Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) Agra: Ticket Cost, Open Close Timings

The Taj Mahal is a famous landmark in Agra. The city, however, has another beautiful sight. On the other side of the river is a peaceful marble tomb. It is called Baby Taj, but its proper name is Itmad-ud-Daulah. Furthermore, we have been guiding tourists in Agra for more than a decade. So, let’s explore everything about Itmad-ud-Daulah Agra.

Quick Overview: Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) Agra.

Detail	Information
Site	Moti Bagh, East bank of Yamuna River, Agra.
GPS Point	27.1936° N, 78.0319° E
Built In	1622 – 1628 AD
Built By	Empress Nur Jahan.
Style	Mughal Marble Inlay Work.
Time	Sunrise to Sunset (Open Every Day).
Ticket Fee	₹30 (Indians), ₹310 (Foreigners).

The Royal Story Behind the Tomb.

In 1622, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a royal minister, passed away. He worked for Emperor Jahangir. The king gave him the title Itmad-ud-Daulah, which means “Pillar of the State”. Additionally, his daughter was Nur Jahan, the Empress. She was also a good queen. Moreover, she was very fond of her father and created a wonderful memorial for him. To create a white marble tomb, she engaged the best workers in a garden. Furthermore, Mirza Ghiyas Beg was the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal. Later on, Emperor Shah Jahan took the design idea from Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj).

Architecture and the Beautiful Baby Taj Details.

When you examine the tomb closely, you can see that it is a jewelry box!

Gemstone Art: Staff members chop small chunks of colored stones. They used them to create art of flowers and trees by pressing them into marble walls.
Lattice Windows: Stone cutters made marble in the form of a lattice or screen. They allow cool air to flow through and make nice floor shadows.
Symmetrical Gardens: Four green garden squares with small water paths are placed around the tomb. Also, it is in the center of the tomb itself.

What are the Top Spots to See Inside the Itmad-ud-Daulah Agra?

The main attractions are located inside.

The Main Tomb Room.
Enter the main room on the ground floor and view the marble tombs of Mirza Ghiyas Beg and his wife. Also, check out the soft flower paintings painted on the walls.
The River Deck.
Go to the back terrace facing the Yamuna River on foot. From the cool stone wall, you can enjoy a good view of the water at sunset.
The Red Entrance Gate.
Look at the large outer gate before you arrive at the white tomb. It also consists of red stone with bright white marble designs.

Timings & Weekly Schedule.

Open Hours: Gates open at sunrise (approx. 6:00 AM) and close at sunset (approx. 6:00 PM).
Open Days: It is open every day of the week. (Unlike the Taj Mahal, which stays closed on Fridays).

Best Time to Visit.

Winter (October to March) is the best time to visit Agra. The air is cool and walking outdoors is pleasant. Moreover, May and June are very hot months in Agra. Also, the temperatures can get to 42°C. So go early at 7:00 AM, before the stone floors get hot.

Itmad-ud-Daulah Agra: Tickets & Booking Tips.

Smart Tip: You can also purchase the tickets at the gate. However, purchasing online from the official site will save you time and money.

Foreign Visitors: ₹310 at the gate (₹260 online).
Indian Citizens: ₹30 at the gate (₹25 online).
Children under 15: All children are free to enter.

How to Reach the Site.

By Car or Taxi.
The driver can use the inner ring road to the east bank of the Yamuna from Delhi on the Yamuna Expressway. Outside the gate is a clean parking lot. Furthermore, the best way is to book a customized Tour. So, everything is sorted. You don’t need to look for vehicles or change again and again.
By Train or Metro.
A cab from Agra Cantt Train Station will take 20 minutes. Local autos are also near metro stops.

Fun Things to Do at Itmad-ud-Daulah Agra.

You can experience every beautiful art here.

Examine Wall Art: Walk up close to the marble and observe how tightly the colored gems fit into the stone.
Sit on a Stone Bench: Sit under a green tree, out of the street. This will also give you another beautiful feel.
Take Reflection Photos: Stand by water paths. Thus, to get a clear reflection photo of the main tomb.

Easy Photography Tips.

To get warm sunlight on the front of the tomb, stand near the main east gate in the afternoon. Thereafter, capture the main tomb with four corner towers in a wide camera mode. Also, photos sent by cell phone are complimentary. Tripods or drones are not permitted in the building by security guards. So, plan accordingly.

Practical Tips Before You Visit.

Shoes must be removed from the premises or covered with cloth shoe covers before entering onto the white marble floor.
Bring a small water bottle along with you. Because no large retail stores are available within the Garden.
If you wish to be guided, pay at the official guide’s desk within the gate. Ensure that they have an ID card on them.

