Taj Mahal sunrise tour

Pickup is timed to the gates' opening at sunrise, so the exact start shifts through the year — earlier in summer, later in winter. We confirm the pickup time on your quote once we have your dates.

Both the east and west gates open at sunrise and lead to the same gardens; the choice mostly comes down to which side of the Taj your hotel sits on. Your guide meets you at whichever gate is closer on the morning.

No — it is closed every Friday. It otherwise runs sunrise to sunset, with a small number of moonlight viewing slots around the full moon each month, which need booking well in advance.

Yes, on the marble mausoleum platform itself; shoe covers are generally provided at that point so you don't need to go barefoot on stone that has been standing in the sun.

Mehtab Bagh, the garden across the river, is better saved for sunset the same day — it's the classic view of the Taj without the crowds. Agra Fort works well straight after breakfast, while you're already dressed and out.

It isn't compulsory, but we recommend a government-approved guide strongly. Touts without real credentials cluster at the ticket counters and gates; a booked guide gets you past that entirely.