The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, part of the New Seven Wonders of The World - and rightly so! This impressive monument took more than 15 years to be completed and it's a true symbol of love! The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan dedicated the white-marble mausoleum to his wife and love of his life, Mumtaz Mahal. Named "The Crown of the Palaces" he started building it in Mumtaz's memory after she died, and so it still stands today as the greatest symbol for the power of love.

You can feel the magic all around and it's worth wandering in all directions to truly see its entire beauty. Depending on the time of the day you visit the Taj Mahal, it will have a different feel each time you look at it. In the morning hours, it's best to beat the crowds when lining up before the sun rises and you can then witness how the majestic building suddenly appears out of the morning mist. Around noon is the time when most of the early visitors disappear and you will have a better chance to get a good glimpse from the most popular places, but it's also the time when it gets really hot so it's almost unbearable to stay outside for a long time. In the afternoon you have the best chance to see it clear and shiny but the heat keeps increasing throughout the day, and usually it's best for the afternoon visits between November and February when the temperature is lower.

If you happen to be in Agra for full moon, book your tickets for the moon gazing ahead of time and you will witness a very different kind of magic around the Taj Mahal all together! While most people only visit for a few hours, I highly recommend to stay for a night or two and see the Taj Mahal at different times of the day and from all different ankles. You may only be here once, so why not make the most of your trip and take it all in?! Here are some of the best photo spots and beautiful places to explore that you shouldn't miss at the Taj Mahal!