The Taj Mahal, grander, bigger in scale and ceremony than all the pictures of this place could ever convey, this world wonder was worth the hustle. The best time to beat the crowds is at sunrise. Arrive at 6am, purchase a ticket, wait in a line for not too long and then be one of the first to stroll through the arches, into the grounds and inside the Taj herself for the morning. Sari stalking is a fun activity here, where I feel women must be wearing their best saris for the occasion, spectacles in themselves.

Later at sunset, people gather across the river at the centuries old restored Mehtab Bagh gardens to watch the sun set over the grand building from a distance. Sitting here was serene and quiet; the gardens themselves at twilight as you leave, with the moon overhead, are magic.

︎ Sunrise at Taj Mahal
︎ Sunset at Mehtag Bagh

Sunrise