The Taj Mahal Photography Guide and Best spots
I didn’t know where to start with the Taj Mahal; where to capture the best pictures, the most Instagrammable spots, how to avoid hoards of people, what time to go? It is, after all, a world wonder and I wanted to do it justice. Here’s the full Taj Mahal photography guide and the best viewpoints that will make your experience of this world wonder truly epic.
The Taj Mahal: the love story
When I first learnt about the Taj Mahal, I learnt of the great love story – it was built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He wanted to show his undying love for her in the world’s greatest, most impressive monument.
I was told it used to be even more impressive than it is now, with at least 28 gemstones and precious metals laid into the intricate carvings of the walls, but over time thieves stole gems straight out of the walls.
Still, it’s an impressive sight today and it is both a World Wonder (as voted in 2007) and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is the third most visited world wonder in the world, which should give you an inkling as to how busy it gets – expect chaos, but see tips below on how to avoid the crowds.
And you’ll now have the full Taj Mahal Photography guide to review!
Best Tours to the Taj Mahal & India Tours
Golden Triangle Tours
There are plenty of Golden Triangle tours that take you to the Taj Mahal. You can even do a 3 day golden triangle tour, but this will be super rushed! If you have enough time, try to do a 7 day Golden triangle tour over the course of a week, there is so much to see and do! This part of India is exceedingly beautiful and you don’t want to rush through it!
You’ll also find some golden triangle tours that take you to Ranthambore Tiger Safari Park to see some wild tigers, which is highly recommended!
I always compare tour prices on Get Your Guide and Viator.
Taj Mahal day trip from New Delhi
If you’re limited for time, it’s still worth doing a Taj Mahal day trip from Delhi! It is definitely possible to do it in one day, and it’s totally worth it. You can get the train (which to be honest is a nightmare to book), or book onto a tour which is fairly straight forward and stress free, so it’s worth doing.
I always compare tour prices on Get Your Guide and Viator.
Taj Mahal photography tours: photo shoots & Photographers
And lastly, booking a photoshoot at the Taj Mahal is a great idea, you’ll be creating some life long memories and souvenirs! A photographer will be able to take you to the best spots without too many tourists in them and take you on a fun photoshoot in the Taj Mahal! You’ll have a professional photographer join you for the day to take some professional photos.There are quite a few Taj Mahal photography packages for you to choose from. In my opinion, Taj Mahal sunrise photos are the best! Refer to the below to scout out the best locations for Taj Mahal photography!
I always compare tour prices on Get Your Guide and Viator.
Entry into the Taj Mahal
You can buy tickets online or in person, but bear in mind you’ll need to buy tickets 24h in advance. I tried to buy them the night before and it said it was too late. Tickets are valid for 3 hours only and will grant you access to the Taj Mahal complex.
There are multiple entrances to the Taj Mahal, apparently the East gate is the quietest, so we went that way. We found that queueing up to purchase tickets was not a lengthy process at 5.30am and took about 5 minutes. The area where you purchase tickets is different from where you’ll need to queue up, and there are signs pointing you to where you need to go.
I recommend going this way so you can start on your Taj Mahal photography tour around the grounds!
How much does it cost to enter the Taj Mahal?
Taj Mahal entrance fees
The entrance cost to the Taj Mahal is 50 Rupees for Indians and costs 1100 Rupees (£10.50 or £13.30 USD) for foreigners.
Don’t forget! The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays!
You won’t be allowed entry into the Taj Mahal with any of the following:
- Water/drinks
- Food
- Selfie sticks
- Tripods
- Headphones
- Weapons
- Cigarettes / vapes / smoking equipment
You’ll be given a complimentary bottle of water with your entry ticket as you cannot bring your own in, which is a thoughtful touch on a hot day.
If you’re solo travelling and want some semi decent pictures, consider hiring a guide or a photographer. I had my Insta360 on me, and I found it annoying because technically the 360 is on an invisible stick! If you have any of these items on you, you’ll be asked to put it in a locker which is free of charge.
When you actually enter, men and women are separated into different lines, so be sure to follow the correct queue. The women’s queue is said to be longer because there are bag searches conducted, and women are more likely to have bags (due to fashion that rarely seems to have pockets!). If you are travelling with a man and want to make things go a bit quicker, give your bag to a man (if you’re travelling with one) as their queue will be shorter.
Security is tight, and rightly so!
What can I wear to the Taj Mahal? Is there a Dress Code?
There’s no official dress code but visitors are expected to dress somewhat conservatively, covering knees and shoulders. Sarees and lehengas are fine.
What time is best to visit the Taj Mahal? Sunrise, of course!
You MUST try to visit the Taj Mahal is at sunrise, when the soft light and colourful sky make for an absolutely magical experience. The best time for Taj Mahal photography.
It’s often covered in mist/haze, but as the sun rises, it kind of appears out of nowhere, like a mirage. But be prepared for crowds – even at 5.30am, there are huge crowds of people jostling for the perfect view – I would guess at least 500-1000 people.
So definitely get there early and buy your tickets online in advance – the skip the line tickets are worth it.
You should consider buying a ‘skip the queue‘ ticket too, if you want to bypass the crowds.
Taj Mahal Photography tips: The best photo spots
Dussehra Ghat – The boat on Yamuna River
Just outside the Taj Mahal, Dussehra Ghat has an incredible view of the monument from the Yamuna River. Though technically illegal, the local police officers allow boat rides from a local boatman, who relies on this job to make a living. I have been told that there used to be more boatsmen, but the trade is dying out, so there’s only one boatman left.
