Sunrise Same day · early start
Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh
Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour by Car from Delhi
5.0166 Tripadvisor reviews
- Private car
- Live guide
- Lunch
From$40per person
Live times · updated daily
Taj Mahal Sunrise & Sunset Time Today
Live sunrise and sunset times at the Taj Mahal for today or any date you choose, with the exact opening hours, the best light for photos — and an honest guide to why sunrise at the Taj Mahal is worth the early start.
- 5.0 Excellent · 166 Tripadvisor reviews
- Since 1993 · Licensed operator
- Government-approved guides
- Free cancellation · pay later*
Quick answer
Today (6 November 2026) the sun rises at the Taj Mahal at 6:30 AM and sets at 5:33 PM (IST). The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise (6:00 AM) and closes 30 minutes before sunset (5:03 PM). Today is Friday, so the Taj Mahal is closed. Sunrise is the best time to visit: soft pink-gold light on the marble, cooler air and the smallest crowds. For sunset, watch from Mehtab Bagh across the river.
- Sunrise today
- 6:30 AM
- Sunset today
- 5:33 PM
- Taj opens
- 6:00 AM
- Taj closes
- 5:03 PM
- Closed
- Every Friday
- Best light
- First hour after sunrise
Taj Mahal sunrise & sunset time
Friday, 6 November 2026 · Agra (IST)
Sunrise6:30 AM
Sunset5:33 PM
- Taj Mahal opens
- 6:00 AM
- Taj Mahal closes
- 5:03 PM
- Ticket counters open
- 5:30 AM
- First light (dawn)
- 6:07 AM
- Morning golden hour
- 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
- Evening golden hour
- 4:33 PM – 5:33 PM
Friday — the Taj Mahal is closed to visitors. See the sunrise from Mehtab Bagh across the river instead.
Times are calculated for the Taj Mahal, Agra, in Indian Standard Time (GMT+5:30). Opening hours follow the ASI rule: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset. Arrive at the gate 20–30 minutes before opening.
Taj Mahal sunrise & sunset times — next 14 days
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Taj Mahal open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 6 Nov (today) | 6:30 AM | 5:33 PM | Closed (Friday) |
| Sat, 7 Nov | 6:31 AM | 5:32 PM | 6:01 AM – 5:02 PM |
| Sun, 8 Nov | 6:32 AM | 5:32 PM | 6:02 AM – 5:02 PM |
| Mon, 9 Nov | 6:32 AM | 5:31 PM | 6:02 AM – 5:01 PM |
| Tue, 10 Nov | 6:33 AM | 5:30 PM | 6:03 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wed, 11 Nov | 6:34 AM | 5:30 PM | 6:04 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thu, 12 Nov | 6:34 AM | 5:29 PM | 6:04 AM – 4:59 PM |
| Fri, 13 Nov | 6:35 AM | 5:29 PM | Closed (Friday) |
| Sat, 14 Nov | 6:36 AM | 5:29 PM | 6:06 AM – 4:59 PM |
| Sun, 15 Nov | 6:37 AM | 5:28 PM | 6:07 AM – 4:58 PM |
| Mon, 16 Nov | 6:37 AM | 5:28 PM | 6:07 AM – 4:58 PM |
| Tue, 17 Nov | 6:38 AM | 5:27 PM | 6:08 AM – 4:57 PM |
| Wed, 18 Nov | 6:39 AM | 5:27 PM | 6:09 AM – 4:57 PM |
| Thu, 19 Nov | 6:40 AM | 5:27 PM | 6:10 AM – 4:57 PM |
- Calculated for Agra. Morning fog in December and January can hide the Taj Mahal for a while after sunrise.
Why see the Taj Mahal at sunrise?
Most of our guests who choose sunrise tell us it was the highlight of their trip to India. Here is what makes it different.
- The marble changes colour
In the first light the white marble glows soft pink, then gold, then bright white — a change you only see in the early morning.
- The smallest crowds
At opening time only early visitors are inside. By late morning the gardens fill with tour groups.
