The Taj Mahal: A Sunrise Trip to One of the Seven Wonders of the World

The Taj Mahal is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Agra and quite possibly in all of India. With 10,000-15,000 visitors per day, on a weekday, you can definitely expect it to get quite crowded. This is why it’s best to be one of the first in line and go during sunrise. Here’s everything you need to know for your trip!

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Visiting the Taj Mahal

As much as I wish I could tell you what to expect on your trip to the Taj, it seems to differ day-to-day. We went two days in a row and our experiences were drastically different both times!

The first day, we were first in line and there really weren’t too many others lined up by the time the gates opened. Getting through security was quick and easy and there wasn’t a huge crowd in front of the Taj when we started taking photos. The sun had just started to rise and we had a beautiful, clear view of the Taj Mahal with pink skies in the background. Anyone who was already there had no problem stepping aside for us to get photos without anyone else in them.

Don’t forget to check out my other post: Things No One Ever Tells You About Visiting the Taj Mahal.

On our second day, there was a much larger crowd by the time the gates opened. Security was a disaster. People were shoving, shouting, and cutting in line, all trying to be the first ones in. By the time we made it to the pools in front of the Taj Mahal (which this time was barely visible due to extremely thick fog), there were crowds of people already. And, everyone basically refused to step aside so we could get clear photos. It was a much different experience from the previous day!

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Getting the Perfect Photos

Three of the most iconic photos at the Taj Mahal would be through the archway at the mosque (the one on the left is best), the “Diana Bench”, and in front of the second pool. It’s best to arrive early and head to these spots first if you want photos without others in the background.

Hiring a Guide / Photographer

Should you choose to do so, you can hire a local “guide” to take your photos for you. We did this on the second day and it was definitely worth it considering we only paid 500 Indian Rupees (less than 10 USD). Our guide got us to the front of the line without us actually having to stand there and he definitely knew all of the good photo spots! The only downside to having a guide is they will likely take you to their shop afterward and pressure you to buy souvenirs (very common in India).

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We could have spent all day checking out the Taj Mahal and all of the mosques. Though I don’t think it’s totally necessary to do two days at the Taj, it was nice to spend one day just taking photos and another day to actually enjoy and just explore everything on the grounds. Just keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays when planning your trip!

Another thing to keep in mind: photography is not allowed inside the Taj Mahal. Inside the mausoleum was, of course, gorgeous. But, in my opinion, not nearly as spectacular as the outside. However, there was a guide inside the mausoleum who showed everyone how certain parts of the marble would glow under light. Pretty neat!

Security at the Taj Mahal

There are multiple ticket lines for visitors at the Taj but they all separate into male/female lines for security. For foreign visitors, you will get into the second line from the left to scan your tickets (the one that says “High-Value Ticket Holders”). After you scan your ticket you will go to either the men’s or women’s side for security. Keep in mind this is the West Gate and I’m not sure if it’s exactly the same at other gates.

It would be smart to leave most of your things at your hotel when you visit as many things are not allowed inside. This way you won’t have to worry about security or carrying anything with you.

Here is a list of items that are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal:

1. Chewing Gum
2. Liquor
3. Tobacco Products
4. Knives or Firearms
5. Headphones
6. Food or Drinks
7. Camera Tripods
8. Drones
9. Any type of Charger

You are allowed to bring phones, cameras, wallets, umbrellas, and medicines inside with you.

Ticket Prices

You’ll quickly notice that prices for all attractions in India are much higher for foreigners than they are for locals. Usually, way more than double in price! One good thing is that you can save on other attractions in Agra by showing your Taj Mahal ticket. It’s not a huge discount but you at least save on the taxes and fees.

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As of December 2019, tickets for the Taj Mahal cost 1,100 Indian Rupees (about 15 US Dollars) for foreigners. Tickets for the Taj Mahal and the mausoleum cost 1,300 Indian Rupees (about 18 US Dollars) for foreigners. You can purchase yours ahead of time here if you want to skip the ticket lines when you arrive. You don’t even need to print your ticket, you can just scan the barcode on your phone. Everyone seemed to have trouble scanning paper tickets anyway. All tickets include free shoe covers (to be worn inside the mausoleum) and a bottle of water.

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Taj Mahal Travel Tips

1. Have an early breakfast before you go. If you go early for sunrise like we did, you will be starving by the time you leave. Snacks aren’t allowed inside the Taj Mahal!
2. Don’t go with the expectation that your photos will have no other people in them. No matter how early you arrive (even if you’re first in line!) there will inevitably be others there by the time you get in. The Taj is one of the most famous attractions in the world and everyone wants to see it. Side note: foggy mornings work really well for hiding other people in the background! 😉
3. If you go in December like we did, dress warmly. India was quite warm during the day but still very cold in the mornings and later in the evenings.

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Don’t forget to check out these other India posts:

• Agra, India Travel Guide
• Indira Gandhi Airport in New Delhi
• Places to Visit in Delhi
• The Golden Triangle Guide and Itinerary
• Places to Visit in Jaipur
• Traveling by Train in India
• Travel Tips for Your First Time in India