Which parts of the Taj are being cleaned in 2019?
The scaffolding went up in 2016 and even a British Royal visit could not stop the drive to restore the marble of the Taj Mahal to it persil whiteness.
What does this mean for travellers?
We are adding to this blog as we receive updates.
Why is it taking so long?
The Taj is being cleaned using a mud pack called “Fullers Earth”. The clay is applied to the marble to lift the staining left by air pollution and bird droppings before it is washed off with distilled water. This method is very effective in cleaning marble but it is a slow process. The total time to complete the cleaning has been made even made even slower by the ASI decision to clean the monument in small sections so that the Taj Mahal is not closed.
The Cleaning Program
| Reference No. | Work Zone – Taj Mahal | Work Timeline |
| 1 | Southern Façade | June to August 2017 |
| 2 | South East Minaret | June to August 2017 |
| 3 | South- West Façade | June to August 2017 |
| 4 | Northern Façade | August to October 2017 |
| 5 | Western Façade | October to December 2017 |
| 6 | Peripheral Wall | November 2017 to January 2018 |
| 7 | Four Chhatri’s on roof of main mausoleum | January 2018 to April 2018Completed 18th September 2018 |
| 8 | Pinnacle and Dome | May 2018 to November 2018 Work was not completed to the timeline provided. See below for updates. |
These were the original timelines released by the ASI, they may not be definitive and some work may finish earlier and others longer.
Update 05 August 2017:
Cleaning work on the front (southern facade) and the south-east minaret is now completed and all the scaffolding has been removed. Thank you to my friend Jai Sehgal in Agra for sending through this photo.
Update 9th January 2018
Cleaning on the Peripheral Wall has been completed and scaffolding is being removed.
Update 14th March 2018
The next stage of work is now scheduled to start at the end of April.
Update 23 March 2018
Work to clean the four chhatri’s on the roof of the Taj is now scheduled to start from the first week of April and is expected to take 2 months to complete.
Update 05 May 2018
The ASI indicated work would begin the first week of April on the four chhatri’s on the roof of the Taj, but work got underway today (5th May) with the first of the scaffolding going up. A reminder that the work on the main dome will not start until the four chhatri’s have been cleaned.
Update 10th May 2018 – Scaffolding is still being erected, cleaning hasn’t started yet. There is also scaffolding on the Royal Gate at the moment to repair the storm damage to the minarets.
Update 11th June 2018: Scaffolding is erected around one of the small chhatri’s (small dome) on the roof. This will give you a bit of an idea of what scaffolding is likely to look like when they eventually move on to the main dome.
Update: 09 August 2018
We were advised via one source overnight that the work on cleaning the 4 chhatris (small domes on the roof) should be complete by the end of August and all scaffolding will then be removed in time for the start of the main tourist season. Currently, pressure is being put on the ASI by the Tourism Industry to delay the start of the work to clean the main dome till April 2019 so that this major work can be completed during the off season.
However, word from our man on the ground in Agra today is that no work is currently going due to the rain. Both the front small domes and one on the river side are covered by scaffolding. In his last conversation with the ASI, staff they indicated that they will cover front part (south side) of the main big dome first so that by October they can move towards cleaning the river side (north side).
He has reiterated that the finishing time given by ASI is the end of November 2018, so we have to wait till that time.
Below is the latest photo (taken on a mobile phone with an effect to squash everything into the frame).
Update 03 September 2018:
The scaffolding is starting to be removed from around all the small chhatri’s. There has been no words as yet as to weather they will move on to the main dome or cleaning will be delayed until the off-season in 2019.
Update 14 September 2018
In the coming week, cleaning will be complete on all the four small domes (chhatris) and all the scaffolding will be taken down. The ASI is still advising that deadline to have the main dome cleaned will be the end of November 2018, so we expect scaffolding to start being erected on the main dome soon.
Update: 18th September 2018
There is still no official word if the timeline of the end of November 2018 for the cleaning to be finished is going to be shifted or if work will cease and then start again in April 2019. However, the scaffolding is down off the four chhatri’s on the roof. This video is from today. Thank you to our local Agra friend Gary Singh-Julka for the video.
Update: 26 September 2018
We haven’t had an official update and there seems to be no move to erect any scaffolding yet on the dome.
Update 07 November 2018
The is no work is going on and no further information is available from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the moment.
