Mehtab Bagh Tour

Mehtab Bagh, also known as the “Moonlight Garden,” is a charbagh complex located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Here are some key details about this beautiful garden:

1. Location:

   • Mehtab Bagh lies north of the Taj Mahal complex and the Agra Fort on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, situated in the flood plains.
   • It provides a stunning view of the Taj Mahal from across the river.

2. History:

   • The garden was built by Emperor Babur in 1530 and later renovated by Shah Jahan.
   • Emperor Shah Jahan identified this site as an ideal location for viewing the Taj Mahal, and it was then created as a “moonlit pleasure garden” called Mehtab Bagh.
   • The garden features white plaster walkways, airy pavilions, pools, and fountains, along with fruit trees and narcissus.

3. Layout and Design:

   • Mehtab Bagh is a square-shaped garden, measuring approximately 300 by 300 meters (980 ft × 980 ft).
   • It is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River.
   • During the rainy season, the ground becomes partially flooded.

4. Legends and Myths:

   • Legends mention that Shah Jahan wished to build a Black Taj Mahal as a twin to the Taj Mahal. However, this could not be achieved due to his imprisonment by his son Aurangzeb.
   • The myth of a Black Taj Mahal was fueled by the discovery of structural remains at the Mehtab Bagh site, although it turned out to be a misconception.

5. Current State:

   • By the 1990s, Mehtab Bagh had degraded to an enormous mound of sand, covered with wild vegetation and alluvial silt.
   • It is now a popular sunset spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal from its fountain at the entrance gate.

In summary, Mehtab Bagh is a serene garden that complements the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, providing visitors with a unique perspective of this iconic monument.