing compares to seeing it at night.
The Taj Mahal shone as we stood in awe witnessing it being casted in blue light from the moon.
While looking for things to do in Agra, I stumbled upon the option of viewing the Taj Mahal at night, and started gathering all details.
When can you go for the night viewing at Taj Mahal?
As many may not know, you cannot experience this throughout the month, and the night viewing is only available for 5 days in a month; two nights before the full moon, on the day of full moon and two nights after full moon.
Note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays, so if the day coincides with a Friday, it will remain closed for viewing.
Where to book your tickets from?
The ticketing process for the night viewing is cumbersome. Archaeological Survey of India (A.S.I.), Agra issues only 400 tickets in a day for the night viewing and there are mainly two ways you can book your tickets.
In person:
The ASI office in Agra office opens at 10 a.m for tourists to book their tickets. The tickets are only available one day prior to the date of night viewing from the office. The tickets are not transferable and you need to be present in person book it. Make sure to carry an identity proof when booking and while going for the viewing. You might need to stand in a queue for a long time and even then, this does not guarantee that you will get a ticket. The system is slightly flawed and unfair, as tour operators queue since morning and buy the tickets in bulk. So, by the time your turn arrives, there might not be any ticket left to issue.
Ph: 91-562-2227261
Fax: 2227262
E-mail: circleagr.asi@gmail.com
Online:
Online booking has recently been started. You can book your tickets https://asi.paygov.org.in/asi-webapp/#/ticketbooking
The ticket boking can only be done 7 days prior the full moon day. There are multiple slots of 30 minutes each, and you can book it as per your convenience.
Since the tickets sell out fast due to limited capacity, you can alternatively book the tickets via a tour operator at a slightly higher price
The timings for the night viewing is : 8:30pm-12:00 a.m
Night viewing slot: Although 30 minutes seems like a very limited time and out of which you’re only going to be there around 20-25 minutes, it is worth every single penny.
Tip: I would suggest you to book the last slot or the ones for late at night, since the moon be higher in the sky and thus illuminated better.
Cost for TajMahal night viewing
- Adults (Indian): Rs 510
- Adults (Foreigner): Rs 750
- Children (3-15 years): Rs 500 for both Indians and foreigners
Things to keep in mind before viewing Tajmahal
- The night viewing does not give you access to the mausoleum, and you are allowed to stand at a distance near the main gate from Taj Mahal can be viewed.
- You need to report to Shilpgram which is at a walkable distance from the East Gate of Taj Mahal, at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled viewing time as security checks are done at this point.
- Ensure to carry identification proof.
- Kindly carry a DSLR camera if possible, as you won’t be permitted to carry a phone. Carrying a tripod, food items, video cameras are also prohibited.
- If you do carry any belongings that are not allowed, it needs to be deposited in the locker allocated to you at Shilpgram. You can collect your belongings after the viewing.
- You will be guided by police officers to the east gate of Taj-Mahal by battery operated vehicles to and fro from Shilpgram.
- You can only click pictures, and taking videos isn’t permitted
These are the settings we used to click pictures, you can tweak the settings as needed.
Photography Tips:
ISO around 3200
Shutter speed: 1/3 secs
Aperture: F/4.5/
This is a reference that gave us a visible/ usable picture.
I hope you have a wonderful sighting, and you have any queries about visiting Agra, then drop them in the comments below.