Introduction:
Welcome to my Solo Traveler’s Guide unveiling the Taj Mahal The realm of India’s enchanting wonders, where every stone tells a story and every glance at the Taj Mahal is a brushstroke on the canvas of your solo adventure. As a solo black American female traveler, my journey through India was filled with complexities and surprises.
As you continue reading this blog, I will provide details of not only my experience solo traveling to India, but a comprehensive guide to the Taj Mahal and Solo travel tips in India. You should know when visiting and the dos and don’t when at the Taj Mahal.
Visa Requirements:
As an American, you need to obtain a visa to visit. You will need to apply for a visa here: Link for Visa
To apply for an e-tourist visa. It cost me $40 for a year visa. It only took 26 hours to get approved. Make sure you have an electronic copy and a physical copy showing proof of your visa. In case your phone dies while at custom, I always suggest having a physical copy as well.
Flight Information:
I caught a red eye flight from JFK Thursday night. This was a 15-hour flight so by the time I landed in India, it is already Friday night. Which worked for me as the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Since this flight was 15+ hours, I had to sit in Business and It is worth it.
Navigating DEL Airport
Arriving at the DEL airport around 9:30 pm, I was welcomed by a vibrant atmosphere. The airport is a buzzing hub, even in the late hours. No need to worry about safety; it’s open 24/7, and security is vigilant. New York has nothing on India. India is the true definition of never sleeping.
Now that I’ve been to India I can definitely tell you, order an Uber or pay for a cab at the airport. It is much cheaper. Public transportation is also a good way to go but since I am not familiar with the country’s transportation, I am not able to give you any tips unfortunately.
Options for Airport Transport:
- Hotel Pick-Up: Opting for convenience on my first visit, I paid for a hotel pick-up. In hindsight, I recommend an Uber or a cab for a more budget-friendly choice.
I paid $40 for a one-way ride to my hotel, but an Uber would have been a mere $4. Near baggage claim, there’s a reliable taxi stand where you pay and is escorted to your taxi. Avoid hopping into cars outside the airport; safety first!
- Public Transportation: For the adventurous souls, there’s a train near the airport connecting directly to Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. A round trip to the Taj Mahal and back to the airport can cost less than $40. Mind you, the Taj Mahal is a 3-4 hour drive from New Delhi.
Pro Tip:
- Beware of Unofficial Taxis: Resist the temptation to jump into a car with someone yelling “taxi” outside the airport; it’s a potential safety risk. Again, I recommend going to the taxi both located inside the airport to request a ride if you opt out of requesting an Uber.
Cracking the Wi-Fi Code:
- DEL Airport Wi-Fi: Unlike other airports, DEL has a unique Wi-Fi setup. Instead of a simple sign-up, they request your passport number. I do not trust that at all. For longer stays, consider getting a local SIM card for hassle-free connectivity.
My Hotel: The Lodhi
Imagine arriving at your destination and being greeted like royalty by your own personal fan club – well, that’s how my grand entrance at when reached ‘Arrivals’ at DEL Airport. My hotel driver was there holding a sign with my name on it – cue the princess moment! I mean, who doesn’t secretly love feeling like a VIP with their biggest fan holding a sign, right?
And the bougie journey began, A mere 25-minute drive from the airport. My ride to the hotel was a dive into sheer luxury. The car had Wifi (yes, you read that right). It was the kind of fancy I could get used to.
Staying at The Lodhi, a luxurious haven , was pure indulgence. And being an AMEX Platinum gal, I was in for some extra treats through the Fine Hotels + Resort perks – room upgrades, free breakfast, guaranteed late checkout, and a sweet experience credit (spa or lunch).
This bougie babe opted for the ‘LODHI PREMIER ROOM,’ complete with a private plunge pool because, why not? It was my birthday, after all! A simple email to the hotel about my celebration plans, and voila – a complimentary cake and candle by the pool. Nothing says celebration like a midnight dip, right?
@ti3rratravels Welcome to my luxurious hotel in India. I highly suggest when visiting India to only stay at 5 star hotels ESPECIALLY when solo traveling. 5 star hotel can range from $50-$150/night . #newdelhi #india #exploreindia #ti3rraindia #traveltok #traveltip #travelguide #hotelsinindia #indiatrip #solotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryhotel #ti3rraasia #thelodhi
Pro tip: Always mention your birthday! The hotel not only arranged a cake but also threw in a candlelit poolside setup – all complimentary!
