Visiting the Taj Mahal at night is appealing for its tranquil and unique experience. It is available for 5 days each lunar month around the time of the full moon (dates listed below).
Besides entering the Taj site, you could appreciate Taj night views from Mehtab Bagh (‘Moonlight Garden'), hotels with Taj Mahal views, and rooftop restaurants near the Taj.
Taj Mahal Visits on Full Moon Nights
Why Does the Taj Mahal Only Open on Full Moon Nights?
Night views of the Taj MahalThere are no lights illuminating the Taj, as lights attract insects, and their excrement would destroy the flawless beauty of the marble monument. Without artificial lights, this architectural icon can only be seen clearly at night with natural moonlight on full moon evenings.
Is a Taj Mahal Night Visit Worth It?
A night visit is not recommended as it only offers indistinct Taj views for a limited time, and so it's not worth the money. It's like a low-value add-on if you've already seen the Taj during the day.
It is a good option for escaping the crowds, since only 400 tickets are available for the 8:30pm to 12:30am moonlight sessions. However, each batch of 50 people just gets 30 minutes to see the Taj from the main gate dome area, which is about 180 meters (200 yards) away.
Get to know more information about planning your India trip>>>
How Does the Taj Mahal Look at Night?
Without lights, you will only see indistinct views of the Taj. You're suggested to visit around midnight (the latest 23:30–00:00 or 00:00–00:30 slots) for slightly better views when the night is at its darkest, temperatures are coolest for the lowest haze, and light pollution is least.
On rainy days and foggy days, you would hardly see anything at all. So, for a better experience, visit on clear and dry days (October, November, and March to June are the clearest months). More weather details, you're suggested to read Best Times to Visit Agra in 2023/2024>>>
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When Are Full Moon Visits Possible?
Tickets are sold for the following dates in 2023/2024, except for Fridays and Ramadan dates (usually in March/April). Check with a calendar or our expert before planning a visit. Read on to see how to plan your Agra trip:7 Places to Visit in Agra + 1-Day and 2-Day Trip Plans>>>
Agra Full Moon 5-Day-Phase Dates:
| Month | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16–20 | 5–9 | 23–27 |
| February | 14–18 | 4–8 | 22–26 |
| March | 16–20 | 5–9 | 23–27 |
| April | 15–19 | 4–8 | 22–26 |
| May | 14–18 | 3–7 | 21–25 |
| June | 12–16 | 2–6 | 20–24 |
| July | 12–16 | 1–5 | 19–23 |
| August | 10–14 | 31–4 | 17–21 |
| September | 8–12 | 27–1 | 16–20 |
| October | 8–12 | 27–31 | 15–19 |
| November | 6–10 | 25–29 | 14–18 |
| December | 6–10 | 25–29 | 13–17 |
How to Book Tickets
Tickets are available only one day before the evening slot. If you buy tickets yourself, head to the office of Archaeological Survey of India (A.S.I.), 22 Mall Road, Agra between 10 AM and 6 PM. You just need to show your passport to the staff, choose a half-hour visit time, and pay for your tickets.
For a worry-free experience, taking a private tour is better to release the stresses and hassles of purchasing tickets. Contact us to customize your private India tour or see our popular Taj Mahal tours>>>
Taj Mahal Night View Ticket Prices:
Adult (Indian): 510 INR (6.3 USD)
Adult (Foreigner): 750 INR (9.2 USD)
Child (3–15 years, Indian or Foreigner): 500 INR (6.2 USD)
Are Phones Allowed?
Phones, video cameras, and tripods are not allowed.
Top Places to Enjoy Night Views of the Taj Mahal
Without visiting the Taj Mahal site at night, you could still enjoy a fantastic night view of this gem of ancient architecture by:
- Booking a hotel room with Taj Mahal views
- Enjoying an atmospheric dinner at a local rooftop restaurant with sunset views of the Taj Mahal
- Visit Mehtab Bagh at sunset to see the Taj Mahal shining on the other side of Yamuna River
Recommended Hotels and Rooftop Restaurants with Taj Views
Seeing the Taj from a rooftop restaurant at night- Rooftop Restaurant: Hotel Saniya Palace (hostel)
- Distance to the Taj Mahal: 1 km
- Price: from 10 USD per room
It is highly rated by travelers for its fantastic unimpeded views of the Taj only 1,000 meters away. After exploring Agra's highlights, like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, why not stop there and spend a leisurely afternoon at its rooftop restaurant? Take your family or friends, order a cup of drink, and appreciate the magnificent scenery from sunset to moonrise.
- Hotel: The Radisson Hotel (5*)
- Distance to the Taj Mahal: 2 km
- Price: from 120 USD per room
Just 2 km from the Taj, its rooftop restaurant and swimming pool deserve a try. If you prefer a moonlight view throughout the night, stay at a Taj view room, which just costs about 120 USD.
- Hotel: The Oberoi Amarvilas (5*)
- Distance to the Taj Mahal: 1.5 km
- Price: from 460 USD per room
With a romantic heritage setting, you could admire the Taj Mahal from your balcony all day. Wake up to the glorious sight of the Taj, enjoy the sunshine reflecting off it in the day, and have a romantic night with sunset and moonlight views of the Taj.
Don't forget the Lounge, which has a perfect backdrop of the Taj Mahal as well. Fancy food and stunning views make it a worthwhile visit.
Sunset and Evening Views at Mehtab Bagh
Sunset views of the Taj from Methab BaghBeing one of the popular sunset spots, shutter bugs are always amazed by its mesmerizing dusk views. The peaceful Yamuna River, flying birds, and grazing goats make the Taj view more lively.
Instead of a short moonlight visit to the Taj, Mehtab Bagh is a great option to enjoy the night view at any time of the month, though of course more moonlight helps visibility. You're free to stay as long as you like — no time limits.
You're suggested to head to Mehtab Bagh at dusk, see the sky changing tranquilly, and then capture the night views. Check more suggestions about Best Times to Visit the Taj Mahal>>>
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