Update: 25 January 2019
On Wednesday the ASI stated cleaning in small patches of the lower walls of the main mausoleum and will be doing this over the next couple of months so that visitors photos are not affected
Update: 31 May 2019
Unfortunately, our update is not really an update. There continues to be no further information forthcoming from the ASI.
Update: 16 July 2019
We have received the following notification overnight:
We would like to inform you that the civil work on minarets of Taj Mahal had started, as some precious stones fixing work is on and it will take time. Scaffoldings are already there and maintaince work of Taj Museum is already going on.
The mudpack treatment on main dome of Taj is scheduled and it might start as soon as ASI chemical wing gets NOC (No Objection Certificate) from higher authorities and research agency , who is examining main dome weight carrying capacity.
ASI officials are expecting it as soon as possible and hoping to start mud pack treatment on main dome hopefully by Sept 2019. But again, no time line can be announced till the time ASI chemical wing did not receive the NOC from higher authorities.
I have decided to turn of comments on this post as the work has dragged on it really has become a case of ‘crystal ball gazing’ as to when work is going to start on the main dome. The work on the miranets was not scheduled but urgent work in response to cracking appearing in some stones.
We will be visiting the Taj Mahal on our Women’s Only India Tour: Fabric Food & Fabulous +Holi in March 2020. In Agra we will also celebrate Holi – The Festival of Colours >> Read More
Hello. Do your have any New updates how the process is going? Is the sceduale the same as the plan? Im thinking of going to India in march, thats why I want to know. / Camilla
Hi Camilla,
Yes at this stage things seem to be progressing according to the plan set out by the ASI. I have photos taken on the 9th January and they had just finished the peripheral wall and were taking down the scaffolding.
Natasha
Did the cleaning of the dome start this month (April 19) as planned please? If not what is the revised plan?
Hi Rosemary,
Nothing has started and we still have not official news from the ASI.
Any further updates please? Hoping to visit in March 2020 but having waited this long want all the work finished!
Sorry, we have had no further information from the ASI as to when work is starting again.
Thank you for your information. I am planning to visit the last of November, first of December. Do you think restoration will be completely done by then?
Hi Carol,
Restoration is supposed to be complete by end November 2018, however this is not guaranteed. I will be updating this post over the course of the year as the work progresses.
The women’s only trip that I escort each year is skipping Agra for 2018 and we are going to Udaipur instead.
Natasha
Hello,
Thank you for these updates. I am considering traveling to India and visit the Taj Mahal in April. I saw your update on January 9th, but I also have read that work has been delayed to May or June of this year. Do you have any insight on the status of the cleaning in April? Thanks
Hello Tyler,
We only have the official timeline from the ASI as listed on the blog post. The cleaning process has been methodically moving from one area to another since it started. If I receive any official updates I will post these and updated photos as I receive them from my friends in Agra.
Natasha
Hi Natasha
Do you have any further updates of the progress for cleaning the dome and pinnicale? Thinking of visiting early Oct
Hi Annette,
First a big apology the notification for your comment went to SPAM for some reason. At the moment there is no scaffolding but I have been advised the next stage of work is scheduled to start now at the end of April. I wouldn’t want to make any predictions about October.
Natasha
Hello Natasha
I’m coming to India with wendy wu this November, I can see that the work should be coming to an end then. Can you let me know if the work is on track as it’s the centre dome that’s due to be cleaned in November.
Thanks amanda
Hi Amanda,
They are now behind in the list of works the four chhatri’s on the roof were per the original timeline to be done from January to April. I had an update come in this morning that work is scheduled to start on these now the first week of April and are expected to take 2 months to clean.
The last thing to be cleaned will be the main centre dome. I will be updating this page as I get updates through.
Natasha
Going to see Taj Mahal in August 2018 just wondering about the cleaning process any updates
Hi Lesley,
At the moment they are working on the right-hand side small domes. There is no scaffolding on the small domes on the left or the main dome.
Natasha
Hello, I am travelling to India from Australia with Trip-a-Deal and will be visiting the Taj Mahal on 9-10 November 2018. I have seen that the dome restoration is due to be completed in November, but am wondering if it will still be covered in mud at this time?
Somewhere I have read that they will start on the front during low tourist season and that the back may be covered still at our travel time, is this correct?
Hi Maria,
What will be happening by November can only be speculated. The ASI hasn’t been completing work exactly in line with their official timeline. Currently, the small domes on the Easter side are covered with scaffolding. Your tour operator should provide you with an update prior to you travelling.
