Mehtab Bagh Agra is a charbagh complex situated north of the Taj Mahal complex and the Agra Fort on the other side of Yamuna River.
The Mehtab Bagh garden was the last of eleven Mughal-built gardens along the Yamuna River; the first being Ram Bagh. The emperor Shah Jahan noted this crescent-shaped flood plain covered with grass around the Yamuna River and found it a great location to view the Taj Mahal from some distance. He then conceptualized it as a pleasure garden filled with moonlight and name it Mehtab Bagh during 1631 to 1635.
Mehtab Bagh is a 25 acre garden, square in shape, measures about 300 x 300 m and is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. During the rainy season, the ground becomes partially flooded. The garden has fountains and pools along with several pavilions. Few of the gardens proportions were similar to that of the Taj Mahal. Mehtab Bagh came later in the possession of King of Amber, Raja Man Singh Kacchawa.
Mehtab Bagh also joins two other gardens to the west. Originally, four sandstone towers marked the corners of Mehtab Bagh of which only one at the south east edge remains. The gardens also contain a large pond on its outer edges which reflects the image of the Taj. Apart from water channels that enhance the beauty of the park, there is also a small tank in the center of the garden.
The garden was ruined by frequent floods. Most of the damaged part was taken by villagers to use as building materials. The structures that remained within the garden are not maintained properly. ASI started some restoration in the 1990s. Recent excavations conducted by ASI revealed a huge octagonal tank equipped with 25 fountains on the southern periphery, a small central tank and a pavilion on the east. It is also known as the Moonlight garden as one can enjoy a spectacular night view of Taj Mahal on full moon day from here.
History of Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh has an interesting history. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Babur during his reign in the early 1500s. Later Shah Jahan, upon realizing the breathtaking view the Taj would make from here, chose the site for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal’s mausoleum. The Mehtab Bagh was originally designed in the Mughal era’s favorite Charbagh style - a Persian style layout divided into four parts. The garden is built in a square piece of land of 300 meters on all four sides. The garden was divided with the lanes of white walkways, and large fountains with water pools and spacious pavilions filled with colorful fruit trees. The garden has a stepped fountain in the north, the water from which feeds an octagonal pond located on the south of the garden and aptly named Reflection Pond. Reflection of the Taj in this pond is a splendid sight. On the eastern side is a large pond that has channels to circulate water around the garden. Sandstone domes, temples, ponds, statues, are some other structures for the photographers to create perfect pictures.
In the Early 1900s, however, the beautiful gardens were reduced to a huge mound of sand, by frequent floods and misuse of facilities. ASI (Archeological Survey of India) in a quest to find the story behind the black Taj Mahal myth re-discovered the Mughal Gardens. ASI later started working towards the restoration of gardens to regain their original glory by planting hibiscus, guava, and citrus trees to make it look like how it did during Shah Jahan’s time.
Best Time to Visit Mehtab Bagh
During spring, autumn, and winter, the garden blooms to its best and regains its original glory. It is a sight to behold when the Yamuna is full of water, and the Taj is reflected in its serene waters. The garden wears different charm in each season.
Early sunrise or the sunset is the best time to catch up with the Taj Mahal and take a stroll or two while seeing the sun change colors and enjoy the cool breeze from the Yamuna. The garden looks beautiful during this time and turns into photographers’ delight, presenting photo ops in myriad colors along with a different perspective of the Taj with manicured gardens, beautiful flowers, and trees in the foreground.
A short walk to the brick wall presents a splendid unobstructed look of the Taj along with the guest house and the mosque. The gardens are expansive and a good place for the kids to play and enjoy open spaces and fresh air.
How to Reach
Mehtab Bagh can be reached on either side of river Yamuna. The ferry from the eastern side of Taj Mahal takes only few minutes to reach Mehtab Bagh. The distance by road is about 2 kms and takes about 15 minutes. Yamuna Bridge Railway Station lies in the vicinity of Mehtab Bagh. The drive to the railway station is only a couple of kilometres. Agra Airport lies far west of the Mehtab Bagh. The distance from Mehtab Bagh to Agra Airport is about 13 kms.
