Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Delhi: Three Great Options
The Taj Mahal is India’s most visited site and one of the new seven wonders of the world. To see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, there are several tour options from Delhi.
I lived in Delhi and have visited the Taj Mahal many times. I’ll go over the 3 best ways to take a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal from Delhi (including do it yourself), so you can decide which is best for you.
Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Delhi – Three Options
It’s worth the effort to visit the Taj Mahal from Delhi. The world’s most famous monument to love is absolutely breathtaking.
This is the official Taj Mahal website.
1. Same day Taj Mahal sunrise tour from Delhi by car
If you don’t want to stay overnight in Agra (where the Taj Mahal in located), the best option is a same day sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal from Delhi. It will be a long day, but worth it.
Agra is 220 km away from Delhi and it takes 3 – 4 hours by car. Hotel pick up is usually 2:30 am from Delhi which is super early, but you can sleep in the car on the way there.
Make sure the tour company you choose purchases tickets online in advance to avoid the queues at the ticket counter. Even at 5:30 am there can be a lineup.
There are many tour companies that offer this kind of tour, but Pioneer Holidays is one of the better ones.
2. Overnight Taj Mahal sunrise tour from Delhi by car or train
If you have time, a less tiring option is to travel to Agra the day before and stay overnight.
If you leave your Agra hotel by 5:00 am you should be at the Taj Mahal by 5:30 am, in time for sunrise. The nice thing about this option is you can also see the Taj Mahal by moonlight the night before.
To get to Agra from Delhi the day before, you can either go by car or train.
There are many trains that run between Delhi and Agra, including the semi high speed Gatimaan Express which makes the trip in less than 2 hours. Here’s how to buy your train tickets in Delhi.
You can also book a private driver through your accommodation, or even an Uber. A car is the easiest way to get to Agra, but the train is so much more fun. Plus riding an Indian train is an iconic India experience.
This tour can also be booked through Pioneer Holidays.
3. Do it yourself Taj Mahal sunrise tour from Delhi
It’s definitely manageable to do a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal from Delhi independently. You can book everything yourself online, including transportation, hotel (if staying overnight in Agra) and Taj Mahal tickets.
You can even do it as part of the Golden Triangle on your own, India’s most famous tourist route.
To get the most out of your time at the Taj Mahal you may consider hiring a local guide, but it’s not necessary. There is so much information online. You can do your own research in advance to give your visit more context.
DIY Delhi to Agra
- Private car hire: MakeMy Trip or Uber inter-city
- Train booking and schedule: Indian Railways (Delhi to Agra trains leave from New Delhi Railway Station or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station)
- Taj Mahal tickets: Archeological Survey of India (buy tickets in advance to avoid the lineup)
Why Sunrise is the Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal
There are several reasons sunrise is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is made entirely of white marble and it changes colour throughout the day depending on the sun. At sunrise it takes on a pinky hue and is bathed is soft light, giving it an ethereal feel.
Early morning is also the quietest and coolest time of day at the Taj Mahal. This is the best time to get photos without having to deal with the crowds.
I’ve been through the Taj Mahal in the middle of the afternoon, and it is no fun. The mausoleum gets so crowded, you can barely move. Mornings are by far the best time!
How to Buy Tickets for the Taj Mahal & Hours
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise, so the time changes according to the season. Keep in mind the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
The best way to buy tickets is in advance on the Archeological Survey of India website. Ticket prices are INR 1250 including the mausoleum (foreigner prices). Children under 15 are free.
Tickets are also available at the Western Gate and Eastern Gate. Ticket booths open one hour before sunrise, and if you have not purchased your tickets in advance I recommend getting there an hour before.
Where to Stay in Agra
Agra is the top tourist destination in India and there are lots of hotels. You will pay more to be closer to the Taj Mahal, but for a once in a lifetime trip it might be worth it.