Kind regards, Natasha
Hi! I’m planning to visit the Taj Mahal in begning of november 2018. Will you continius update this website with the informations about the dome’s cleaning? I really need to know when it will begin! Thanks a lot for your informations!
Hi Lais,
Yes, we will be continuously updating this website as the cleaning progresses. Unfortunately, I can’t say exactly when the cleaning of the dome will begin as it is up to the Architectural Survey of India (ASI) who are responsible for maintaining and managing the Taj Mahal. Personally, we are being cautious and not expecting work to be completed by the beginning of November, this is why we delayed our annual Women’s only tour to March 2019. Like you, we wish there were some exact dates!
Hi ,
We have planned a trip from the 10- 25 oct 2018.
Is the main dome still under restoration ?
Hello, we haven’t had any further updates but restoration work since the 9th August and that was that the South Side of the Dome would be worked on in early October, followed by the north side.
If I have any further updates come through I will be updating this blog post.
Natasha
Hi i will be in Agra at the beginning of October 2018, do you have any idea where the dome restoration will be at this stage as i am a keen photographer.
Thanking you
Hi Wendy,
We haven’t had any updates since the 9th August when it was communicated that the South Side of the Dome would start being cleaned in October followed by the North Side. IF we have further information from the relevant authorities then we will update this blog post.
Natasha
Hello Natasha ;I will be in Agra 21-23 of December 2018 .I am wondering if the Taj Mahal will be covered in mud or scaffolding then ? When do you recommend as the best visiting times ? I know the monument is closed on Fridays .Will the facelift / cleaning mar photos or diminish the experience in any way ? I have been waiting a lifetime to see the Taj Mahal and would hate to have my photos and memories be less than perfect .Kind Regards and thank you for your expertise.
Sincerely,
Richard
Hi Richard,
It is expected that there will be no scaffolding then according to the ASI timeline. IF there was to still be scaffolding up on the dome it would affect your photos.
If you view the Taj at dawn, there are often fewer people there at that time but you may have fog or mist. Also, try and also view the Taj from Mehtab Bagh which is across the river. It is one of my favourite viewpoints away from the crowds.
I’ve visited the Taj at dawn, dusk, and during the middle of the day and the lighting is so different at each of those times. It is also worth exploring down the little pathways within the gardens, most people beat a path straight ahead not looking left and right.
I hope that helps. Best wishes for your travels.
Natasha
Hi,
I am hoping to visit mid November if cleaning is delayed. Is there any update on if the ASI will give in to pressure to delay – if so will November be free of scaffolding? Thank you!
Hi Harriet,
Sorry I haven’t had any further news. It is likely if there is a change to the timeline it will be announced without notice.
Kind regards,
Natasha
Thank you! I will keep an eye on here for more updates 🙂
Hello!
We will be visiting Taj Mahal on 8th – 9th September, 2018. Will the main dome be covered? Could you please let me know. Thanks.
Sarani
Hi Sarani,
I have just updated the blog with a new photo. The scaffolding is being removed from the small chhatri’s on the roof at the moment so it is unlikely that they will have erected anything on the main dome by next week.
Kind regards
Natasha
Hello. My name is John. I plan on visiting the Taj Mahal in March 2019. Will there be scaffolding blocking any portion of the Taj Mahal, specifically the view from the primary side photos are taken from? I heard they may finish clean up in April 2019, after the main season. I really want to visit, but I also want photos with no obstructions. Thanks!
Hi John,
What is being debated at the moment is whether they will move on to clean the main dome after they have finished off the four chhatris (which they are taking the scaffolding off at the moment) and stick to the official timeline which had cleaning finishing the end of November this year or if they stop work and then start again in April 2019. So we would not be expecting there to be scaffolding in March 2019.
Kind regards,
Natasha
Hello..We are visiting during 13-16 sep 2018 (next week) and am really worried about the heavy downpour..how is the situation on ground? Is it expected to be rainy next week too
Regards
Vinitha
Hello Vinitha,
I think it is best for you to keep an eye on the weather forecast. It seems to be OK for next week at the moment.
Regards,
Natasha
This is super helpful! Thank you Natasha!
Dyou mind giving an update sometime on the 3rd week of October 2018? Reason is im scheduled to be there on 21 October 2018.
Again, thanks bunch! You’re a star.
Hi Rachel and thanks!