- Best photos
Low, warm light from the east, calm water in the long reflecting pool and no midday glare on the marble.
- Cooler & calmer
Early mornings are the most comfortable time of the day, especially from March to October.
- A peaceful atmosphere
Birds over the Yamuna, mist on the river and quiet gardens — the Taj feels the way Shah Jahan meant it to.
- More time for the day
Finish the Taj by 9 AM and you still have time for Agra Fort, breakfast and the drive back to Delhi.
Taj Mahal sunrise vs sunset — which is better?
| Sunrise | Sunset | |
|---|---|---|
| Light on the marble | Soft pink and gold, from the east | Warm orange glow, from the west |
| Crowds | Lowest of the day | Busy in the gardens in the afternoon |
| Inside the Taj complex? | Yes — gates open 30 min before sunrise | No — the Taj closes 30 min before sunset |
| Where to watch | The reflecting pool and main platform | Mehtab Bagh across the river, or Agra Fort |
| Weather | Cool; foggy mornings in Dec – Jan | Hazy in summer; clear Oct – Mar |
| From Delhi | Leave around 3 AM, or stay overnight in Agra | Easy on a day trip or overnight tour |
- Our tip: see both. With the overnight Agra tour you watch the sunset from Mehtab Bagh and enter the Taj at sunrise the next morning.
Where to watch the Taj Mahal at sunset
Because the Taj Mahal closes 30 minutes before sunset, the best sunset views are from outside the complex.
- Mehtab Bagh
The "Moonlight Garden" across the Yamuna, facing the Taj Mahal — the classic sunset view. Mehtab Bagh timings & tickets.
- Agra Fort
Shah Jahan's fort looks down the river to the Taj Mahal — lovely in the late afternoon light. Agra Fort guide.
- The riverbank
The banks of the Yamuna near Mehtab Bagh give a free, open view of the Taj at golden hour.
- Taj-view rooftops
Several hotels and rooftop cafés in Taj Ganj look over the domes — ask your guide for a good one.
How to plan a Taj Mahal sunrise visit
- 1Check the date
Use the calculator above. Avoid Fridays, when the Taj Mahal is closed.
- 2Stay in Agra or leave Delhi early
From an Agra hotel it is 10–15 minutes to the gate. From Delhi, a sunrise tour leaves around 3 AM.
- 3Get tickets before you arrive
Book online with the ASI, or let your guide buy them so you go straight to security.
- 4Be at the East or West gate early
Queue 20–30 minutes before opening — the first visitors in get the empty reflecting-pool photos.
- 5Bring only essentials
Phone or camera, water, passport. Tripods, food and large bags are not allowed.
Taj Mahal sunrise & sunset times by month
| Month (15th) | Sunrise | Sunset | Taj opens | Taj closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:07 AM | 5:47 PM | 6:37 AM | 5:17 PM |
| February | 6:53 AM | 6:11 PM | 6:23 AM | 5:41 PM |
| March | 6:26 AM | 6:27 PM | 5:56 AM | 5:57 PM |
| April | 5:53 AM | 6:43 PM | 5:23 AM | 6:13 PM |
| May | 5:28 AM | 7:00 PM | 4:58 AM | 6:30 PM |
| June | 5:22 AM | 7:15 PM | 4:52 AM | 6:45 PM |
| July | 5:32 AM | 7:16 PM | 5:02 AM | 6:46 PM |
| August | 5:48 AM | 6:57 PM | 5:18 AM | 6:27 PM |
| September | 6:02 AM | 6:24 PM | 5:32 AM | 5:54 PM |
| October | 6:16 AM | 5:51 PM | 5:46 AM | 5:21 PM |
| November | 6:37 AM | 5:28 PM | 6:07 AM | 4:58 PM |
| December | 6:58 AM | 5:27 PM | 6:28 AM | 4:57 PM |
- India does not change its clocks, so times move gradually through the year: the earliest sunrise is in June, the latest in January.