What are the Top Attractions Nearby Itmad-ud-Daulah Agra?

There are several places to visit nearby.

Mehtab Bagh (2.5 km away): A peaceful park opposite the Taj Mahal. Also, perfect for sunset pictures.
Chini Ka Rauza (1km away): This is also the old tomb with colorful Persian tile decoration.
Agra Fort (3.5 km away): The majestic red stone fort where the Mughal kings lived.

So, if you are travelling from Delhi, you can explore our most popular tour: Best 2 Days Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour Plan.

Hotels & Staying Options.

Ultra Luxury Hotels: Oberoi Amarvilas or ITC Mughal (15 minutes away). So, the per-day prices start from INR 15000 to INR 55000
Mid-range hotel: Hotel Taj Resorts or Howard Plaza (10 minutes away). It can also cost you around INR 4000 to INR 9000. This also depends on what you choose.
Local Guest Houses or Budget Hotels: You can find many around the Taj Ganj area. Moreover, this is the cheapest option. It will cost around INR 600 to INR 800 per day.

Safety & Travel Tips.

Follow these simple tips.

Keep your cell phone and camera safe when walking close to the walls of the river.
Always use clean, tightly sealed bottled water.
Lastly, set the price with auto drivers before you get into the auto.

Fun Historical Facts About Itmad-ud-Daulah Agra

It was the first tomb in India where Pietra Dura stone art was used in reality. The design and cost of the entire tomb were the responsibility of a queen, Nur Jahan, the empress. Moreover, the nobleman was buried here. He was the father of Nur Jahan and grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal.

1-Day Agra Travel Plan.

Early in the morning. Watch the Sunrise at the Taj Mahal at 06:00 AM.

At 09:00 AM: Breakfast on the rooftop of a local cafe.
Then, go to the calm and quiet Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) in Agra.
Have lunch at a restaurant on Fatehabad Road in the afternoon.
Around 3 pm, tour the big palaces inside Agra Fort.
Lastly, in the evening, watch the sunset from Mehtab Bagh over the river.

Then, go back to your hotel and relax.

Nearby Attractions to Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), Agra:

Chini Ka Rauza (1 km): A unique funerary monument famous for its colorful Persian-style glazed tilework.
Aram Bagh / Ram Bagh (2.5 km): One of the oldest Mughal garden complexes in India, built by Emperor Babur.
Mehtab Bagh (3 km): A serene riverside garden offering incredible sunset views of the Taj Mahal across the river.
Agra Fort (4 km): A grand UNESCO World Heritage site made of red sandstone that served as the main seat of Mughal emperors.
Taj Mahal (5.5 km): The world-famous white marble masterpiece located just a short drive away.

Customized Road Tours & Private Transport.

Experience the convenience of booking a private tour. Moreover, the most comfortable way of visiting is via the Yamuna Expressway from Delhi. We’re here to provide you with private car tours with pickup, qualified drivers, and hassle-free travel arrangements. So, we can help you cover the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daulah) Agra in 1 day. However, for a lengthier tour, we also have 4 Days Delhi and Agra Heritage Tour for you.

Final Thoughts.

This monument is a good place to admire pure Mughal art in the absence of a large crowd. It is a unique place in Agra, with its white marble walls and peaceful gardens, and its history. Are you planning your trip in the near future? Call us now for any private car or customized Agra tour!

Frequently Asked Questions.

Why is Itmad-ud-Daulah called the “Draft” of the Taj Mahal?

The first white marble tomb of India. It was also the inspiration for the gem art and dome designs of Shah Jahan. So, he used them in the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Can I visit Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh together?

Yes. These are located on the same bank of the river, 2.5 km from each other. It saves time and traffic.

Is photography permitted inside the main room?

Yes, photos with a phone and camera are free. Tripods, selfie sticks, and flashlights are not allowed.

What is the difference between Baby Taj and Taj Mahal?

It is smaller, peaceful, and has no crowds. Moreover, the stone art can be seen and touched without the hustle and bustle.

Are shoe covers provided for free at the gate?

Foreign ticket holders have free shoe covers. They are available for ₹10 or for walking barefoot for Indian ticket holders.

Which is the best camera spot for photos?

Wait at the east water path at around 4:00 PM. Additionally, the warm sun adds a golden hue and a clear reflection of the water.

Is there a dress code for the tomb?

There are no hard and fast rules. So, wear simple clothes, covering your shoulders, in respect.