I will be updating the post as I receive information. We are all waiting on tenterhooks at the moment to see what the ASI will do after the scaffolding comes down from the chhatris….do they move on to the main dome as per the official timeline or do they stop work and not start the dome cleaning till April 2019.
Natasha
HI Natasha
I just learned from my friend that Taj is having renovation. My company had a trip to Taj on 2nd week (11th Oct). Do you think we still can go there or not allow to?
From the website, it looks like it is still open, but under renovations. Just want to ensure we still allow to visit or no?
Many thanks
Hi,
Yes the Taj is being cleaned but it has remained open throughout the process which started back in 2016. It will be open on the 11th October. Just bear in mind that the Taj is closed on Friday’s so you won’t be able to go back again for another visit on the 12th.
Hi. I am due to visit the Taj Mahal. on Saturday 13th October 2018. Can you please give me an update on the cleaning progress, as i have waited a lifetime to visit and was anxious to find out if there will be any scaffolding up then. thank you. Margaret
Hi Margaret,
I have just posted another update. At this stage, the current scaffolding is expected to come down over the next week as they finish cleaning the last two small domes on the roof. At this stage, the ASI are still saying they expect to move on to clean the main dome and finish this by the end of November 2018. Given this, I will be expecting to see scaffolding on the main dome in October unless a last minute decision is made to not clean the dome until the off-season of 2019.
Natasha
I have just had a email from our tour operator advising the cleaning process will continue until Autumn 2019.
Hi Brian,
That is interesting. Who is your tour operator?
Trailfinders
Thank you I am looking into this as we haven’t had that information come through to us.
I have just had an email through from our branch manager in Agra, confirming that no official announcements have been made by the ASI regarding a change of dates. However, the rumour is still persisting that work may be delayed and the dome cleaning won’t start until April 2019.
a doubt?
Is it possible to start cleaning the dome now and in just 2 months is completed?
keeping in mind what they took for the rest … it seems very little time
We have the same question and I am trying to get more information. I’ll be updating the blog post with news as I receive it.
Hi
I will be at the Taj Mahal on October 3. If the plan to clean the dome goes ahead, how long will it take for the dome to be covered?
Thanks
Hi Rory,
I really don’t know the answer to that question. The ASI last indicated that they will erect scaffolding on the South Side of the dome first and clean that before covering the North Side. See the 09th August Update for these details.
According to the official website of Taj Mahal,”cleaning of main mausoleum may be completed during this financial year. ”,ASI indicates renovation may have been through tourist season.
On the other hand, ASI or any newspaper haven’t said when next renovation will start just as four kiosks.
I think ASI haven’t decided when to start the renovation under pressure by tourism agencies.
Hopefully, an official announcement is made soon.
Ok thanks. But how long does it take to erect the scaffolding? How long did it for the small domes for instance?
I can’t say how long it would take on the main dome. For the smaller domes took a couple weeks to erect the scaffolding.
I will be on a tour to Taj Mahal 13th october 2018. What part will have scaffolding up then
Hi Margaret,
We are not sure as yet whether there will be any scaffolding in October or not. We are waiting to hear if they will carry on with the official timeline to complete the cleaning which is by the end of November this year in which case scaffolding will go up on the South Side of the dome first or if they will delay this work until April 2019 in which case there will be no more work done this year and the Taj will be scaffold-free.
Hi Natasha
Any updates on the dome cleaning or has it not yet started?
Thanks
Tim
Hi Tim,
Nothing seems to be happening at the moment. I’ve just posted a new photo on the blog.
Hy
I would like to visit Taj between December and January.
Do you think that the renovation works at the dome will be finished or not?
Thanks
Hi Guilio,
We are still waiting on an official update as to whether there will be no more work until April 2019. Currently there is no scaffolding on the Taj Mahal. I will update the blog as soon as I receive the information.
Hello. Has any decision been made regarding renovation of the main dome? Is early March safe to schedule a visit to Agra? By safe I mean a scaffold free Taj Mahal. Can I ask why this is such a difficult decision? Is April the beginning of the off-season? Thanks!
Hi John,
We have received no official notification regarding the cleaning of the main dome. I have a trip scheduled for March 2019 as I felt this was a safe time to travel as the expectation was that the renovation work would have been completed. April is the start of the off-season.
India is famous for its bureaucracy and it can make what most people see has a simple yes or no decision become a drawn-out process.
I will update the blog as soon as I hear anything.