These are my top picks in terms of value for money, proximity to the Taj Mahal and customer service:
- The Oberoi Amarvilas (luxury): The most luxurious hotel in Agra. Fantastic location only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, and every guest room has a view of it. Oberoi is my favourite Indian luxury hotel chain – they are incredible. Complimentary transfers to the Taj.
- Ekaa Villa (mid-range): A lovely boutique hotel with spacious rooms. It’s just 4 km to the Taj Mahal, so you can get there in a few minutes by auto rickshaw. Restaurant on site.
- Coral Court Homestay (budget): This homestay is excellent value. It’s only 700 metres from the Taj Mahal and has views of the Taj from the rooftop. Rooms are large, comfortable and very clean. A homemade breakfast is included.
How to Do a Night Viewing of the Taj Mahal
If you stay overnight in Agra, you’ll be able to see the Taj Mahal at night. To see the Taj Mahal illuminated by moonlight is unbelievable – it’s a memory that will last a lifetime.
The Taj Mahal has night viewings 5 nights every month (except during Ramadan). These are the two nights before the full moon, the full moon night, and the two nights following the full moon.
Tickets must be purchased in advance through the Taj Mahal website, and admission is very limited.
If you’re not in Agra on a full moon night, you can still get great views of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, the gardens directly across from the Taj Mahal. Mehtab Bagh closes at 9:00 pm.
Brief History of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum, not a palace. It was built by the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan between 1631 and 1648 in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Legend has it the emperor was so devastated by the loss of his wife, his hair and beard turned snow white in just a few months.
Shah Jahan intended to build his own mausoleum in black marble on the grounds of the Mehtab Bagh (Moonlit Garden), directly across from the Taj Mahal, but was never able to.
He became ill in 1657 which ignited a succession struggle between his four sons. Aurangzeb succeeded, declared himself emperor, and imprisoned his father in Agra Fort until his death.
It is said Shah Jahan would spend hours each day staring at the Taj Mahal from his room in Agra Fort. His tomb lies beside that of his in the Taj Mahal.
Other Sites in Agra
Agra is a very historic city, it was the capital of the Mughal empire until 1638 when it was moved to Delhi. There are some very significant monuments to see besides the Taj Mahal.
Agra Fort (UNESCO)
After the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is the most important historical site in Agra. It was the main residence of the Mughal rulers until 1638 when the capital moved to Delhi.
This is where Shah Jahan (who built the Taj Mahal) was imprisoned by his son. Shah Jahan spent 8 years confined to Agra Fort and he died there in 1666.
Etimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj)
This beautiful mausoleum was built between 1622 and 1628 for the father of Empress Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir.
The tomb is meant to resemble a jewel box and was the first tomb in India to be built entirely of white marble. It is one of the tombs that inspired the architecture of the Taj Mahal and is often called the Baby Taj.
Mehtab Bagh
This park is located directly across from the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna river. It’s most well known for its spectacular views of the Taj Mahal.
Mehtab Bagh was built by Emperor Babur in the early 1500s. The width of the garden aligns perfectly with the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan called it a moonlit pleasure garden and would often go there to view the Taj Mahal.
Restaurants with views of the Taj Mahal
Since you’re in Agra you may as well see as much of the Taj Mahal as you can. A couple of these restaurants are very modest, but they have great Taj Mahal views.
- The Bar: Located at the Oberoi Amarvilas, it is a bar but they do serve snacks. The view of the Taj is exceptional.
- Mughal Room: Luxury restaurant at Hotel Clarks Shiraz with nice, but distant views of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
- Hotel Saniya Palace Inn: Pleasant rooftop restaurant with great views of the Taj Mahal.
- Joey’s Hostel: Modest rooftop restaurant with wonderful views of the Taj Mahal.
Last Words on Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Delhi: Three Great Options
Whether you want to go with an organized tour or do it yourself, there are great options to do a Taj Mahal sunrise tour from Delhi. You’ve come all the way to India, do not miss one of the most magnificent sites in the world.
