Mehtab Bagh, Agra

  • Famous For Photo Fanatics, History Buffs, Experience Seekers, Nature Lovers

  • Duration of Visit 1 to 2 hours

  • Fee 100 per person

  • Visiting Time All days of the week 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Mehtab Bagh was the last of the Mughal gardens, which were built along the River Yamuna. This crescent shaped garden is considered the ultimate spot for viewing Taj Mahal. If you are into photography, you ought to visit this garden. Unfortunately, Mehtab Bagh is just appreciated for this feature. There is a lot more to this garden than it meets your eyes and ears. Here is everything you need to know about this garden.

Where Is Mehtab Bagh Located?

Mehtab Bagh is located very closer to Taj Mahal in the Forest Colony of Nagla Devjit region of Agra. If you are visiting Taj Mahal, make sure to visit this garden, right opposite to it. You can find cabs, autos, rickshaws and buses from any part of Agra to reach this garden and Taj Mahal.

Why is Mehtab Bagh famous?

  • One of the last Mughal styled gardens along the river.
  • This historic garden holds step fountain, pond, sandstone domes and other structures. The garden is open for picnic. Thus, romantic lovers wanting to spend some quality time prefer enjoying a picnic here.
  • The reflection pond in the garden reflects the image of Taj Mahal on it.
  • You can find bright flowers and interesting trees inside the garden.
  • Right outside the garden, you can find camel ride service providers and you can choose to hire a camel for a ride along the road.
  • The roads connecting the garden and Taj Mahal are filled with shops to buy souvenirs.
  • This is the best spot to picture Taj Mahal in various styles. Top spot for photography lovers.

History of Mehtab Bagh

Although the width of the garden is aligned with the width of Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh was not built for Taj Mahal, it was literally the opposite. This garden has been in the city, several centuries before Taj Mahal appeared. This as the garden built in 16th century by Babur. This garden was tagged as the ‘moonlit pleasure garden’. This garden has kept its beauty for several centuries as; even Shah Jahan admired the garden. From this spot, he chose the right spot for his Taj Mahal.

This garden was originally designed to be a Persian styled Char bagh Complex. This original design had reflecting pools, pavilions, water fountains and much more. However, in the early 20th century, due to the floods of River Yamuna, the garden was damaged and turned into nothing by a large pile of sand.

By the end of the century, when the garden was almost forgottenand the archaeological department evacuated the spot to find the ground work for the rumored ‘Black Taj Mahal’. However, they found the Charbagh complex buried under the sand. Today, ASI is striving to replicate and bring the garden to its ancient glory. Citrus trees, guava trees, hibiscus and other trees local to Mughal reign are planted in the region.

Architecture of Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh is a typical Mughal styled garden with four garden layout. The garden is square shaped and measures 300 meters on each side. According to the inscriptions found on the site of the garden, there were many gardens aligned to this, but did not survive the passage of time.

The compound of the garden is made of a mixture of red sandstone cladding, brick and lime plaster. The walls are 289m height. The domed tower inside the garden is made with red sandstone and is octagonal in shape. It is believed that the garden had four towers, one on each corner. However, only the tower on the southeast side remains. There is a small Dalit shrine near the entrance, on the riverside. The main element of the garden is a large octagonal pond, which is located to the south of the garden. This pond reflects the image of Taj Mahal on it. This pool is fed by a stepped waterfall from the northern part of the garden.

On the eastern side of the garden, there is a large water tank. The water channels cover the garden, making it possible for every inch of the garden to be flourished. You can find baradaris on the west and east side of the garden. There are two ruined structures in the garden, which is assumedas decorated garden pavilions of the past. The west of the garden holds aqueduct, which feeds the garden.

Recently, many nurseries of varying plants are added including a temple, statues and others. The nurseries are a part of the four-year restoration plan of ASI. The types of plants are chosen by Harvard’s Graduate School of Design based on the research of the plant species, which populated this garden in the ancient times.

Best Time To Visit Mehtab Bagh

The best time to visit the garden is early in the morning or during sunset. During these times, the view of Taj Mahal will be spectacular. The garden is open from 6 am to 7 pm. summers are hot and humid. Thus, it becomes harder to enjoy a picnic or stroll in the garden. Summer starts in March and ends in June. July to September is the monsoon season. Frequent showers will flood the garden or make the garden soil to be sticky and uncomfortable.

Thus, it is best to stick with the winter season, which starts in October and ends in February. With the clear skies of winter, the view of Taj Mahal will be uninterrupted.

Entry Fee of Mehtab Bagh

Entry Fee for Indians, SAARC And BIMSTEC Citizens – INR 15 Per Head

Entry Fee for Foreigners – INR 100 Per Head

Entry Fee for Children Below The Age Of 15 – Free