Hi Natasha,
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for keeping the updates going – we are visiting in mid-October – and I (and I’m sure many others) appreciate your efforts in letting us know what is going on. We are really looking forward to exploring different parts of India as part of our travels, but hopefully the Taj Mahal will be scaffolding-free for our visit!
Keep up the great work!
Sam & Leila
Thank you so much Sam and Leila for the kind words. Have a wonderful time on your trip and fingers crossed the Taj stays scaffold-free for you.
Hi
We are visiting the Taj Mahal tomorrow. Is there any scaffolding up at present?
Thanks
James
Hi James,
Sorry, I only just saw the notification of your comment. The Taj is scaffold-free, you should have seen this when you came crossed the bridge over the river as you drove in Agra yesterday if you were coming from Delhi. I hope you enjoy today’s visit.
October 4, 2018: Someone from the UK has just posted on TripAdvisor that their travel agent (Audley Travel) has told him that that the work on the main dome will not commence until the end of tourist season in April. That would be great if true, as we going in February. But, I can’t vouch for the accuracy of that information.
Craig,
Melbourne, Australia.
Hi Craig,
At the moment no official statement has been made by the ASI but the travel industry is assuming that as there has been no move to erect scaffolding yet that it will definitely be delayed till April 2019. In all likelihood that will be the case but the ASI are notorious for operating to the beat of their own drum so we are not jumping on the bandwagon about work definitely starting in April until we receive something official.
Hello,
I was wondering if there was any update on whether any more work was being done? Any signs of the scaffolding going back up. I’m due to visit the Taj Mahal in December.
Thanks
Hi Michelle,
No sign of scaffolding yet. Fingers crossed it stays that way!
Hello
If they delay the remaining cleaning till April do we know if it will be the beginning of the month or the end of the month. We were looking to go on about the 6th April 2019 and are now debating whether to bring the date forward to March. Any information would be really appreciated. Thank you
Hi Johanne,
If they do start in April 2019 there is no indication of when they will start work. It does take some time to erect the scaffolding though and the main dome will be a challenging job.
Thank you for always updating everyone, And I will be one to ask also…. Me and my Mum will be flying out to India travelling and will be at the Taj on the 21st October….. do you think they will start scaffolding before then – Finger crossed we have clear visit
I will be of course looking for updates on here until we fly on the 18th October
Hi Lucy,
Yes fingers crossed you will get a scaffold-free view. I will be updating the blog as and when I receive information.
Have a great trip.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has postponed restoration of the Taj Mahal using mud packs to take expert advice from professional institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/asi-stops-taj-mahal-restoration-work-to-seek-iit-help/story-u0uxdoARGxkTfLspbN3T3I.html
Hope this is true
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for the link. This is an old news story from last October when they did stop the cleaning for awhile.
Looking forward to going to India at start of November, has anyone got the lastest on the cleaning.
Hi Amanda,
No update has come through yet!
Dear Natasha, I’m Guido from Italy.
I should visit India from December 26, 2018 to January 4, 2019.
Are there any news for the cleaning of the Taj Mahal?
Thanks a lot.
Hi Guido, no update yet. The festive season Navratri has just finished so I am hoping we will have an official update shortly and that is will be that work will recommence in April 2019.
Natasha
Thank you so much Natascha
Anymore updates? I was looking at scheduling for the end of November. Thanks!
Hi Leann,
Nothing official through yet though it is looking likely there will be no more work now until April 2019.
Thank you! I’m really wanting to book at the moment, but I’m nervous they’ll start as soon as I book! haha. I’m trying to do November 21st-28th. Maybe if they haven’t started by now, they wouldn’t get to the point I can’t get the good front facing photo everyone aims for? Thank you for keeping this updated, I appreciate you taking the time to inform people!
Hi Leann,
I still haven’t had anything official through. I’d be pretty confident you will be scaffold-free in a couple of weeks time. You are right, it would take some time to erect. Remember you can also get a fabulous photo from across the river as well – without the crowds!
Hello Natasha,
Interesting blog and is very informative. I am not sure if this is the right venue for my question: I plan to see Taj Mahal as a solo traveler- I am wondering if you could refer a travel agency that would take me. My plan is to include Nepal and Bhutan. Would appreciate any help from you or from the other bloggers. Thank you.
Hi Francesca,
Can you pop me through an email to info@indafrica.co.nz with a bit more information about your plans so I can point you in the right direction?
