7 Best Viewing Points of Taj Mahal in Agra, India

7 Best Viewing Points of Taj Mahal in Agra, India

A roundup of the 7 best viewpoints on the Taj Mahal to capture unique and iconic shots of the most beautiful building in the world! Where to go to get different perspectives of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

I still remember the first time I saw the Taj Mahal. The truth is that I was in Agra just to check it out. However, I was skeptical at first. Could it really be that great, or is it just another tourist trap?

I'm sure I'm not alone in this and that many others share the same initial opinion. However, let me tell you that from the first moment I saw this white marble dome from the riverside viewpoint, I was speechless.

It's difficult to describe the beauty of the Taj Mahal, especially for travelers like me who usually stay by waterfalls or in the mountains rather than chasing the view of a building. So I'd better leave it to the literary experts and quote the mausoleum's creator, Shah Jahan:

“The beauty of the Taj Mahal makes the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.”

So I set out to find the best Taj Mahal viewing points and places to see it in Agra. After a little research and with the help of some local experts, I was able to find and photograph these: the 7 best Taj Mahal viewing spots in Agra.

alt=“THE TAJ MAHAL FROM THE ROOF RESTAURANT IN AGRA INDIA”>

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Best view of the Taj Mahal from a hotel

Would you like to experience the beauty of the Taj Mahal from your own hotel balcony? Below are the top options in Agra.

• Hotel Kamal – Dies ist eine großartige Option für Leute, die ein Hotel mit einem großartigen Aussichtspunkt auf das Taj Mahal suchen. Es liegt nur wenige hundert Meter vom Taj entfernt und verfügt über eine Dachterrasse und ein Restaurant.
• Hotel Clark’s Shiraz – Dieses ist etwas weiter vom Taj Mahal entfernt, bietet aber eine großartige Aussicht auf das UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe sowie einen Pool, einen Massagesalon und ein Spa.
• Joey’s Hostel – Wenn Sie nach einem Backpacker-Hostel in Agra mit einem Aussichtspunkt auf dem Dach des Tah Mahal suchen, könnte dies das Richtige sein. Es gilt als eines der besten Hostels in Agra für Atmosphäre, Lage und Aussicht.
• Zig Zag Hostel – Ich habe Zig Zag bereits oben erwähnt, aber falls Sie es verpasst haben, diese Jungs veranstalten nächtliche Wanderungen zu einem geheimen Taj Mahal-Aussichtspunkt, der nur für Zig Zag-Gäste zugänglich ist. Schau sie dir an!

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7 Best Taj Mahal Viewing Spots: Where to See the Taj in Agra

Below is my list of the best viewing spots of the Taj Mahal so you can photograph some unique perspectives of this incredible mausoleum.

At the end of this post, I have also put together a quick roundup of some of the best hotels and rooftop restaurants to take a look at the Taj Mahal.

1. From inside the Taj Mahal compound

By far the best way to see the Taj Mahal is to experience it up close from the grounds. Immediately after passing through the crimson gates, the Taj Mahal or “Crown of Palaces” is revealed beneath a symmetrical, reflecting pool. The entrance fee to the Taj Mahal is a bit expensive, but it's definitely worth it.

You can explore the palace gardens, riverside terraces and stunning marble facade as you climb the steps. From inside the Taj you will also get a view of the tomb containing its creator: Shah Jahan and his favorite wife; Mumtaz Mahal will be buried.

Tip: An excellent viewing point of the Taj Mahal on the grounds is beneath the mosque's red doors (pictured below). This is on the left side of the Taj as you approach it from the entrance.
alt=“INDIA 1 MONTH TRIP PLAN, TAJ MAHAL AGRA”>Taj Mahal from the Palace Mosque
Remember, this is India's most popular tourist attraction with more than 6.5 million visitors every year! So you can expect quite a lineup for a sunrise ticket. Below I've linked an affordable tour of the Taj grounds that includes a ticket so you can skip the line.

Skip the Line: Taj Mahal Entrance Ticket and Tour Guide

Taj Mahal times: 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset (check updates here)

Entrance fee: 1100 rupees for foreigners and 50 rupees for Indians. (+200 rupees to see the main mausoleum)
alt=“TAJ MAHAL VIEWPOINT FROM PALACE GROUNDS”>

2. View of the Taj Mahal River from the Yamuna

The Hindu temple next to the Taj, known as Tejo Mahalaya Chhota Mandir, is perhaps one of the most famous alternative viewpoints of the Taj Mahal in Agra.

To get here, all you have to do is walk along the eastern gates of the site towards the river. Once you arrive at the Yamuna, you'll immediately see why it's such a great viewing point for the Taj Mahal.

Although there is a high fence between the river and the palace grounds, you can still enjoy great views and get some amazing shots of the incredible marble wonder from the river bank.

Google Maps Pin: “Taj Yamuna Viewpoint”

alt=“TAJ MAHAL VIEWPOINT AT HINDU TEMPLE, YAMUNDA RIVER, AGRA”>

3. See the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh

The Mehtab Bagh, translated as “Moonlight Garden,” is a four-sided garden complex located directly opposite the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna River.

The Mehtab Bagh is another popular viewing point of the Taj Mahal where you can see dramatic reflections and beautiful garden foregrounds.

