Sunrise at Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal Sunrise vs Sunset

The Taj Mahal in the morning is even more incredible in person than any picture could show! This world-famous wonder is definitely worth all the effort it takes to visit. To see it at its best, you should go early in the morning, just as the sun is rising. If you get there around in between 5-6  am will be the best time to see Sunrise at Taj Mahal in Agra. The Taj Mahal is especially amazing in the soft morning light during sunrise in Agra at Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal Seven Wonders of World

Later in the day, when the sun is setting, people like to gather across the river at the old, beautifully restored Mehtab Bagh gardens. From there, you can watch the sun slowly set behind the Taj Mahal. The view is peaceful and quiet, and as you sit in the garden with the moon starting to rise, everything feels a bit magical. The gardens at twilight, as you’re leaving, are especially beautiful.

Taj Mahal Sunrise vs Sunset

Seeing the Sunrise at Taj Mahal is more beautiful than anything we could ever imagine! Some people say the colors of the Taj change with the sun, that is why many suggest going at sunrise or sunset. However, we didn’t notice a huge difference in the colors between morning and evening.

The real reason to go at sunrise at Taj Mahal is that there are fewer people – maybe only about one-third of the crowds you’d find during the day, which makes it easier to take photos. Sunset is also a great time but very crowded, so bit difficult for taking beautiful pictures!

Suggested Read : Taj Mahal Agra Timings: Opening and Closing Time
Taj Mahal Agra Timings
Taj Mahal Agra Timings

Sunrise at Taj Mahal

Reaching  up early means to avoid crowds to find right spot to see Sunrise at Taj Mahal.  It  is not quite in the morning  at all especially during sunrise time, it is one of the most popular times to visit. So don’t expect to have the place to yourself or to capture a photo without other visitors in the frame.

  • But here’s the good news: despite the early crowds, we still strongly recommend visiting during  sunrise at Taj Mahal. The soft, golden light of the morning creates a truly magical atmosphere that makes the experience unforgettable.
  • If you’re lucky, you might even catch a bit of morning fog, adding a mystical, almost otherworldly feel to the scene.
  • Even with other people around, the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunset is something you won’t want to miss!
  • The absolute best time to see the Sunrise at Taj Mahal in Agra. Trust us, you’ll never forget the moment when you see the Taj Mahal in the soft, early morning light. It’s one of the most beautiful sights in the world!
  • One fun thing to do while you’re there is to spot all the colorful saris that women wear. It’s like a fashion show! So, they are so bright and colorful of the sunrise at Taj Mahal that they almost look like pieces of art themselves.

In this guide, we’ll tell you all about what you can see  during sunrise at Taj Mahal . We’ll also share other exciting things to do in Agra, the city where the Taj Mahal is located, and give you our personal travel tips!

Taj Mahal Travel Guide: Info & Useful Tips

The Taj Mahal: A Mausoleum, Not a Palace

One common misconception is that the Taj Mahal is a palace, but it’s actually a mausoleum. And what an extraordinary one it is! Nearly 400 years ago, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had this magnificent structure built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It’s believed that around 20,000 workers were involved in bringing this monument to life.

The Taj Mahal is the epitome of architectural beauty. Made from gleaming white marble, it shines brightly even on hazy days. The proportions of the building are perfectly harmonious, with the grand central dome surrounded by four elegant minarets. This iconic silhouette is recognized all over the world.

How to Get to Agra and the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is located on the outskirts of Agra, a city that might not be remarkable on its own but is home to this world-famous monument. Agra is situated about 200 kilometers south of Delhi, making it a convenient day trip from the capital.

Most visitors travel to Agra from Delhi, and we highly recommend taking the train for this journey. The train ride from Delhi to Agra takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the service you choose. There are numerous trains running daily, but we chose the Shatabdi Express (train number 12002), which departs from the New Delhi Railway Station at 6:00 am and arrives in Agra at 7:57 am. This early morning train ride was a highlight of our trip!

Booking Train Tickets

Booking train tickets from outside India can be a bit tricky, as there are many different providers, and some require an Indian phone number to complete the booking. However, you can easily book your tickets through 12go.asia, a reliable platform that simplifies the process. This way, you can secure your seat without any hassle.

How Much Time Should You Allow for the Taj Mahal?

When planning your visit to the Taj Mahal, it’s important to know that your time at the site is limited. Currently, visitors are allowed a maximum of three hours within the Taj Mahal grounds with a single ticket. If you exceed this time limit, you may be required to pay a fine.

Prices & Opening Times

  • Entrance Fee for Foreigners : The standard ticket for tourists is 1,100 Indian Rupees. To enter the mausoleum, there is an additional fee of 200 Indian Rupees. If you buy your ticket online, you can save 50 Indian Rupees.
  • Taj Mahal Agra Timings: The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise in Agra and closes 30 minutes before sunset, so the exact opening times vary depending on the time of year. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Important Info for Buying a Ticket

The Taj Mahal Western Gate and the Taj Mahal Eastern Gate. The Southern Gate is only used as an exit.

  • Ticket Office Hours: The ticket offices at the Western and Eastern Gates open one hour before sunrise in Agra and remain open until 45 minutes before sunset. The Western Gate is typically used by locals, while travel groups often gather at the Eastern Gate, making it busier in the morning.
  • Getting to the Entrance: It’s about a 15-minute walk from either gate to the main entrance of the Taj Mahal. You can also take a rickshaw if you prefer not to walk.
  • Security Checks: Before entering the main area, you’ll go through a security check. There are separate lines for men and women, and the wait time is usually around 10 to 15 minutes.

Pro Tip: ( Sunrise at Taj Mahal )

If you buy your ticket at the ticket office right when it opens, you might not be the first to enter the main area of the Taj Mahal. By that time, many visitors who already have their tickets  for sunrise at Taj Mahal, including those on guided tours, may have gathered in front of the security check. To avoid this, you can purchase your ticket online in advance.

You can book your ticket here:  Taj Mahal Online Ticket However, be aware that the official website is known to be slow and occasionally problematic, so patience might be required.

By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, you can make the most of your visit to this breathtaking monument Taj Mahal Seven Wonders of World during Sunrise at Taj Mahal!

Author

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

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