Thanks!
Natasha
Hi Natasha,
We will be visiting the Taj Mahal November 13th, 2018. Are there any new updates on the cleaning/construction of the Taj Mahal? Is there scaffolding currently on? If so, where?
Thanks for your time!
K
Hi Kerstin, there isn’t any scaffolding currently. We haven’t had official updates come through as to when work is going to restart.
Hello
Is there any further update regarding when any further works may be carried out. We are due to go 6th April and are wondering whether to alter the date. Any information would be really appreciated. Thank you
Hi Johanne,
I am trying to get an official update as to when works are going to recommence. It has been circulating that April 2019 is when it is going to restart but there is no mention of when in April. It does take some time for them to erect the scaffolding.
Hi there I am looking to be at the Taj in July 2019, if the work does commence in April 2019 any idea how long it will take, hard to predict I know but would you imagine they will still be working early July.
Hi Dave,
If they do start in April I would expect work could still be going on in July. The plan from the ASI when they clean the dome is to cover one side with scaffolding and then to the other side.
I tend to plan for the worst and hope for the best when it comes to the timelines of any project being undertaken by the ASI.
Thanks Natasha,
I’ve read somewhere that one side of the Taj will always be clear of scaffolding so you saying that too gives me confidence. Has this been the case previously?
Hi Dave,
That is the information that we have been provided by the ASI. While one side will not be covered, I am expecting you will likely see some scaffolding in the background of a photo but nobody knows (other than the ASI) how the scaffolding is going to be erected on the side they are cleaning.
I delayed my trip to India from fall 2018 to April 2019 based on the original cleaning schedule. Drat! I missed a scaffold free November because of that change! Now, with my new date of April 10 in Agra I’m concerned I may need to change this again. Don’t want to travel half way around the world to see scaffolding. What are the chances I will need to delay again?
Hi Pat,
I know I was in the same boat at you. I delayed running a trip from October 2018 to March 2019 as I didn’t want to be escorting guests only to show them scaffolding covering the dome. We are still waiting for an official announcement from ASI as to when they will start work again. The rumour is April but whether that is what will happen or not we need to wait for the ASI to communicate what they are doing.
Hi,
I was wondering if there is any update on the cleaning, want to maybe visit in April 2019.
Thank you.
Hi Debbie,
No sorry, nothing official has come out from the ASI. I will update the blog post as soon as I have any information come through.
OK, thank you, look forward to hearing the update! Debbie
Just got back from a fantastic tour of the golden triangle, and I can confirm the taj mahal is completely free of any scaffolding and is looking absolutely stunning
hi to all for at least 2 years I’m postponing my trip to the Taj Mahal because of the cleaning of the cup. Help if the works start in April May 2019 when they are finished? but no news can you have ?? thank you my trip was for May 2019 now I was thinking of September 2019 thanks
Sorry still no new updates.
Thank you so much for all these updates.
I’m planning to return to Agra in mid-Feb after 14 years, as a travel photographer (primarily of India) I’m hoping for a scaffold free experience 🙂
Best wishes,
Kevin.
Thanks for giving everyone an update on progress. I plan to visit in late Feb and so it’s looking promising for me. Been to India 20 times, looking forward to the 21st !
Kevin.
I am looking forward to being back in March. Enjoy your visit.
How can I find out any updates about April, want to book if there is no scaffolding?
Hi Debbie,
There has been no information released as yet about when work on the main dome will start. I have just posted an update today as I had notification and a photo come through that the ASI has started cleaning small patches of the main mausoleum’s walls in such a way that photos won’t be obstructed. This work is to continue for 2 months.
I’m planning a trip to Indian in May. Do you have any news about whether they will cleaning the main dome of the Taj then? Thanks so much for your insight.
Hi Joe, no communications have been made yet by the officials.
Hi Natasha,
Just checking again as to what you may know about the beginning of April. I am so hoping that there is still no scaffolding until later than April as I will be there until April 10th. Please send good vibes and news my way!
Hank you!
Hi Pam, no more news as yet.
What are your guestimate months of work on the dome. We have postponed our group from 2018 to November 2019 to avoid construction and scaffolding.
Thanks for your opinion.
Sorry Randell. I can’t really make a guestimate.
Any update on when the scaffolding will be put up again? Some friends have just been there over the last few days and no sign of any scaffolding at the moment. I want to travel mid April but not willing to book anything until I can find out some more information. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Debbie, I haven’t had any more updates through. I arrive in Agra next week and will see if I can find out any more.
