How to Visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, better known as the Baby Taj, is an unmissable attraction in Agra. Although most people only visit Agra for the Taj Mahal, the Baby Taj is a beautiful mausoleum complex that is less visited and offers fantastic photo opportunities. You can easily combine your visit with Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, and Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden).
This ultimate guide to the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah includes the best time to visit, how to get there, and practical information.
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Best Time to Visit Agra
Although Agra can be visited all year round, the best time is from November to June. However, from May the heat is scorching during the day, so the off-season is only recommended if you want to avoid the crowds. The hottest months are May and June when temperatures rise above 40°C.
The busiest period in Agra is from October to March. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation, train tickets, and tours in advance!
We visited the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah at the end of March and had fantastic weather.
In summer, especially at midday, the sun can be scorching hot, and there is little shade. So we recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature is pleasant to explore the Mughal mausoleum.
How to Get to the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah
The tomb is a 10-minute drive from Agra Fort and 15 minutes from the Taj Mahal. You can easily get to the tomb by Uber or a tuk-tuk. A tuk-tuk driver will take you to the Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb from Agra Fort for around 100-150 INR (1-2 USD).
Alternatively, you can join an organized group or private tour, which includes transport. Most day tours from Delhi include a visit to the Baby Taj. In addition, you can also visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and explore the Agra Fort.
The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a private air-conditioned car, a driver, a guide, entrance fees, bottled water, and a buffet lunch at a 5-star hotel.
Book this excellent day tour via GetYourGuide or Viator.
Itimad-ud-Daulah History
After visiting Agra Fort, we arrived in the afternoon and were surprised to find very few tourists, only locals. Although not as impressive or famous as the Taj Mahal, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is much more ornate.
We think it’s a must-visit for architecture fans or those who want to immerse themselves more in India’s history. Itimad-ud-Daulah is the first tomb in India built entirely in white marble.
The mausoleum is set in a well-maintained garden and contains the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The tomb was built between 1622 and 1628 by Mughal empress Nur Jahan in memory of her father.
Baby Taj
The mausoleum contains many of the features that were later used in the design of the Taj Mahal, such as the Pietra Dura style. Like the Taj Mahal, the main tomb stands on a raised platform. The interior of the tomb is decorated with beautiful carved marble and intricate lattice screens.
The tomb is a rectangular structure made entirely of white marble with four stunning corner minarets.
There is no dress code, but you should wear respectful clothing when visiting the mausoleum. Women must cover their shoulders and knees. You cannot enter the mausoleum in shoes, so you must wear a shoe cover or be barefoot.
You can explore the complex in less than 1 hour while admiring the floral arabesques, geometric patterns, and calligraphy.
As the tomb is located on the northern side of the Yamuna River, we recommend combining your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Taj View Point ADA near Mehtab Bagh.
This viewpoint offers a magical view of the Taj Mahal at sunset. There is also a bench where you can sit down and take the best photos of the Taj Mahal with a good zoom lens.
Itimad-ud-Daulah Opening Hours & Entry Fee
The entrance fee is 310 INR (3,65 USD) for foreigners and 30 INR (0,35 USD) for Indians and citizens of SAARC/BIMSTEC countries. There is no entry fee for children under 15 (Indian and foreign). The tomb is open daily from sunrise to sunset, usually from 6 AM to 6 PM.
You can buy your ticket at the entrance or on the official website.
If you buy tickets online, you will get a discount of INR 50 per foreign ticket.
Where to Stay in Agra
Agra has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. We spent 3 nights at Ekaa Villa, which was a good base for exploring Agra’s attractions. But for the best experience, book accommodation with a view of the Taj Mahal. These are our recommendations.
Best Hotels with Taj Mahal View
- Luxury: The Oberoi Amarvilas
- Mid-Range: Tajview Agra or Taj Hotel & Convention Centre
- Budget: Radisson Hotel
Recommended post → Best Hotels near Taj Mahal
We hope you found our guide to the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go
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