Taj Mahal Sunrise Guide
How to Experience a Taj Mahal Sunrise
Could there be a more captivating and exciting thought than to witness a sunrise at the Taj Mahal?
I was lucky enough to experience this epic moment. It will live with me forever as one of the most special travel moments that will be hard to top.
After exploring Delhi and Jaipur, we set out to complete India’s Golden Triangle by visiting Agra—specifically to see the magnificent Taj Mahal!
In this post, I will give you all the key details to know before you go for the first time and how to plan for such an experience.
Let’s begin!
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Taj Mahal Sunrise Travel Vlog
Taj Mahal Places of Interest
Purchasing Taj Mahal Tickets
When we visited the Taj Mahal we bought our tickets at the counter at the entrance without issue.
For foreigners, the cost is 1,100 Rupees per person.
There is an additional charge to visit the mausoleum of 200 Rupees. (I highly recommend you get this to see what it’s like on the inside – and it is magical).
However, you can jump the line if you book online so it may speed things up should you be running late.
Additionally, there is good news if you are travelling with teens. Entry is free for under 15 years.
The ticket will say you can only visit in the morning or afternoon for 3 hours total.
However, when we visited, we could stay all day. So it was a little bit confusing and shameful because people will plan their day around the time they can spend inside, and if it is not accurate, it can be a problem.
We stayed pretty much all day in the Taj Mahal.
My Experience of a Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Although the weather could have been kinder, it will go down as one of the most spectacular experiences I’ve ever had.
We were awake at 04.00 AM and had pre-arranged a rickshaw to take us to the Taj Mahal entrance the day before. We had a very trusty driver who brought us to every site in Agra. I can give you his contact – just message me for it.
There is only so far you can go here. You will then need to walk or get a golf cart to bring you 500 metres, right to the entrance.
Be prepared to encounter cattle on the road here—it’s a common and amusing sight.
At this time, we had only a few minutes to stand in line and we had our token. There is a long security airport-like security system that you will need to go through. Your bag will be searched.
You will get a token which is only valid for three hours so ensure you keep it with you at all times and the receipt.
We did notice at around 07.00 AM people were starting to arrive more often. At 09.00 AM, groups of tours were flowing in.
I would suggest you get there as early as you can to be the first people in and to reduce the chance of long lines
At 05.30 AM we made our way through the gates and there it was. Standing a little less than 400 metres away – The Taj Mahal in all its glory!
As bizarre as it may sound, it bordered on emotional.
The Best Spots for Sunrise Photos
Of course, you will take many photos. I will list the best Taj Mahal photography tips from inside the complex.
Char Bagh
Be prepared to have to wait at Char Bagh (the platform in the centre of the four gardens) take take a photo of the Taj Mahal.
Every visitor will want a photo here so the earlier you arrive the better. You will see people standing around here so its hard to miss.
This is likely where you will get the best photo and view of the Taj Mahal sunset.
Inside Mehmaan Khana
You can get epic photos of the Taj Mahal in Mehmaan Khana.
The nice thing here is you get a natural border. An extra special image can be achieved if there is a puddle on the ground. Let me explain.
You can get the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the water on the ground which makes for a great shot. Capture your friends walking across for a truly memorable photo.
If a stranger offers to take your photo, they will likely want payment for it.
In front of Taj Mahal Mosque
You can another good shot of the Taj Mahal to the west in front of the Taj Mahal Mosque. Similar to the opposite side at Mehmaan Khana it is a nice place but not as impressive in my opinion.
Best Photography Tips for Taj Mahal Sunrise
At dawn, the sun will only start to rise. Therefore, it’s important to know your camera and settings.
Lowlight conditions make it harder to get a sharper shot. You can take a longer exposure to essentially let more light into the lens.
Many modern smartphones have this feature including the latest iPhone.
As you cannot bring in a tripod, you can use your camera strap to create a makeshift stabilizer. Here’s how: Wrap the strap around your neck and push your camera forward. You’ll feel the strap tighten at the back of your neck. This tension helps stabilize the camera, making it easier to take long exposures.
While not perfect, I’ve gotten some great shots using this technique.
What Can I Bring to the Taj Mahal?
You’re allowed to bring the following items inside the Taj Mahal:
- Phone
- Camera
- Small handheld tripod
- Water bottle
Don’t worry if you accidentally bring something that’s not allowed inside. You can use a locker to store your valuables. When you exit, simply hand back your token to retrieve your belongings. I had no issues with this process.
What’s Not Allowed at the Taj Mahal?
