The Taj is arguably at its most atmospheric at sunrise. This is certainly the most comfortable time to visit in summer, and although it’s still popular, there are fewer crowds than later in the day. Sunset is another magical viewing time.

Inside the Grounds

You may have to pay for the privilege, but it’s only when you’re inside the grounds themselves that you can really get up close and personal with the world’s most beautiful building. Don’t miss inspecting the marble and lay work (pietro dura) inside the pishtaqs (large arched recesses) on the four outer walls. Shine the torch (flashlight) on your phone onto the pietra dura work inside the dark central chamber of the mausoleum and you’ll see the translucency of both the white marble and the semi precious stones inlaid into it.

From Mehtab Bagh

Tourists are no longer allowed to wander freely along the riverbank on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, but you can still enjoy a view of the back of the Taj from the 16th-century Mughal park Mehtab Bagh, with the river flowing between you and the mausoleum. A path leading down to the river beside the park offers the same view for free, albeit from a more restricted angle. Guards stop visitors entering both spots 30 minutes before sunset.

Looking Up from the South Bank of the River

This is a great place to be for sunset. Take the path that hugs the outside of the Taj’s eastern wall and walk all the way down to the small temple beside the river. You should be able to find boathands down here willing to row you out onto the water for an even more romantic view. For safety reasons, it’s best to not wander down here on your own for sunset.

On a Rooftop cafe in Taj Ganj

Perfect for sunrise shots: there are some wonderful photos to be had from the numerous rooftop cafes in Taj Ganj. We think the cafe on Saniya Palace Hotel is the pick of the bunch, with its plant-filled design and great position, but many of them are good. And all offer the bonus of being able to view the Taj with the added comfort of an early morning cup of coffee.

From Agra Fort

With a decent zoom lens you can capture some fabulous images of the Taj from Agra Fort, especially if you’re willing to get up at the crack of dawn to see the sun rising up from behind it (the fort opens 30 minutes before dawn). The best places to snap from are probably the Khas Mahal or Muthamman Burj, the octagonal tower and palace where Shah Jahan was imprisoned for eight years until his death.