See the Taj Mahal at sunrise with us
Sunrise & overnight tours
Private car from your hotel, a guide waiting at the gate and tickets handled — so you just enjoy the light.
Sunrise Same day · early start
No rush 2 days / 1 night
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Fatehpur Sikri
Delhi to Agra Overnight 2 Days Tour
5.0166 Tripadvisor reviews
- Private car
- Hotel
- Guide
From$75per person
Best seller Same day · 12 hrs
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Baby Taj
Delhi to Agra One Day Tour by Car
5.0166 Tripadvisor reviews
- Private car
- Live guide
- Lunch
From$40per person
Most popular 4 days / 3 nights
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
Golden Triangle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights
5.0166 Tripadvisor reviews
- Private car
- Hotels
- Guides
From$300per person
Reviews from our sunrise guests
All reviews
Tripadvisor
5.0/ 5 · Excellent
166 reviews from real travellers
Karin H
New Delhi, India · Mar 2023
Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent tour with lots of memories to take home. Great organisation and guide
Based on my experience Rosa Travel is a serious and honest tour provider with excellent customer service. They responded fast and very honest about all my enquiries and extra wishes before the trip and incorporated all. The car was very clean and in very good condition and the driver also very punctual, reliable and trustworthy. Mr Mohsin, my tour guide was excellent, with local knowledge that only someone who has been doing this tour for almost every day in the past 10 years can have. Needless to say that I did not even see a queue. He also had a great knowledge of the whole Indian history and its transformation into modern society…
Review of: Private: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Mehtab Bagh Tour By Car From Delhi
Verified Tripadvisor review
Jenni S
Jan 2023
Review from Tripadvisor
Warm, insightful and friendly guide! Highly recommend!
Our guide Zameer was incredible! He shared so many interesting facts about the history, architecture, and city of Agra and the surrounding area. But even more important that his knowledge, was his welcoming and warm demeanor. Zameer made our group feel welcome and like friends; he was kind, shared jokes and stories, and made our entire experience a complete delight. I cannot recommend him more!
Verified Tripadvisor review
Hye Ran L
Sep 2023
Review from Tripadvisor
highly recommend!!
I highly recommend Rosa Travel. They made unforgettable memories for my family. Especially the guide "Farhan Khan" was kind and nice. He took many special pictures for us. Explanations of Agra& Taj Mahal's history were also informative. Thank you to him for guiding us in the hot weather.
Review of: Private: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Mehtab Bagh Tour By Car From Delhi
Verified Tripadvisor review
Michael O
Jan 2023 · Friends
Review from Tripadvisor
Insightful, efficient, and professional
This was one of if not the best tours I've been on in over 30 years of my life. Our guide Zameer was extremely knowledgeable and it was clear he had a passion for history. He shared stories, insight, and was able to answer almost all the questions the group had. If he didn't know, he didn't make things up like most tour guides. This was a 10/10 experience. Highly recommend a tour with Zameer.
Verified Tripadvisor review
Show 16 more reviews
Anand P
Dec 2022
Review from Tripadvisor
Great tour of Delhi-Mathura Vrindavan-Agra-Fatehpur Sikiri-Delhi
Great Trip! I went 4D3N trip with my family in December 2022 to Mathura-Vrindavan-Agra-Fatehpur Sikiri-Delhi. The trip was excellently planned by Faisal Siddiqui and not at all tiring. The driver Mr Khemchand Sharma ji was outstanding he was on-time in the entire trip, professional, safe and caring. Every place we had guided tours and everyone is professional, friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the places. The trip to Taj Mahal was one of the great unique experiences that we had. Mr Zameer Khan as our tour guide to Taj Mahal has enhanced the experience of Taj with his professionalism, and knowledge of Taj. I highly recommend Zameer's services…
Verified Tripadvisor review
Eddie K
Jan 2023 · Friends
Review from Tripadvisor
Only one you want to show you Agra
Review of our guide Zamir. It felt like became our friend in such a short period of time. He was extremely knowledgeable, honest, kind with his time, took us everywhere we wanted to go. Other guides have been pushy, and can sometimes try to hustle tourists, Zamir rather shared our experience with us, and helped Shepard us through Agra and gave us the best areas for pictures, foods, and momentos for the trip. If I come back or have relatives going to the area, they are getting the high recommendation to ask for Zamir.