You’ll need to barter for your ride, but it’s worth it for the stunning views of the Taj Mahal reflected in the water. I think you can pay about 200 Rupees per person (£2), but we paid 400 Rupees pp (£4)- it was the very last ride of the day, we were running out of time and frankly didn’t have time to barter. The river may not be the cleanest, but the views are absolutely insane and one of the best spots for Taj Mahal photography.
The View from Mosque Taj Mahal
As soon as we entered, we made a beeline for the Mosque Taj Mahal. From the mosque on the left side of the Taj Mahal, you can capture a stunning view of the monument with the symmetry of the arches framing the shot. The intricate details of the mosque itself are also a sight to behold and the colours are something else. It’s stunning; one of my favourite unpopular spots for Taj Mahal photography.
The view from Mehmaan Khana: Taj Mahal Photography ideas
For a shot that captures the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, head to Mehmaan Khana, the guest house located on the west side of the monument. Take a photo in the archway to perfectly frame the Taj Mahal in all its glory. There’s usually a lot of free space to photograph here (at least, if you go early), so enjoy this little Taj Mahal photography spot.
On Taj Beach
A lesser-known viewpoint of the Taj Mahal is from the small beach on the east side of the monument. It’s a great place to capture the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the water, with the serene sound of the waves in the background.
It’s definitely a lesser well known spot for Taj Mahal photography.
The Arches on Taj Mahal East
The arches on the east side of the Taj Mahal provide a unique perspective and add an interesting element to your photographs.
You can capture the intricate designs of the arches with the Taj Mahal in the background. One of my favourites for Taj Mahal photography.
Agha Khan Haveli
A ruin located in someone’s backyard may not seem like the best place for a view of the Taj Mahal, but Agha Khan Haveli offers just that. You’ll need to tip the homeowner to gain access, but it’s worth it for the limited 15 minutes you get to take in the stunning view. The homeowner usually charges around 250-500 rupees, or £2.50 or $3 USD. You’ll have to walk down a dirt path to reach it, and there is a lot of waste build up on the side of the road, but once you get there, it’s worth it! Sadly, the whole river has an issue with rubbish, with mounds of trash building up on the banks.
The Iconic Shot of Char Bagh: Be Prepared to Queue Up!
To get the iconic shot down the fountains at the Taj Mahal, you must visit the viewpoint from Char Bagh. But be prepared to queue up, as it can get pretty chaotic with people pushing and jostling to get their shot. I almost gave up on getting the perfect shot, but then a kind girl offered to help me and we took turns to secure our spot. It was worth the wait though, as the view from Char Bagh was absolutely breath-taking. The symmetry, the fountains, the water… everything is so Instagrammable! The shot down Mehtab Bagh is the incredible viewpoint down the gardens and literally translates to ‘moonlit garden‘.
The Best Hotels at the Taj Mahal
Some of these hotels have the best views of the Taj Mahal – definitely worth having a look!
Oberoi Amarvilas – This hotel has incredible views of the Taj Mahal – one of the best places to stay and worth staying here at least one night.
Doubletree by Hilton – located nearby with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal!
Crystal Sarovar premiere Agra – with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal from your rooms.
It’s also worth checking out the nearby hotels, we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott and it was great!
Radisson Hotel Agra (previously Four points by Sheraton)
How to get to the Taj Mahal in Agra, from Delhi?
You can book a full tour to the Taj Mahal here, or you can organise your own hotel and transport. We decided to book our own hotel and transport by using Intercity Uber. The drive took 3-4 hours and was fairly straight forward!
The closest airport to the Taj Mahal is Agra Airport, but you’ll find that Delhi airport is much more popular and has many more flights available.
If you’re going from Delhi, consider booking a tour! They will sort out your whole trip so it is hassle free! Have a look at the below tours.
When is the best time to go to the Taj Mahal?
It’s best to go at sunrise on a clear and sunny day; and November to March is best due to the cooler temperatures, but any time of year is generally great as this is a stunning monument year round.
Weather year round at Taj Mahal
Have a look below for:
Average temperature at Taj Mahal
Sunrise time at Taj Mahal
Sunset time at Taj Mahal
January weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy Days: 1-2 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 10-11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:45 PM
February weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy Days: 1-2 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:00 PM
March weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy Days: 2-3 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 11.5 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
April weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 28°C (82°F)
- Rainy Days: 2-3 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
May weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 34°C (93°F)
- Rainy Days: 2-3 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12.5 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 7:00 PM
June weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 36°C (97°F)
- Rainy Days: 4-5 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 7:15 PM
July weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 32°C (90°F)
- Rainy Days: 10-12 days (Monsoon season)
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 7:20 PM
August weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 31°C (88°F)
- Rainy Days: 10-12 days (Monsoon season)
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12.5 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 7:10 PM
September weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 30°C (86°F)
- Rainy Days: 6-8 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
October weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 26°C (79°F)
- Rainy Days: 2-3 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
November weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 20°C (68°F)
- Rainy Days: 1-2 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 10.5 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:45 PM
December weather in Taj Mahal
- Average Temperature: Around 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy Days: 1-2 days
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 10 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:30 PM
You might also find my other articles in India useful:
Jodhpur Jaisalmer Tour Package
The Taj Maha: Best photography spots
Quick links
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