But here’s the real game-changer – a personal assistant at my beck and call. Arriving close to 10:30pm and with a 2 am Taj Mahal expedition on the cards, she became my lifesaver.
By the time I settled in, I showered, created some content, the staff sung happy birthday to me and I had my personal assistant help me put on my saree. Child, I was struggling trying to put it on. This glam adventure included a late-night saree struggle because who doesn’t need a wardrobe malfunction in India, right?
Because I knew I was landed in India late and leaving for the Taj Mahal at 2am, I had to buy my saree in America which of course is more expensive than buying it in India. I ordered my Saree on Amazon for $50. Truly thankful my personal assistant was able to help me.
@ti3rratravels Here’s how i got ready for the Taj Mahal. It’s a 4 hour drive from New Delhi and if you want good pictures you have to get there a little before it opens up. I wanted to look stunning especially since I’m visiting one of the 7 wonders. The Taj Mahal is truly breathtaking. #saree #tajmahal #india #agraindia #newdelhi #sareelook #amazonfinds #GRWM #blackgirl #traveltiktok #travelguide #solotravel #luxuryhotel #ti3rraindia #fyp #exploreindia #ti3rraasia
Taj Mahal Tour
For an unforgettable Taj Mahal experience, I opted for the Private Sunrise Tour from Delhi by Car with Keeperlandwey (check them out here: Keeper IG or Trip Advisor). This all-inclusive package provided a dedicated driver, a knowledgeable tour guide, and seamless entry to the Taj Mahal. I skipped the food option, preferring to explore the local street fare as it is much cheaper.
Note: If you wait to buy your ticket to enter the Taj Mahal the day of, have a local buy your ticket as foreigners are charged a higher price.
The adventure kicked off at 2 am when my driver whisked me from my hotel for the 3-4 hour drive to the Taj Mahal. Arriving 30 minutes before sunrise is a game-changer.
Tips for the Taj Mahal:
Here are some valuable tips for navigating the Taj Mahal:
- Early Bird Gets the View: Arrive early to beat the crowds. Try arriving 10min before the gates open
- Consider a Guide: Walking to the Taj Mahal entrance involves navigating through local areas. While the Taj Mahal is beautiful, getting to the entrance of entering the Taj Mahal you’re walking in the slum. I am not exaggerating! My driver had to stop at a certain point and my tour guide, Sadiq, and I had to walk the remainder distance towards the entrance.
- Pack Smart: The Taj Mahal has strict rules about what you can bring. Leave backpacks, larger bags, food, tobacco, drones, GoPros, headphones, jewelry, and tripods at home. So if you’re looking to take pictures of yourself, I suggest hiring a tour guide.
- Photography Dilemma: While there are photographers on-site, be cautious about scams. Negotiate prices before snapping, and bring your flash drive for instant photo transfers. Also, don’t pay until after you receive your photos. Then again, if you have a tour guide, they will be able to take your photos for you using your phone or camera.
- Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, respecting the sacred nature of the monument and the mosque within. India is a Muslim country so be mindful of how you’re dressing. Given that this is a functioning mosque and literal tomb, it’s probably not the place to show a whole lot of booty and tits. Be respectful.
Again, I highly suggest getting a guide especially if you’re a female solo traveler. It’s a great way to learn more about the history of a place, have your own personal photographer/videographer who can capture the right angles for you and know the best location for pictures, and you’re able to support a local. However, getting a reliable and knowledgeable guide at the Taj Mahal can be a bit tricky. You don’t want to end up being scam like how it showed in the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’: Jamal and his elder brother Saleem, stealing shoes of foreigners and running away with them, pretending to be tour guides just to collect the money, and of visitors being harassed by guides and other agents.
Conclusion:
Agra, the city housing the Taj Mahal, has its quirks. Pollution and scammers abound, so staying vigilant is key. Visiting the Taj Mahal is probably on your bucket list- and it absolutely should be! It’s one of the most romantic and opulent monuments.
My tour guide, Sadiq from Keeperlandwey, was an absolute gem. More than just a guide, he played the roles of photographer, videographer, and protector. His local expertise ensured a hassle-free visit, shielding me from persistent sellers and providing valuable insights into the city’s history.
Exploring the Taj Mahal is an enchanting experience, and with the right guide, it becomes a journey of cultural immersion, protection from scams, and stunning visuals. For an authentic and memorable visit, Sadiq is the go-to guy.