Verified Tripadvisor review
Ayushi M
Dec 2022 · Friends
Review from Tripadvisor
Highly recommended this tour!!
Fantastic tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort!! Our car ride was super cozy, with extra cushions for comfort, and our guide Nazeer was super knowledgeable and kind! He even helped us cut all the lines and shared fun side stories and had answers to alll out touristy questions :)
Verified Tripadvisor review
Vanessa
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates · Dec 2022
Review from Tripadvisor
Very informative and organized tour
The tour was magnificent, very informative and organized. Mr. Kalim our tour guide gave us an in depth info about taj mahal and agra fort. And our driver mr vishan drives us safely point to point. All in all it was an easy and unforgetable experience.
Review of: Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi With Breakfast at 5 Star Hotel
Verified Tripadvisor review
Maps690418
Mar 2023 · Friends
Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
We had a knowledgable tour guide Mr.Mohsin ,who never failed to keep us engaged and entertained.his explanation are very clear and true. The trip was really awesome and we really enjoyed and will Definately engaged this guide to visit again in future. Recommended for your engagement ! Professional,trustworthy,on time,friendly and good communication skills
Verified Tripadvisor review
DouggieAustralia
Sydney, Australia · Mar 2023 · Couples
Review from Tripadvisor
Doug & Dianne
Very knowledgeable, superb photographer and most of all a wonderful person that treated us so well. We highly recommend him as your tour guide.
Verified Tripadvisor review
stephl2012
London, United Kingdom · Dec 2022 · Friends
Review from Tripadvisor
An activity-filled day
We certainly got more than we expected with this tour! The day started when we got picked up from outside our accommodation in South Delhi by our driver in a comfortable SUV at 6am and we got on the road to Agra. The SUV was stocked with bottled water and snacks. Because of the fog we couldn't see a lot but there wasn't much traffic either…
Review of: Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi With Breakfast at 5 Star Hotel
Verified Tripadvisor review
Jess
Feb 2023 · Couples
Review from Tripadvisor
Taj Mahal day tour was amazing
Best thing we could of done was to book a tour guide. Moshan Khan was absolutely amazing. He was so informative, polite and very challenged in making our visit pleasant. Definitely recommend
Review of: Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi With Breakfast at 5 Star Hotel
Verified Tripadvisor review
Victor
Feb 2023 · Solo
Review from Tripadvisor
Very interesting visit to Taj Mahal with very good tour guide
Its really a good tour to Taj Mahal.very beautiful building.I was a companied by Mr.Mohsin khan as tour guide. He is really good tour guide, nice person also. He explained all the things about the place that I visited very details.highly recommended to use him during your tour
Verified Tripadvisor review
Philly P
Dec 2022 · Friends
Review from Tripadvisor
Epic tour to Taj Mahal
Very comfortable vehicle and safe driving. Drivers English wasn't always able to be understood although this didn't alter the overall experience. Stopped for breakfast at place where food was nice but place a little average. Tour guide who showed us around Taj Mahal and Agra Fort was awesome - great English, got us through queues quickly and took great photos. Didn't like going to marble shop and declined another selling opportunity. Yummy lunch at restaurant on way home.
Review of: Private: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Mehtab Bagh Tour By Car From Delhi
Verified Tripadvisor review
Reziyana Rizky
Mar 2023 · Friends
Review from Tripadvisor
Taj Mahal is the best part of today's trip!
All part is perfect! I love all experiences in Agra today! The weather is good enough, the place we visited are amazing, and the guide is the best for all explanation and his history class. We'd love it!!
Verified Tripadvisor review
M. Gupte
Jan 2023
Review from Tripadvisor
Raju our driver was very good. Drove safely amidst the fog. Mohsein,our tour guide was good too, great photographer !
