See the sunrise at the Taj Mahal, India All you need to know for Agra

One of India’s most famous structures – The Taj Mahal! I have been to the amazing Taj Mahal in Agra before. I thought it was an amazingly impressive building then too, so it was no punishment to go again. On this second visit to the Taj Mahal, with my father, I went for the sunrise! That gave a totally different experience and was downright magical.

I don’t think you are surprised that India is included in this list of 8 Cultural Destinations in the World

Where is the Taj Mahal located?

The Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Taj Mahal stands on the banks of the river Yamuna. From the back, you can grab a nice view of the Taj Mahal and if you are lucky, take a photo with the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the river Yamuna.

Taj Mahal – One of the New 7 Wonders of the World

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world. It is therefore that it has been on the world’s list of new seven wonders of the world since 2007. It is also the symbol of India.

Taj Mahal – Ode to Love

At first I thought the Taj Mahal was a temple but nothing could be further from the truth. The huge, imposing, grand white building made of marble is nothing more than a tomb for 1 tomb. And that tomb belongs to Mumtaz, the wife of the 5th ruler of the Mogul Empire Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal is a whopping 58 metres high and 56 metres wide.

Standing in front of it you feel small, it is so much bigger than I expected! And then it is also immediately clear why this got a spot on the list of seven wonders of the world.

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal – Agra

Early in the morning, I went with my father and driver to the entrance of the Taj Mahal. It was still completely dark so we were going to see the sunrise. I had the image before me of watching the sun rise behind this impressive building. As we joined the queue at the ticket booths, it soon got busier but also lighter.

The sun was already rising and the tills were still closed. The queue grew longer and I started to get really worried. It was getting light…and so the sun was already up. I wanted to go in but the ticket office would not open for another 15 minutes? I started to wonder if this is another typical thing that just doesn’t add up then. India can be very strange sometimes, can’t it?

The ticket office opened and we were allowed in, this went quickly but then I had to have my bag searched and we all stood in front of the security gates. It was light by now…but also very foggy or was it smog?

Did I miss the sunrise at the Taj Mahal already?

I could not see any sun anywhere, it was far too cloudy. I could not yet see the beautiful white building but I could not imagine that this was going to be another beautiful sunrise.

As I walked under the gate that gave us the view of the Taj Mahal, I saw the beautiful white tomb standing in all its splendour. What a huge building, what a beautiful building, how white could it be!

Some people were already walking but it was still nice and quiet. We could take pictures at our leisure with the Taj in the background. If you come later in the day, there is a queue here because everyone naturally wants a photo from this beautiful spot. Slowly we walked through the garden towards the tomb. I could still see the sun not….laat that there would still be a nice glow over the white tomb.

Of course, there are those photos you have to take…while you’re there.

I liked this one a bit more than just posing for the photo anyway…which of course I did 🙂 My father preferred to sit on the designated bench.

What kind of pose would you love to do here?

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal – Agra

What was my surprise when the sun did suddenly come through that grey sky and show a beautiful orange glow. I walked straight to the left side of the Taj to get this colour in the background of the Taj.

What an amazing sunrise this still turned out to be!

Imagine standing here in front of the impressive Taj Mahal.

The temperature is still a bit chilly, the sun is starting to warm you up The birds start chirping again and life starts up. In the gardens surrounding the Taj Mahal are still empty and quiet, knowing that an hour or two later it will be teeming with people you stand here watching. Slowly, the horizon turns orange and a beautiful glow comes over the Taj Mahal, which likes to reflect the colours of its surroundings.

This is so worth the early awakening!

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal – Agra, India

I was so happy that I did go for this early trip.

It was soo worth it!

Timetable Sunrise Taj Mahal

When exactly does the sun rise at the Taj Mahal. You don’t want to miss this moment either, of course. Check the exact time for sunrise on this website.

—   Sunrise   —

If you go to India, this wonder of the world is obviously not to be missed. See how it can be fitted into your tour. Many options and trips are offered.

What else can you do on the day you visit the great Taj Mahal?

Of course, Agra has more to offer than just the impressive Taj Mahal. Especially if you have already planned your visit in the morning, during sunrise, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

See the Taj Mahal from over the Yamuna river

If you haven’t had enough of the Taj Mahal after the sunrise, try to catch a great view from the other side of the Yamuna River too! On my first trip in 2009, I was taken here by a local tuktuk driver. After a nice chai, we walked down a path and ended up at the river and had the view of the back of the Taj Mahal.

Did you have better luck? The reflection in the Yamuna didn’t work out for me due to drought…

Visit the Baby Taj Mahal

And did you know that there is another baby Taj in the area? The building has the same structure as the big Taj Mahal only it’s a whole lot smaller. A whole lot quieter too and you can have a nice stroll around it.

We were also brought here during my first visit!

Visit ghost town Fatehpur Sikri

You can also choose to make a trip to Fatehpur Sikri. Translated, this means City of Victory. In the Mogul Empire it was the capital from 1571 to 1585. You will often hear the name Akbar the Great when you travel in this part of India, he was also the one who had this city built. Due to a shortage of drinking water the city became empty after 10 years and became a ghost town.

Where to stay in Agra?

The Coral Court Homestay

Staying at a homestay is, of course, the most fun. I did the same during my first time in India, in Agra, in 2009. What fond memories I still have of that. The contact with the owner and his wife. Staying in a unique setting of local and luxury in close proximity to the Taj Mahal.

Joey’s Hostel Agra

Looking for a cheaper alternative but in a great place? Then check out this hostel. It also just has private rooms but in addition the cosiness of a hostel. And just a view of the Taj Mahal from the roof!

Coming & going Taj Mahal – Agra

Delhi – Agra

Delhi is about 240 km away from Agra. You can, of course, travel to / from Agra by bus, train or taxi.

Jaipur – Agra

Jaipur is also about 240 km away from Agra.

Lucknow – Agra

The city of Lucknow is 335 km away from Agra. A little more off the beaten track is the city of Lucknow, I have never been to this largest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Want to travel to these places by local bus or train? You can!

If you liked this sunrise too would you share for others too?

Do you want to read more about my adventures in India?

Read about my Streetfood tour in Mumbai

In Search for that Tiger! Periyar Tiger Reserve – Thekkady, Kerala

Srinagar and its gorgeous Dal Lake – Kashmir, India

The 5 Highlights of Jaipur – Rajasthan

5 Tip to increase your safety – dark hours – Delhi –  India

 and turning around for a last time…

What a great sight!

Read these tips for Safe Travel for Women in India too

Tips for Women – Safe Travel in India