I bookmarked this a while back. Hope it's helpful:

fodors.com/community/asia/dogsters-list-of-secret-treasures.cfm

thanks for all this help...

it does not help that we will be going in nov/dec when i fear the prices are at their highest

A friend of mine from India likes Jan-Feb best. Of course, we ignored her and went in Nov-Dec.

Thanks Cali; we are staying at the ITC Mughal. I've read that the lobby is being worked on, but as we're only there one night, I don't think I'm going to try to change out reservations. We'll be getting up early to try to see the Taj at sunrise (although I've read that at in November, it may be covered in fog in the early morning hours). We'll take our shots, I think.

Taj Mahal in morning will very likely be grey sky--either fog or haze. We had the same haze in June . I have a feeling to see the true, clear-skied sunset or sunrise pink colors is more unusual than not.

Will you arrive early enough the previous day to indulge in their huge spa? I iwish we'd have had the time for that! But we ended u p spending hours at the Fort--an amazing place!!!

The restaurant downstairs from the lobby is called Peshawri(I think) and the food was super.I believe this is a slightly lower priced (fortunately!) version of the same Northwest food at the famous Bukhara Restaurant at ITC Maurya.

The main important thing is you are getting to taj Mahal VERY early!!!!I was just looking at my photos, and it was interesting: I could time them by how many other people were in the background. When we first arrived, there were ten other tourists max--one Indian family at the start of school holidays-- and the emptiness made it so serene. Mind you, this was June (and HOT) and there were fewer visitors than will be there at peak tourist season.
The buffet bkfast at ITC Mughal was super, the restaurant must've been open very early, as we ate there before leaving to Taj Mahal. As you go down the staris from the lobby, make a left into the sunny , airy dining room; the dining room on the right is darker, and for tour groups. (A manager politely and gentley steered us to the right one after seeing us at the chai urn!)
ONe other tip: you will be approached at TM , jus as you get inside the gates, by guys who want to take your photos.. They'll say "no obligation" and that is true. But the prices (after a bit of bargaining) were so inexpensive, and the little included album such a sweet keepsake, even with our own photos, that we bought it--it's a reminder e of the day, and the young enthusiastic guy who took the photos, including one of my daughter leaping in the air with TM in background.
And to keep in perspective the kids selling postcards, magnets, books, etc--our driver said, "At least they are working to earn money...instead of gong begging out on the street." ANd those cheap magnets make great easy-to-carry souvenirs for home!!

i.e. the mg steered us to the correct , non-tour group bkfst buffet.
There's a little passage from the hallway leading out straight ahead of the lobby, with stairs going up to a small terrace with a swing seat, where you can see Taj in the distance, across the roofs of the city. ANd lucky you will be there at a cooler time of yr, and be able to stroll on thelawn walks, or stay up in this little parapet, without baking in 110 degree temp!!

Oh--and make a point of seeing the lobby bathroom with its white marble and inlaid flower pattern, modeled after Taj mahal idea. It was the first, and probably last, time i took a photo of the floor of a public bathroom!!

Can you tell I'm envious!!!!!????? YOu're gonna love your trip.