Mehtab Bagh

What is Mehtab Bagh?

Mehtab Bagh is a square garden about 300 metres on each side, set on the northern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra. The garden is laid out in the charbagh style, divided into four main parts with pathways, pools, and fountains. It features restored Mughal-era plantings, including fruit trees, flowering shrubs, and herbage arranged in layers. Visitors find pavilions, water channels, an octagonal pond that reflects the Taj Mahal, and remnants of original red sandstone towers. The garden offers a direct, unobstructed view of the Taj Mahal across the river.

The history of Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh was built in the early Mughal period, with Emperor Babur credited for its creation. It was the last of a series of gardens along the Yamuna, designed as part of the Taj Mahal’s riverfront landscape. The garden was intended for moonlit enjoyment and as a viewing point for the Taj Mahal. Over time, it suffered from floods and neglect, and much of its original structure was lost. Restoration began in the 1990s, led by the Archaeological Survey of India, to revive its Mughal character and layout.

What there is to see

The garden is structured with a square, cross-axial plan, featuring pools, fountains, and water channels. Restoration efforts replanted trees and shrubs typical of Mughal gardens, such as guava, hibiscus, neem, and citrus. The planting is layered, with tall trees at the back, followed by shorter trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. The garden includes a large octagonal pond, central tanks, and remains of pavilions and towers. Modern additions include fencing and some non-original structures.

When to go

Mehtab Bagh is open year-round and is especially popular for its views of the Taj Mahal, particularly at sunset and by moonlight. The garden is a public park and a site for visitors interested in Mughal history and landscape design. It also serves as a habitat for birds, both resident and migratory. The restored plantings and layout aim to recreate the experience of a Mughal pleasure garden.

Parts and collections

The garden’s restoration followed historical records to match the plant species and layout used by the Mughals. Over 80 types of plants were chosen based on their historical use in Mughal gardens, with an emphasis on fruit trees and flowering plants that would have been seen in the original design. The layout mirrors other Mughal gardens such as those in Kashmir.

Why Mehtab Bagh matters

Mehtab Bagh is closely linked to the Taj Mahal and is part of its historic landscape. Legends and myths, such as the story of a 'Black Taj Mahal,' are associated with the site, though archaeological evidence does not support them. The garden is valued for its heritage, its role in Mughal garden design, and as a viewpoint for the Taj Mahal. Restoration has made it an important destination for cultural tourism and historical study.

The flowers of Mehtab Bagh

OleanderA showy, evergreen shrub with clusters of pink, white or red flowersHibiscusA tropical genus with large, colourful trumpet-shaped flowersBitter orangeThe citrus tree behind Seville orange marmalade and Neroli oilMandrinetteA rare pink hibiscus found only on Mauritius and Rodrigues

Questions people ask about Mehtab Bagh

Good reading and sources

• Mehtab Bagh on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data