I took one day Agra tour( Taj mahal, lunch,delhi hotel pickup,dropoff ). Happy with the service!
Verified Tripadvisor review
HJ J
Feb 2023 · Solo
Review from Tripadvisor
Deepen the understanding of history
Mohsin is perfect travel guide with high level of knowledge and with humors. He has an expertise when you want to capture the beautiful scenery on your phone
Verified Tripadvisor review
Rabbit R
Mar 2023 · Friends
Review from Tripadvisor
Beautiful trip
Everything beautiful, with mr. Zameer explaining beautifully "symmetrical Taj Mahal like husband and wife"
Review of: Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi With Breakfast at 5 Star Hotel
Verified Tripadvisor review
Marcela Aristizábal
Dec 2022
Review from Tripadvisor
Agra full day from Delhi
Totally recommended! Drive from Delhi early in the morning, great service overall. My guide was really nice and informative.
Review of: Private: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Mehtab Bagh Tour By Car From Delhi
Verified Tripadvisor review
py j
Mar 2023 · Business
Review from Tripadvisor
very nice
he is kindly and comfortable man, and passinable guide very nice trip today very goog man thank you.
Verified Tripadvisor review
Video reviews
Hear it from our guests
Real videos from travellers who toured India with us.
Guest video review 1
Guest video review 2
Guest video review 3
Guest video review 4
Taj Mahal sunrise & sunset — frequently asked questions
What time is sunrise at the Taj Mahal today?
Today (6 November 2026) sunrise at the Taj Mahal is at 6:30 AM IST. Use the calculator on this page for any other date.
What time does the Taj Mahal open for sunrise?
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise — today at 6:00 AM. Ticket counters open about an hour before sunrise.
What time is sunset at the Taj Mahal?
Today sunset is at 5:33 PM IST. The Taj Mahal closes 30 minutes earlier, at 5:03 PM, so watch the sunset from Mehtab Bagh or Agra Fort.
Is sunrise at the Taj Mahal worth it?
Yes. It is the quietest, coolest and most beautiful time: the marble changes from pink to gold to white and the gardens are almost empty.
Is the Taj Mahal better at sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise is better for visiting inside — fewer people and softer light. Sunset is best viewed from Mehtab Bagh across the river, because the Taj closes before the sun goes down.
Can I see the sunset inside the Taj Mahal?
No. The Taj Mahal closes 30 minutes before sunset, so you leave before the sun sets. Mehtab Bagh, opposite the Taj, is the best place for sunset.
Is the Taj Mahal open at sunrise on Friday?
No. The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. You can still see it at sunrise from Mehtab Bagh across the river.
Which gate is best for sunrise?
The East and West gates are used for early entry. Your guide will choose the gate with the shortest queue on the day.
Can I do a Taj Mahal sunrise tour from Delhi?
Yes. Our sunrise tour (from US$40 per person) picks you up in Delhi around 3 AM, reaches the Taj as it opens and brings you back the same day.
What is the best month for a Taj Mahal sunrise?
October, November, February and March usually have clear skies and pleasant mornings. December and January can be foggy at dawn; April to June are very hot later in the day.
How early should I reach the Taj Mahal for sunrise?
About 20–30 minutes before opening time, with your tickets already bought, so you are among the first inside.
Can I see the Taj Mahal at night?
Yes, on five nights around each full moon (not Fridays or in Ramzan), with tickets from the ASI in Agra. See the next dates on our moonlight page.
Can I book your tours on Tripadvisor instead?
Yes — we are listed on Tripadvisor (5.0 from 166 reviews) and you can book us there. Booking direct with us is usually better: there is nothing to pay for a quote, no booking fees, and you can book now and pay later. You talk to our team directly on WhatsApp, phone or email, so you get quicker answers and better coordination, and we can customise the tour — dates, cities, hotels and pace — while Tripadvisor listings are fixed packages.
Sources for this page
Monument rules, fees and timings as published by the official authorities for November 2026. They can change at short notice — we always re-check before your tour.