- Drones
- Laptops
- Cigarettes or e-cigarettes
- Large bags
- Headphones
- Mobile chargers
- DSLR tripods
- Microphones
How to get to the Taj Mahal for sunrise?
Agra is filled with rickshaws/tuk-tuks.
Use these to get to the Taj Mahal with ease. it is the best option for sure. I would strongly recommend arranging this the date before with a driver you have experience using.
Most likely, any other driver on the street will be happy to take you and there should be no issues as they will be delighted to provide the service.
Pay only after the journey is complete – this will reduce the chance of a no-show.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to prebook with a trusted tuk-tuk driver or taxi.
This will almost guarantee you won’t miss the sunrise in the early hours.
Best time to visit the Taj Mahal
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is in the early morning.
You will avoid the mass crowds that will inevitably come later in the morning.
Come as early as you can. We arrived at 05.30 AM and there were still people in before us. You will have to go through security and possibly leave items in a locker which could slow you down.
I ended up running back to make the sunrise when I left some items in the locker.
Don’t miss this opportunity to capture a stunning photo of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. I highly recommend seizing the moment!
You will also have a more private view of the sunrise because people can be very lazy and stay in bed – even when it’s the Taj Mahal!
Find out all the Must-DO experiences when visiting India.
Do not plan to visit the Taj Mahal on Friday as it is closed.
In terms of the time of year, the best time to visit the Taj Mahal is October through March. When we visited in August it was very hot and humid. For a more pleasant temperature and travel atmosphere best to wait until later in the year.
It is also said weekdays have fewer people visiting as locals will be at work.
Where To Stay In Agra
When we stayed in Agra we had a wonderful time at the Gypsy Nest.
Honestly, for a mid-range hotel, it was great.
We even had some wine with the owners one night, they are awesome and it is a great location. They have a downstairs cinema and games room to keep you occupied when resting from an early start at the Taj Mahal.
Some other options to consider include:
Hotel Agra Grande By Goyal Hoteliers
What to do after visiting the Taj Mahal?
Once you have spent enough time soaking in the wonderful Taj Mahal, a great way to decompress is by visiting the Taj Mahal Museum.
It offers free entry, and surprisingly few people take advantage of this interesting museum.
Inside, you’ll find galleries showcasing weapons, coins, artworks, and precious stones used in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
However, photography is not allowed inside.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Delhi to Taj Mahal Distance
Many people travel from Delhi to the Taj Mahal when completing the Golden Triangle.
The distance between to the two cities is 240 kilometres and takes approximately 4.5 hours driving.
You can arrange a one-way city transfer from Delhi & Agra if you’re planning a trip from the capital.
Alternatively, if you want to move by train it takes about 6 hours to get from New Delhi Junction to Agra Cantt Railway Station.
Conclusion – Sunrise At The Taj Mahal Is Hard To Beat!
That’s my guide to witnessing a sunrise at the Taj Mahal. It will be hard to beat and will live long in my memory, even though the weather made things a little difficult, that is for sure.
Try and be as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Even at 05.00 AM, it can start to fill up early.
You can never have enough tips about visiting this place! For more Taj Mahal tips you can read this post.
The Taj Mahal is India’s finest attraction, maybe one of the world’s most visited sites.
Other wonderful places such as Amber Palace, India’s many Red Forts, City Palace and Hawa Mahal as impressive as they are in their own right fall short in comparison to the Taj Mahal in my opinion.
There is no better way to experience it than with a sunrise.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my article on Lotus Temple in Delhi.
Have you experienced the Taj Mahal at sunrise? Let me know your thoughts below
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Which gate is best for sunrise at Taj Mahal?
The best gate for the Taj Mahal sunrise is the east gate. Let me explain. We entered from East Gate Road and we walked into the Jilaukhana aka, the forecourt. We turned right into Mighal Garden where we witnessed a sunrise at the Taj Mahal albeit, a less visible one.
What is the Colour of the Taj Mahal at sunset?
The Taj Mahal will turn a yellow hue colour at sunset from my experience. I have visited the Taj Mahal on many occasions when in Agra. I also witnessed it turn a light pink colour. It was a surreal moment. The people around me stopped speaking. It was a true pinch myself travel moment.
Where can I watch the Taj Mahal sunset?
You can watch the Taj Mahal sunset from Mehtab Bagh, Taj Yamuna View Point, Agha Khan Haveli, and Taj View Point ADA. My personal favourite was to watch from Mehtab Bagh, an amazing garden on the north side of the Yamuna River. When visited this garden a number of times and rarely was there a huge crowd surprisingly. I recommend you get to the Taj View Point ADA right beside the river for a great view.
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