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Taj Mahal Dress Code Explained!

Taj Mahal Dress Code Explained!

Perhaps one of the most famous tourist attractions in India is the impressive Taj Mahal but what is the Taj Mahal Dress Code? In this guide we will guide you through the dress code and tell you exactly what to wear at Taj Mahal for women, men and children.

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Taj Mahal Dress code

The Taj Mahal actually is not a religious site like a Church in Italy or Mosque in Istanbul or Abu Dhabi.

Instead, the Taj Mahal is actually a beautiful white marble mausoleum located on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra.

The Mausoleum was commissioned by the then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1932 to commemorate his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal.

For this reason there isn’t as strict a dress code as you would find at a religious site but you still should dress modestly as we recommend wherever you are traveling in India.

So how does this TaJ Mahal Dress Code or sensibility translate into outfits?

What to Wear to Taj Mahal for Women

Woman at Taj Mahal - What to Wear to the Taj Mahal Dress Code Advice
What to Wear to the Taj Mahal Dress Code Advice

When you are wondering what to wear to Taj Mahal for women the key is modesty.

Although you will see people at the Taj Mahal wearing strappy and shorts dresses or tank tops, this really isn’t appropriate for India where people expect more modesty.,

For this reason we recommend keeping your shoulder and knees covered. For that reason we would choose from the below wardrobe items when putting together your outfit for the Taj Mahal:

Maxi Skirts

A Maxi skirt is always on my India packing list as they are both modest and cool. Again as piece of clothing providing that there isn’t an overly high slit that reveal your knee if you are going to religious sites. 

Maxi Dress

A Maxi dress is another staple of my India packing lists. I try and pick one made of a natural fabric such as cotton so it is more breathable. 

I would advise picking a dress that has at least some cap sleeves to make it more appropriate for the India dress code. 

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T Shirts

A T Shirt that covers the shoulder is great wherever you are heading in India.

Pashmina

For any trip to India no matter the time of year you are traveling we recommend taking a pashmina. This is for several reasons:

  • The air conditioning can be very strong so you may want to have a pashmina as an extra layer for some indoor locations
  • It can be used to make an outfit more modest when required.
  • Can be used as a head scarf if you are visiting a religious site where this is a requirement.

Sun hat and Sunglasses

One of the things that you will find at the Taj Mahal is that there is very little shade and protection from the sun. And the marble of the mausoleum is really dazzling. Therefore you will want to take a sun hat and sun glasses to protect your eyes.

Also

What to Wear to Taj Mahal for Men

We recommend men heading to the Taj Mahal consider the following items:

Cotton Pants

To keep your knees covered for certain public places but keep cool we recommend wearing lightweight cotton pants. 

Linen trousers are another great option. We recommend avoiding jeans. This isn’t because they are against the Taj Mahal dress code but simply because you will find in outdoor locations, you will feel too hot

T Shirts 

T Shirts are appropriate throughout India for men.

Longer Length Shorts

While at hotels and on the beach shorter length shorts are fine, we recommend packing a long length pair for certain public places.

Shirts

While T shirts are appropriate in most public places, button down shirts should be added to your packing list if you plan on eating at some of India’s fine dining establishments.

Hat / Cap and Sunglasses

This is important to protect your head from the sun.

Best Shoes for the Taj Mahal

One thing you should know about the Taj Mahal is that the grounds are very well maintained, this includes the paths which are largely flat. However the ground can get slippy if you are visiting during rainy season.

We either choose to wear slip on slip off sneakers such as Go Walks by Sketchers or in the summer we wear sandals with arch support.

FAQs about the Taj Mahal Dress code.

What color should I wear to the Taj Mahal?

As the Taj Mahal is made of dazzling white/ivory marble we recommend wearing bright colors. These will really make you pop in any photographs or selfies that you take at the Taj Mahal.

What should I pack for Taj Mahal?

Given the heat I would also recommend packing plenty fo water and sunscreen in your Taj Mahal daypack.

What can you not bring to Taj Mahal?

The following things are not allowed at the Taj Mahal and should be left out of your bag, otherwise they will be confiscated or entry denied:

  • drone
  • Headphones
  • Food
  • Smoking related items
  • Alcohol
  • Weapns
  • Tripod

For the full list of information check the official Taj Mahal Website.