Note: This blog was updated July 4 2018 with up-to-date information. Original article published March 2017.
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Yep, it’s true. The Taj Mahal will, as of April 2018, undergo a mud mask that experts say will brighten its marble and unclog its pores for a youthful, radiant glow (…we may have made up that last bit). The mud will cover the iconic dome roof – and other canopies – and is apparently the best way to remove the yellow stains that build up on the Taj thanks to air pollution and the burning of garbage and dung in nearby Agra.
Now obviously this cleaning might put a bit of a crimp in your plans to snap the ultimate #TajMahal selfie, but in the long run, the restorative works should leave the Taj glittering like it did way back in 1643. The work is part of a larger series of restorative projects being carried out on the historic site. If you’ve visited in the last year or two, you would have noticed scaffolding on the Taj’s minarets (and no doubt grumbled a bit about the importance of Instagram symmetry…) Now it’s the dome’s turn.
READ MORE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING THE TAJ MAHAL
So, what exactly is going on and what’s the timeline?
We’re glad you asked. From the start of April 2018, the four small canopies around the Taj’s main dome will start being cleaned (which will take at least two months).
After this, the main dome will be cleaned. As of now, it’s unclear how long this’ll take but it will be completed in phases.
What does this mean for travellers?
Before you even *think* about putting off your travel plans to India, there are a few things to consider. During the mudpack process, one side of the monument will ALWAYS be uncovered for visitors, so you’ll still be able to marvel at the Taj in all its semi-shrouded glory (and get some pretty epic snaps while you’re there).
And while you may not get the iconic Taj Mahal selfie, there are considerably less tourists crowding the site, making this a pretty good time to go.
CHECK OUT INTREPID’S RANGE OF SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN INDIA
4 incredible alternatives to the Taj Mahal
What does this mean for travellers? Well our India trips will still be running. And you will obviously still visit the Taj itself. That won’t change. It’ll just look a little…different. Kind of like those scenes in movies where a child disturbs an adult who’s undergoing a facial.
On the other hand, there’s a whole lot more to India than a single building, no matter how good it looks through an Insta filter. Here are a few Taj Mahal alternatives in India if you want to switch up your travel plans:
1. Kerala. One of the most beautiful waterways on the planet. Spend your days cruising the rivers on a traditional houseboat, then spend the night with a local family at an Intrepid homestay.
2. Goa. Portuguese food, swaying palms and beaches for days. There’s a reason Goa attracts free spirits from all over the world.
3. Rajasthan. India’s historic northern province. You can track Bengal Tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, ride camels in Pushkar and bunk down for the night in a Bassi heritage fort.
4. Udaipur. The ‘city of lakes’, a temple town set on the shores of Lake Pichola. Jainism and Vaishnaism are dominant here, which means its a haven for vegetarian food.
Want to find out more about India? Check out our small group tours for all the info.
10 comments
Hello. I plan on visiting Agra in March 2019. I was just wondering what the chances are of scaffolding still being up during that month? I want to take good pictures but scaffolding will obviously have a negative impact on the images. When will scaffolding be completely gone? If there is still scaffolding where will it be located exactly? Thank you so much for your assistance.
Hi
We are looking to come to India in October 2018. Is it likely that the dome will be covered then? Or has there been a delay. I cannot find anything about the latest developments. Thanks
Is it true that the Taj Mahal will be closed in the months of July and August 2018?
The Golden Temple in Amritsar of a fabulous addition to your trip or an alternative while you await the cleaning’s finish.
Then you need to check out Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi.
Similar and impressive as the Tja with a lot less people around.
The good NEWS now is that the scaffolding has been removed. Whatever is left (The dome of Taj) for cleaning, will be taken care of after March 2018. Taj Mahal looks more beautiful now as most of it is cleaned (using mudpack therapy) and looks more white & bright.
I’ve been travelling to India since April 2015 when I first saw the Taj – my next visit March 2016 yes saw the Taj again a bit of scaffolding and mud – went back Oct 2016 different scaffolding and mud – I’ll be back again in Nov 2017 – I love visiting the Taj as everytime I go I experience something different – the Taj is stunning and beautiful in any state ❤
any tips on what to wear on a trip during November please? Travelling Old & New Delhi, Shimla, Agra, Jaipur.
Will be held in April 2017?
Possibly bad news if you have just booked that dream trip and looking to recapture that iconic photo (lots and lots of other people have) Would it more interesting to be the person who has a selfie with the Taj covered in mud?