The Taj Mahal is one of the planet’s greatest destinations. In fact, it’s a certified world wonder that every traveller should have on their bucket list. But with so many options on how to visit the Taj Mahal, you may be wondering - what is the best way to visit this glorious destination? Is going on a Taj Mahal tour worth it? Let’s break it down.

Visiting the Taj Mahal By Yourself (the DIY Option)

The perks of visiting the Taj Mahal by yourself are obvious. Save money, and have more freedom to do what you want. Of course, you’ll have to find your own transport to the Taj Mahal and navigate through potentially long lines yourself. If you’re doing this option, I would highly advise buying your ticket in advance, as you’ll be able to skip the line and save yourself hours of time (trust me, it barely costs anything and is completely worth it). You can buy your tickets online in advance through the Indian Ministry of Culture’s Official Website.

On the website, select ‘Agra’ as the city, and click through the monuments that you’re intending to visit (and obviously, don’t miss ticking off the Taj Mahal). The website will ask if you’re purchasing a ticket for the Taj Mahal only, or the Taj Mahal with Mausoleum. I personally would just purchase a ticket that includes the Mausoleum, as this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you might as well see as much as you can while you’re there.

The interesting thing about buying a ticket through the official website is that it will ask you to either buy a ‘forenoon’ (entry before 12:00pm) ticket, or an afternoon ticket (entry after 12:00pm and before 4:40pm). So before purchasing a ticket, it helps to roughly know what time you’re planning on arriving, as you will be denied entry if you miss your cut-off time on the ticket. If you’re coming all the way from Delhi, it may be safer to buy an afternoon ticket to ensure that you will be granted entry to the Taj Mahal, as it can take up to 4 hours (depending on traffic) to complete the journey.

Now, once you’re in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal entrance, prepare to get bombarded. There will be aggressive touts trying to sell you things, massive crowds of people, and a huge line to get through security. Do not bring any large bags, as well as any electronics except your camera (this includes power banks, spare batteries etc.), as going through Taj Mahal’s security is even stricter than going through airport security.

Visiting the Taj Mahal by yourself vs. Taj Mahal Tour

So after having visited the Taj Mahal, would I visit by myself? To be honest, absolutely not. There are way too many distractions in and around the Taj Mahal area. Without a guide, I would have been too flustered and overwhelmed to really take the beautiful site in. Not to mention, having a guide acts as a bit of an extra security layer to prevent you from pickpockets and aggressive touts coming up to you (seriously, they are everywhere).

Overall, having going on a tour with a guide benefits in you in so many ways:

• A guide can organise your entrance ticket

• A guide can help skip the line for you and communicate with security if there are any issues

• A guide can help say ‘no’ to aggressive touts for you if the situation escalates

• A guide can explain the history behind the Taj Mahal and everything around it

• A guide knows where the best photography spots are and can take photos for you

• A tour company can organise transport from Delhi, Agra or other places

• It is much easier to travel around to other Agra attractions, such as Agra Fort or Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb (Baby Taj) with a tour company.

How to find the Best Taj Mahal Tours? Our Handpicked Tours

There’s an overwhelming amount of Taj Mahal tours out there, and choosing between them can feel hectic - a bit like you’re on the streets of Delhi! Don’t worry, we’ve traversed the internet to find you the best Taj Mahal experiences, depending on your budget and preferences.

Budget: 5-Star Reviewed Day Trip to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj from Delhi – Only Transport and Tour Guide

This tour was the one we went on, and we couldn’t recommend it enough. Both the driver and guide were friendly and insightful, and I honestly could not have imagined visiting the Taj Mahal without going on this tour. It’s also super affordable (one of the most affordable on the internet), and has unblemished perfect 5-star reviews.

To save as much money as possible, choose the ‘Only Transport and Tour Guide’. You’ll have to buy your own tickets with this option by following the steps I outlined earlier in this post. However, simply tell your guide on the day that you’ve purchased your tickets, and they can help you skip the line when you’re there.

You’ll also get to visit the majestic Agra Fort and elegant Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb (Baby Taj) on this tour – a great bonus.

You can check out what else this tour has to offer by clicking here.

Budget: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour from Agra City – Tickets Included

If you’re already in Agra city, then this tour is the best option for you. It’s inexpensive, includes a visit to Agra Fort, and the tour company arranges your tickets for you. This tour also has perfect 5-star reviews.

You can check out this tour from Agra by clicking here.

Mid-Range: Delhi to Taj Mahal by Express Train with Lunch at 5-Star Hotel – Tickets Included

Arrive in Agra in style on a 1st class train ride, and then enjoy a lunch at a 5-star hotel in Agra after visiting the Taj Mahal. Visits to Baby Taj and Agra Fort are also included in this tour.

You can check out this Express Train and Lunch tour by clicking here.

Luxury: 3-Day Private Luxury Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi

This tour is suitable for those who have at least 3 days to spare to get the best out of their trip to India. On this tour, not only will you be visiting Agra’s best sights, but you’ll also visiting the pink city of Jaipur. Also includes airport transfer for travellers going straight to the airport.

You can check out this 3-day private tour of Agra and Jaipur by clicking here.

Did you end up visiting the Taj Mahal on a tour or just by yourself? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Check out my photos of my trip to India on Instagram!