Here’s how you can have the Taj Mahal all to yourself

At the end of our day of transit to Agra, our guide Gurvinder helped us settle into our hotel. Before wishing us a good night, he asked if we’d be interested in waking up an extra half hour earlier than planned – well before sunrise. He said it would be worth it, so we adjusted our alarms and bid him goodnight.

The next morning, we woke before the sun and met Gurvinder in the lobby. He led us to a golf cart waiting outside of the hotel for us and drove us to Agra on a short five-minute ride. As we stepped off the golf cart, he turned to us and said, “who’s up for a brisk jog?” Met with some hesitance, he added, “how would you like to be the first at the Taj Mahal?”

I grabbed up the bottom of my dress and sped up my pace, and the group followed suit. We jogged the rest of the way to the entrance of the Taj Mahal. As we made our way through the archway, Gurvinder had his camera in hand to capture the moment we saw it – the Taj Mahal, all to ourselves.

As we walked through the grounds, Gurvinder gestured to the spots he knew best for photo opportunities, leading to quirky photo ops and stunning backdrops alike. He knew all the ins-and-outs of the complex, trickling in fun facts and historical notes along the way.

On either side of the Taj Mahal stand two identical mosques, designed in such a way that when you stand in front of the complex, you’ll find a mirror image split down the middle. He stopped as at Mehmaan Khana, the mosque on the east side of the mausoleum, and we learned that not all is exactly as it seems. The Mehmaan Khana is actually not a mosque, but in fact, a former guest house that for those visiting the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. It was built to look identical to the mosque in the west, making the trio of buildings a strikingly symmetrical panorama.

We stayed at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra during our stay. Its immediate proximity to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World makes it the absolute best option in the area. In the morning, you’re just a short cart ride away from the iconic monument, and during your stay, you’ll be treated to perhaps one of the most stunning vistas in the country.

Upon our arrival back at our hotel after the most incredible morning, we enjoyed breakfast in one of the top suites of the hotel, complete with a live musical performance and stunning views of the Taj Mahal.

Just a few hours that morning made up the fabric of what was truly the most unforgettable day.