Thanks Natasha, hoping for some good news about April. Debbie
Hi Debbie and Happy Holi from Agra! Noting is official but chatting to our team on the ground here they are envisaging work will start late April/May. I will update the blog as soon as an official announcement is made.
Hi Natasha,
I was just wondering if there were any updates available?
I’ve been following this email strand for ages and now our holiday to India is really soon! So exciting!
We will be visiting the Taj Mahal on 10th April and would love it to be scaffolding free. Fingers crossed !
Any news will be much appreciation
Many thanks,
Julie
Hi Julie,
No updates have come through. I arrive in Agra next week so I will see what I can find out when I am there.
Thanks Natasha!
Hi Julie and Happy Holi from Agra! While nothing is official yet I was chatting to our team on the ground here and they envisage work starting late April/May. As soon as an official announcement is made I will update the blog post.
Morning Natasha, that is fantastic news! Thank you so much for keeping your thread updated , it has been so useful as there is so little information elsewhere. Hope you enjoyed Holi and fingers crossed for official confirmation of your news, Julie
No problem Julie 🙂
Hi, Natasha, and do you think it will be finished by November?. I’m visiting India in that month and it would be bad if it has scaffolds… 🙁
I would it expect it to be scaffold-free by then as the peak tourist season starts in October.
I am going to the Taj Majal in the off season of Mid July. Any chance they would be done with it by then? I booked the trip with the thought it should be done by then, but clearly that is no longer the case.
Hi Shana,
I am not sure when they will get started, but given most of the work was done last year during the off-season, I would expect scaffolding to be there in July. I will update when I receive any offical news.
Hi Julie
Thank you very much for continuing to provide updates on the restoration of the Taj Mahal.
I am keen to book with a travel company to see the Taj Mahal early November. You have mentioned in a previous response, that it would be unlikely to have scaffolding then as it is the tourist season but I wonder if they commence the work late, they won’t be finished until well into the tourist season.
What is your opinion on the likelihood of all work being completed before October/November?
Many thanks Kerrie
Hi Kerrie,
It is hard to make an assumption here as it will partly depend on the weather.
Looking to see the Taj Mahal in November 2019 without the scaffolding???
We hope there will be no scaffolding then too.
Hello ! Any update on the scaffolding situation of Taj Mahal ? I will have free time next month (May 2019) Im planning to go to India.
Sorry, we have had no further information from the ASI as to when work is starting again.
Hi Natasha,
Thanks for your continuous update! Wonder if there is any news? We will be in Agra in early June, is there any chance to see scaffolding-free Taj Mahal?
Many thanks,
Zsolt from Hungary
Sorry, we have had no further information from the ASI as to when work is starting again.
Hello,
THanks for all the fine updates.
Any update as of now on the scaffolding, for rest of may and June.
Expecting to visit in mid June and wondering how things look as of now.
Sorry, we have had no further information from the ASI as to when work is starting again.
Hi Natasha,
You seem to be on top of the info regarding the renovation of the Taj Mahal Dome. I’m thinking of a quick trip to Agra during Eid Break, 4-8 June. As it is off season I do fear the renovations may have picked up by then. Do you have any idea off the intended start date?
Thanks in advance,
Bernie
Sorry, we have had no further information from the ASI as to when work is starting again.
Hello Natasha,
Is there any more definite news regarding the final phase of restoration? I’m planning a visit in March or April next year and was hoping that the work will have been completed and the Taj clear of scaffolding by then.
Many thanks
Mike
Sorry, we have had no further information from the ASI as to when work is starting again.
Hi we will be visiting in July 2019, so wondered if the is going to be scaffolding, where will it be and how much impact will it have on the views etc.
Sorry, we have had no further information from the ASI as to when work is starting again.
Hi Dave,
Sorry, we have had no further information from the ASI as to when work is starting again.
Any news? They should be finished by now?
Sorry Steve, no news at the moment.
With the continued uncertaincy about when the main dome is going to be cleaned, what it the likelihood of seeing the Taj without any scaffolding around it if we are travelling to India in Jan 2020
We are not sure. I will update the blog when I receive an official notice.
I will be coming to see the Taj Mahal at the end of October 2019. Please can you advise on the scaffolding.
I will update the blog when I receive an official notice. Sorry, I can’t provide a certain answer at this point.