To get to Mehtab Bag you need to walk around the river bank, head north and cross Strachey Bridge. Then it's another 2 kilometer walk back south along the Yamuna until you reach Mehtab Bagh. Alternatively, you can take a rickshaw from anywhere around the Taj for around 150 rupees per person.

Times: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m

Entrance fee: 200 rupees for foreigners and 15 rupees for Indian locals
alt=“TAJ MAHAL FROM THE MEHTAB BAGH IN AGRA, INDIA”>

4. Agra Fort Taj Mahal Viewpoint

Agra's second most visited attraction is the Agra Fort. Although largely overshadowed by its marble wonder of a sister monument, it is considered one of the most impressive forts in India.

The Agra Fort is a monumental fortress that can be described more as a mini city than a fortress. Its impressive palaces, vistas, courtyards and temples spread over about 94 hectares next to the Yamuna River, about 2 kilometers from the Taj.

As you would expect, Agra Fort is one of the best places to get a viewpoint of the Taj Mahal. There are several viewing points within the fortress, including decorative windows, balconies and towers.

Skip the Line: Agra Half Day Tour of Agra Fort and Taj Mahal

Times: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

Entrance fee: 550 rupees for foreigners and 35 rupees for Indian locals
alt=“Agra Fort Viewpoint TAJ MAHAL AS SEEN FROM AGRA FORT INDIA”>View of Taj Mahal from Agra Fort

5. From a rooftop cafe or hotel

One of the best ways to enjoy the splendor of the Taj Mahal is from one of Agra's many rooftop cafes and hotels. While all the surrounding shops claim to offer the best Taj viewing spot, some are obviously better than others.

At the beginning of this post, I dedicated a section to identifying the best rooftop restaurants and hotel terraces from which to view the Taj Mahal. My favorite is Hotel Kamal.

The beauty of it is that there are actually many “hidden gems” that offer great views of the Taj without having to shell out the tourist tax rupees. So make sure to check these out while you are in Agra.
alt=“THE TAJ MAHAL FROM THE ROOF RESTAURANT IN AGRA INDIA”>View of the Taj Mahal from the restaurant of the Hotel Sai Palace

6. View of Taj Mahal from Yamuna River

Okay, this viewpoint on the Taj Mahal is a little different and a little controversial. I'm sure many of you reading this have seen the iconic sunrise photo aboard a rowboat on the Yamuna River, with a magnificent Taj Mahal backdrop.

The truth is that Taj Mahal riverboats are actually illegal for safety reasons. However, after a little research on the internet, I found that it is still possible, albeit risky.

Unfortunately, as I was unable to find a risk-taking boat during my time in Agra, I cannot offer you the details. However, I have embedded a vlog below that does an excellent job of highlighting the Taj Mahal Riverboat experience.

7. Secret Sunset Taj Mahal Viewpoint (for Zig Zag Hostel guests)

The last item on this list of the best viewing spots at the Taj Mahal is my personal favorite. To get here, you must be a guest at Zig Zag Hostel in Agra.

Due to some local family connections, the owners of Zig Zag Hostel have access to an ancient tower monument along the Yamuna River that offers some of the best views of the Taj Mahal in Agra. This Taj Mahal viewpoint is on private land, so you won't be able to get to the viewpoint without their help.

During my recent trip to India I was told to stay at Zig Zag by two different travelers. They both mentioned that it was a must-do considering how amazing their secret vantage point is.

Zig Zag offers daily walking tours and sunset trips to the Taj Mahal viewpoint, and if you are the type of person who likes staying in hostels then I highly recommend staying here.

Book now: ZigZag Hostel Agra

alt=“TAJ MAHAL SUNSET FROM ZIG ZAG HOSTEL SECRET VIEW POINT”>

Summary: The best restaurants with a view of the Taj Mahal

After searching for the best rooftop restaurant with Taj Mahal views in Agra, I discovered these few gems. Some of these were local recommendations, while some I found online and one just by chance.

Saniya PalaceSaniya Palace is known as one of the best places to see the Taj Mahal in Agra. It's a bit posh, but the meals aren't too expensive (around 300 rupees per person).

Mumtaz Cafe Gallery This first one is a bit pricey, but in my opinion offers one of the best views of the Taj Mahal from a restaurant rooftop. Although it is a little further from the Taj, the views are broken and quite spectacular.

Hotel Sai PalaceI stumbled across this little known restaurant on the south side of the Taj Mahal while looking for a reasonably priced restaurant with a view of the Taj Mahal. These guys make great food and offer vegetarian thalis for 50 rupees and lassis for just 30 rupees!

What can be seen in front of the Taj?

Would you like to save money and not pay for a ticket? Unfortunately, due to the large wall in front of the Taj, you don't really have much of a view of the front from the outside.

However, as you've seen in this article, there are many places where you can get a great viewing spot without paying for it. In saying that, there really is no substitute for seeing this amazing wonder from within the grounds.

Again, the best way to book a ticket and avoid the long line is to book online in advance.

More India travel guides and blogs

I hope you found this guide to the 7 best viewpoints at the Taj Mahal helpful. If you have captured some gems of the Taj, share them by adding a link to your Instagram in the comment section.

Otherwise, if you managed to come across any other Taj Mahal viewing spots that aren't listed here, be sure to let us know!

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