Mehtab Bagh in Agra is a lush green destination near the Taj Mahal. The garden is the best place in Agra to see the Taj Mahal. It provides the most satisfying view of the monument without all its crowd. You can take a perfect photo of the marble mausoleum. The garden is like a peaceful oasis. It was built by Emperor Babur, the first emperor of the Mughal dynasty. And it’s the last of eleven such Mughal-built gardens. It’s built in the traditional Charbagh style of Mughal gardens. And it’s believed that Shah Jahan got Mehtab Bagh designed in a way so he could admire the Taj Mahal from here. On moonlit nights, the water in the Bagh reflected the tomb in all its glory. Today, It is a popular sunset spot. It’s also a delight for nature enthusiasts. You can find scores of blooming flowery plants and shrubs. A variety of fruit trees has also been planted inside the garden to mirror its royal past.
About Mehtab Bagh
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Mehtab Bagh, or Moonlight Garden, was built in the late 16th century by Emperor Babur. It’s the last of eleven Mughal gardens built along River Yamuna. Shah Jahan improved the garden and built it as an ideal location for viewing the Taj Mahal. It degraded after he was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. As per some legends, Shah Jahan wanted to build a black marble mausoleum in this Bagh, just opposite the Taj Mahal. It’s said that he started the construction of the tomb, but it was left incomplete because of his imprisonment. No concrete proof of such a monument has been found, though. The land was later owned by Raja Man Singh Kacchawa of Amber. And the existence of Mehtab Bagh Garden was forgotten. It was reduced to a sandy patch of land covered with wild vegetation.
In the 1990s, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) started renovating the land. For this purpose, they brought saplings of several plants, trees, and herbs from Central Asia. Then, they planned the layout to match the original Mughal gardens. Efforts have been made to restore the park to its original grandeur. What you see today is a reconstruction of what the Mughals once built.
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Architecture Of Mehtab Bagh
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Mehtab Bagh is a Charbagh garden complex in Agra. The location of this Bagh in Agra is the bank of River Yamuna on the opposite side of the Taj Mahal. This Bagh aligns with the Taj Mahal’s garden, giving the monument a picture-perfect view. The Taj Mahal to Mehtab Bagh distance is 7 km. Mehtab Bagh Agra was designed as an integral part of the Taj Mahal. It’s built in the typical Mughal style of gardens, and its width is identical to that of the Taj Mahal. It’s divided into four equal square parts with water channels and pathways. Red sandstone, brick and lime plaster have been used to construct various elements. The nurseries of plants and trees complement the garden’s beauty, making it a pleasure garden. Fountains and airy pavilions were also built as a part of the garden. But many of them are in ruins today.
The garden once had four domed towers on each corner, made of red sandstone. Out of those four, only one tower stands today. And it’s a prominent element of the garden. Inscriptions mention Mehtab Bagh adjoining other gardens called “Chahar Bagh Padshahi” and “Second Chahar Bagh Padshahi”. A compound brick wall with red sandstone cladding surrounded it. Partial remains include the 289m river wall, octagonal red sandstone towers at corners, a brick pathway along the western boundary, and a small Dalit shrine near the entrance. Notable features are an octagonal pond reflecting the Taj Mahal, a central tank, water channels, baradaris, a northern gate, foundations of probable garden pavilions, a waterfall structure, an aqueduct, and later additions like nurseries and a temple. Another significant element of this Bagh Taj view garden is the large octagonal pond located towards the southern side. A stepped waterfall feeds this pond. Its beauty lies in the fact that it displays the reflection of the Taj Mahal.
Mehtab Bagh Agra Timings And Entry Fees
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Mehtab Bagh’s opening time is from sunrise to sunset. It’s open every day (even on Fridays when the Taj Mahal is closed). So, this is the perfect place to be if you want to see the Taj Mahal on a Friday. The garden is open until late in the evening on full moon nights.
The price of an entry ticket to Mehtab Bagh varies from season to season. For Indian, SAARC, and BIMSTEC citizens, it can cost ₹25 – ₹35 per person. The ticket price for visitors from other countries is ₹200 – ₹300 per person. Kids under 15 years of age get free entry.
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How To Reach
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Mehtab Bagh is located close to the city centre on the bank of River Yamuna across from the Taj Mahal. It’s distance from Idgah bus stand and Agra Cantt railway station is 9 km. Agra airport is 12 km away. But the nearest international airport is in Delhi (216 km away). Now, here is how to reach Mehtab Bagh in Agra
By bus: Buses leave from Agra and arrive at the place. The nearest bus stop is in the Belanganj area, 3 km away. From the bus stop, you can take an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw.
By auto/e-rickshaw: Auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws are readily available in all areas of Agra. They’re a convenient way to visit the garden.
By cab/taxi: Booking a private cab or taxi is the best way to visit Mehtab Bagh Agra. You can book one from the top car rental companies in Agra and explore the gardens, Taj Mahal, and other popular tourist places there.
The Best Time To Visit
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Visit Mehtab Bagh in the winter season to explore it comfortably. It starts around November and continues until February. Visit the Bagh Taj viewpoint around sunset, and you’ll get the best view of the Taj Mahal without actually being in the complex. If possible, plan your visit on a full moon night. You’ll get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Taj Mahal under a moonlit sky. It takes only about an hour to explore this Bagh Agra. Blooming flowers, lush greenery and shady trees keep you relaxed for hours. And if you’re a bit romantic, you can spend the rest of the day enjoying the Taj Mahal view from Mehtab Bagh.
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to see the Breathtaking Mehtab Bagh make sure you plan your trip to Agra to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now! Mehtab Bag is devoutly beautiful from where you can witness the magnificent Taj Mahal.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mehtab Bagh
What is Mehtab Bagh?
Mehtab Bagh is a stunning Mughal garden complex located directly across the Yamuna River from the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, as a moonlit garden to view the Taj Mahal on moonlit nights.
What can visitors expect to see and do at Mehtab Bagh?
Visitors can wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring intricately designed pathways, fountains, and pavilions. The garden's centrepiece is a stunning raised platform that offers unobstructed views of the Taj Mahal across the river, making it an ideal spot for photography and appreciating the monument's grandeur.
When is the best time to visit Mehtab Bagh?
The garden is open throughout the year, but the most popular time to visit is during the full moon, when the Taj Mahal's marble façade is illuminated by the moonlight, creating a mesmerizing sight. Additionally, the early morning and late afternoon hours offer optimal lighting conditions for photography.
What are the entry fees and timings for Mehtab Bagh?
The entry fee for Mehtab Bagh is relatively inexpensive, with separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors. The garden is open from sunrise to sunset, with some restrictions on entry times during the night.
Is Mehtab Bagh accessible for visitors with disabilities?
While the garden itself is relatively flat and accessible, the pathways can be uneven in certain areas. However, the garden management has made efforts to improve accessibility, including providing wheelchairs for visitors who require them.
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