gmh66

Hi all,
Is the Taj Mahal open to the public on Republic Day if it isn't a Friday? We plan to go there next year when Republic Day, 26 Jan 2012, falls on a Thursday, and I want to make sure that it will be open!
Thanks

angel1

Contact on +91-562-2227261, 2227263, 2227262 (Fax). Email: [email protected]

Cicerone

I am fairly positive that it is open, you might want to check the website for the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Board (the state in which Agra is located) at http://www.tajmahal.gov.in/. You can also send an email to them to confirm the opening dates at [email protected] , [email protected]. In my experience, very few tourist sites are closed on Republic Day.

Just bear in mind that in 2008 French President Sarcozy was in India for Republic Day, and he want to the Taj, which was closed for his visit. (He did this again in early December 2010 with his wife, and again the Taj was closed at the last minute.) So even though it is officially open, you might run into a similar thing next year if there is an official guest for the national holiday. It also could be on the crowded side, as many people have that day off. There may be better days to go.

FYI, there is a terrific parade in New Dehli on Republic Day which is very much worth seeing. It consist mostly of Indian troops, including marvelously mustached Rajasthan cavalry on horseback and troops on elephant. There are often fireworks in the evening. It’s a fun day to be in New Delhi, and the weather is generally wonderful. You need tickets to go, contact your hotel now to see if you can get some.

Marija

I remember Sarcozy's visit well. He booted us out of our bed at the Imperial Hotel.

gmh66

Thanks for the info, I will send off an email, though we might try to avoid going that day just in case!

lcuy

This is why I often recommend spending at least one night in any town where there is a "must see" on your list. The Taj Mahal is often closed for celebrities or politicians. If you have your heart set on seeing the Taj, allow yourself two opportunities by arriving on one day and having enough time the next day to do a separate visit.