BEST TAJMAHAL VIEWPOINTS
IN AGRA
We arrived at our modest accommodation in Agra, barely a 300 meter walk from the Taj Mahal, offering views of the TajMahal from its rooftop and chosen primarily due to its close proximity to TajMahal. However, when the caretaker left our luggage outside our room, we noticed the room came to an end as soon as we stepped inside, with a bed crammed in between and a simple cupboard.
I had travelled to Agra as a kid, barely 8 or 9 years old with my parents for our trip across North to Delhi and Manali. However, all that remains of the trip is a few photographs and faded memories. Thus, when I recently decided to visit Vrindavan, it was a given Agra would be included too.
The Taj Mahal is barely a four hour drive from New Delhi, making it a perfect weekend getaway. If you have more time, you must visit places around Agra to view the gorgeous places the state offers.
TajMahal is a monument touted to be a must-do when in India and is on every places to visit list. Thus when you make your way to the monument, do not miss the intricate detailing, and stones carved into the marble with patches worn out. The grandeur of the monument cannot truly ever be described, and hence becomes only a memory that can be revisited through the bunch of photographs you clicked in typical poses as guided by the photographer. The main complex is always bustling with tourist activity, and finding a quite spot to yourself is a task, let alone clicking a photograph.
We also were in a similar dilemma, and selfishly wanted to photograph without being interrupted. Excited and nervous, we set our alarms for 3 am in the morning, so as to be at the gate by 4 a.m. After a few snoozes, we finally woke up, got dressed and made our way to the east gate. There was only one person when we arrived, which quickly changed after 30 minutes as a group of foreigners queued up behind us. There was still 1.5 hours to go till the gates open and although glad to be amongst the first in line, I almost wanted to head back to the hotel and sleep. The gates open 30 minutes before sunrise, as informed by the guard, who has been doing this for decades. Besides us, there were mostly groups of foreigners and very few Indians.
As soon, as the gates opened, we ran and made our way to the first view point:
The ornamental pool
Being the amongst first few people making our way towards TajMahal when the gates opened, this viewpoint gave us a perfect shot of the TajMahal with the fountains that you see plastered all across magazines and social media. However, it was still dark outside, so we clicked a few pictures and made our way to the most coveted viewpoint.
From Mehmankhana
We were most excited about visiting this viewpoint as many tourists do not make their way here, hence it remains crowd free, way past sunrise even after thousand of tourists throng the place crowds have gathered. The Mehmankhana is on the right side of TajMahal when you enter from the East gate, and it is almost impossible to not get a good photograph here. The arches of MehmanKhana serve as a perfect backdrop for Taj and you will be able to witness the first rays of the sun illuminate the Taj Mahal.
As dawn gave way to sunrise, the hues of the sky changed from a dark gray to a bright blue. After spending a good hour here, admiring and clicking photos, we finally decided to make our way towards the mosque.
From the mosque:
The mosque is the perfect backdrop if you want to watch the sunrise from TajMahal, and for this you will need to head towards the left side of the TajMahal
.
From the garden
After sitting for hours at the complex, we made our way to the garden, although entry is restricted inside the garden, the tress and the lush greenery serves as an enchanting view of the TajMahal.
Tip:
1) Book tickets online a day or few days prior and also book tickets for the mausoleum. Go on a weekday if schedule permits. Don’t carry anything except phone, wallet and your identity proof, otherwise you’ll waste a lot of time during security check-up.
2) Make sure to reach the east gate of TajMahal at 5am, to be amongst the first ones to enter, and then RUN.
3) Remember tripods are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal.
4) The gates for TajMahal open every day 30 minutes prior to sunrise and there is no fixed timing. Prioritize where you want pictures, and then go ahead in that direction.
After admiring TajMahal from the complex, and its many viewpoints, we decided to get the perfect shot from the various viewpoints in the city.
Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh situated right opposite the Taj Mahal, and is the perfect spot for clicking the Taj Mahal. It is a botanical garden located on the banks of Yamuna river. This spot is usually notcrowded and you can get stunning shots at both sunrise and sunset. Although, reaching here is quite a detour as it is located on the other end and is actually far away from the center. Hiring an auto will be the best bet, if you decide to get your pictures clicked here.
Taj Mahal boat Ride
We did not encounter a lot of tourists here, and although barely ten minutes away by foot, this place is often overlooked. It also happens to be one of the best sunset spots to view the façade of TajMahal. To reach here, we asked around for directions for Dusshera Ghat and as instructed, we walked straight from the east gate along the walls of the compound till we finally came across a Hindu temple, which meant we were at the right location, and should serve as a landmark for your travels.
There will be policeman guarding the area, however fret not as the boatman has been doing this for years. Walk along edge of the bank and look for the boatman. You need to be patient, as there is only one boatman, who operates this on his dilapidated wooden boat. I would advise you to go a day prior, or if you’re going for the boatride in the evening, then ensure to go the same morning and reserve your seat. If you don’t find the boatman by the river, the Hindu temple is where Manoj sits or you might be guided by someone about his whereabouts. You can ask for his number to book for the next day, but he is unwilling to give away his contact easily. Besides, tour operators usually book the sunset ride prior so there is very less availability. We lucked out, as a few foreigners had already booked him for the day and reached in the nick of time. You won’t get your desired time slot and may need to share it with someone, to reduce cost or if he doesn’t agree.
These are the best view points, a few others like Agha Khan Haveli is recently out of reach for tourists, however if you want the route and how to reach, drop a comment below and if you are still confused as what to do while in Agra, this 3 day itinerary might be helpful.