Agra: Taj Mahal Sunrise & Sunset Tour with 5* Lunch

Summary

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, Agra’s forts and gardens, sunset across the Yamuna

You’ll see sunrise light up the Taj Mahal before most crowds arrive, wander Agra Fort with a local guide who knows every story, try your hand at marble inlay or zardozi craft, and end your day watching sunset from Mehtab Bagh across the river. It’s a full day but leaves you with moments you’ll keep thinking about.

What’s the experience like?

We were already half-awake when our driver picked us up in Delhi — that early hush before sunrise, you know? By the time we reached Agra, there was this soft fog hanging over the city. Our guide, Anil, met us near the entrance of the Taj Mahal. He handed me a little fridge magnet (I still have it on my fridge) and led us through the gates just as the sky started to lighten. The marble felt cold under my hand. There’s something about seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise — it’s quieter than I expected, except for birds and a few voices echoing off all that stone. Anil explained how Shah Jahan built it for his wife; I’d heard that story before but standing there made it feel different somehow.

After wandering around (and taking about fifty photos — Anil insisted on some “Instagram angles”), we went back for breakfast. I’m not usually hungry after so little sleep but somehow that morning chai tasted better than usual. Later, we stopped by a marble workshop where two men showed us how they set tiny stones into white slabs — their hands moved so carefully it made me nervous to even breathe too hard. We tried saying “pietra dura” like they did; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Hindi — probably butchered it.

The day trip from Delhi to Agra is long but honestly didn’t drag because every stop felt different. At Agra Fort, Anil pointed out these tiny details in the carvings I would’ve missed — he said emperors used to watch elephants fight in that courtyard (which sounds wild). Lunch was at a hotel fancier than anywhere I’d ever stayed; I still remember the cardamom in the rice and how everything tasted fresh. Afterward we saw carpets being woven and some gold embroidery work called zardozi — one woman let me touch her half-finished piece (it was heavier than I thought).

By late afternoon we crossed to Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (“Baby Taj” — which feels unfair because it’s beautiful on its own). The river was low and you could hear kids playing somewhere behind us. Our last stop was Mehtab Bagh just as the sun started dropping behind haze over the Yamuna. Sitting there looking back at the Taj Mahal from across the water… well, I didn’t expect to feel quiet like that. It’s not just about seeing something famous; sometimes it sneaks up on you how far you’ve come from home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taj Mahal sunrise and Agra sightseeing

• Pickup from Delhi or Agra
• Visit Taj Mahal with expert guide
• Breakfast break at hotel restaurant
• Watch marble inlay demonstration
• Visit Red Fort with guide
• Buffet lunch break
• Explore Agra art and craft
• Visit Baby Taj Mahal (Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb)
• Visit Mehtab Bagh for Taj Mahal sunset
• Drive back to Delhi and drop off

Top questions

How long does this Taj Mahal sunrise & sunset tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours including travel from Delhi or Agra.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Delhi?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from any location in Delhi or Agra.

What sites are visited during this Agra tour?

You’ll visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort, Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah), Mehtab Bagh for sunset, plus local craft workshops.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a curated 5-star hotel restaurant featuring local dishes.

Are entry fees covered in this private tour?

All monument entry fees are included in your booking price.

Can this itinerary be customized?

Yes, after booking you can request changes to fit your interests or timing.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for travelers with prams or strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup and drop-off from Delhi or Agra, all monument entry fees covered ahead of time so you skip lines, guided visits to each site with stories along the way, hands-on craft demonstrations, a curated buffet lunch at a 5-star hotel with authentic Agra flavors (seriously good rice), plus small extras like a fridge magnet souvenir and even an optional tuk tuk ride before heading back in comfort that evening.