Where to Get the Best Views of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India

Where to Get the Best Views of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India

Many people have attempted to describe the Taj Mahal's beauty. The architect, Shah Jahan, stated that "it made the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes." Rudyard Kipling described it as "the embodiment of all that is pure," and Rabindranath Tagore described it as a "teardrop on the cheek of eternity."

Although it may appear that I am exaggerating, if you were to ask me what is the most beautiful building I have ever seen, there is no contest; the Taj Mahal reigns supreme. I'm not alone in this. I'm certain that the over 4 million tourists who pass through the complex's massive red sandstone gates each year to see India's most popular tourist destination would agree with me.

Most visitors are already familiar with the Taj Mahal and its history; built by Shah Jahan in 1631 as a memorial for his third wife, who died in childbirth, the main mausoleum took only 8 years to complete, but the complex as a whole wasn't finished until 1653. As a result, it is frequently referred to as the world's greatest love monument. What most people don't realise is that you don't have to enter the complex to get a good view of the building's gleaming white onion dome.

If you want to see the Taj Mahal from a different perspective, here are my favourite alternative locations to visit.

Suggested tour: Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour, Same Day Agra Tour, Agra Sightseeing Tour, Agra Tour from Delhi

Mehtab Bagh

The Mehtab Bagh gardens on the north bank of the Yamuna river offer one of the most captivating views of the Taj Mahal. Beautiful Mehtab Bagh is a long, rich green lawn filled with floral shrubs that was created to resemble the Taj Mahal's own ornamental gardens. According to legend, Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, had long planned to construct a tomb for himself there that would be an identical replica of the Taj, but made completely of black marble. The concept was inspired by the fantastical tales of European traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who visited Agra in 1665. It was alleged that Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb overthrew him before the structure could be constructed.

Opening Hours: 6am – 6pm
Entry fee: 100 Rs

Must Read: What Other Attractions in Agra Are the Best for Tourists

From a Boat on the Yamuna River

The Taj Mahal is in view as the sun is sinking, a boatman is navigating a wooden boat across the Yamuna, and the enormous white onion dome is reflected in the still waters. This is the scene that you typically see in travel guides or publications. Tourists are not permitted to ride a boat on the Yamuna, according to the law. Nevertheless, this does not imply that it is impossible; all you need to do is know who to ask and where to look. Who, after all, would want to sacrifice the Taj Mahal's best view for the sake of a few rules? Most hostels in and around Agra offer this tour but I found that the best way is to do it yourself from Dusshera ghat. (250 Rs p.p.)

The Trails of The Taj Nature Walk

This verdant parkland area is a short distance from the Taj Mahal via the East Gate Road and is crisscrossed by walking trails, picnic areas, and lookout points. If you're seeking for a little peace & quiet, you can anticipate it to be rather peaceful compared to the rest of Agra because the nature reserve is 70 acres in size and stretches from the road towards the banks of the Yamuna. While I was there, only two other couples were seen strolling the trail

Opening Hours: 7am – 6pm

Entry Fee: 100 Rs. for foreigners, 20 Rs for Indians.

Must Read: Must Visit Attractions around Agra

Agra Fort

This remnant of the Mughal era made of red sandstone is Agra's most spectacular building except the Taj. Emperor Akbar started building it in 1565 along the Yamuna River's banks, and his grandson Shah Jahan later added white marble decorations. During his rule, what had been a vast military castle was changed into a palace.

The fort's size will be what most impresses you. The walls occasionally reach a height of 20 metres across its 2.5 kilometre diameter. The interior is just as spectacular as the exterior once you enter. The Shish Mahal (mirror palace), Khas Mahal, Diwan-e-khaas (hall of secret hearings), Moti Masjid (pearl mosque), and Nagina Masjid (gem/jewel mosque) are just a few of the magnificent buildings you can find here. To get the most out of your visit, my recommendation is to meander around the numerous buildings for a whole morning or afternoon.
Opening Hours: 7am – 6pm
Entry Fee: 100 Rs. for foreigners, 20 Rs for Indians

Chhatris by the Yamuna River- The Secret Taj Mahal Sunset Point

Possibly my favourite off-beat place to photograph the Taj Mahal from, this chhatri (dome shaped pavilion) by the Yamuna river is a must-visit monument in Agra. It is located just a short walk away from the East Gate entrance of the Taj, though getting there can be a bit tricky if you are alone and do not know where to go.

To reach this secret Taj Mahal sunset point, walk towards the direction of Dusshera Ghat on Dusshera Ghat Road from the East Gate entrance of the Taj. The perimeter wall of the Taj will be on your left as you make your way to the riverbank. Now, instead of going straight to the Ghat, take the first right (there is a small diversion so try not to miss it) to continue onto Dusshera Ghat Road.