Introduction
The Taj Mahal is awesome, we agree. But let's be honest, sharing this masterpiece with hordes of tourists is average. No stress, we have secret plans to chill out in front of this legendary monument. The following summarises some expert advice on the best time to visit Taj Mahal:

Get up early and head into the sunrise
Don't want to fight for a piece of white marble? Head to the Taj Mahal as soon as it opens, 30 minutes before sunrise. BONUS: incredible light on the monument and perfect fresh air to start the day.

Forget weekends and holidays
Logically, the more people have free time, the more people there are at the Taj. Aim for weekdays for a quieter visit. Not possible? Try the beginning or the end of the week, it's not bad.

Don't underestimate the charm of Friday
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for prayers. Good news: going there on Thursday or Saturday is definitely calmer!

Opt for the night visit (outside Ramadan)
Imagine the Taj lit up by the moon, something crazy. And what's more, there are a lot fewer people than during the day. Remember to book your tickets in advance, because they are only available 2 days per month around the full moon (except during Ramadan, too bad).

Explore Mehtab Bagh, the Garden of the Moon
Opposite the Taj Mahal, on the other side of the Yamuna, there is a hidden garden, the Mehtab Bagh. It's super quiet and you love a crazy view of the monument. Great for chilling out and taking beautiful photos.

Be strategic with your tickets
Get your Taj Mahal tickets online to avoid the endless queue at the entrance, especially in high season. And if you're motivated, check out the cord-cutting options for certain niches.

Choose the correct entry
The Taj Mahal has 3 gates: the main (East), west and south. The East is the busiest. Try your luck from the west or the south to get home a bit faster.

Travel outside of peak season
From October to February and in April, it's madness. Aim for low season (May-June, July-August and September) for more peace and quiet. Be careful of the monsoon in July-August.

Hire an experienced local guide
An experienced local guide is the win. He knows the secret corners of the Taj and takes you away from the crowd. In addition, he tells you fascinating anecdotes about the monument and India.

The Bottom Line
The best time to visit Taj Mahal completely depends on a person's mindset and availability. With these backpacker tips, you're ready to enjoy a Taj Mahal VIP entrance or may be similar to that, who knows? So, plan your trip accordingly and have fun!