Mehtab Bagh, meaning ‘Moonlight Garden’, is a charbagh (four-quartered garden) complex in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It lies north of the Taj Mahal complex and the Agra Fort on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the flood plains. It was built by the Mughal emperor Babur in 1530 and was later renovated by Shah Jahan.
It is one of the 11 Mughal gardens along the Yamuna River and is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. It is a place of history, beauty and romance, as it offers a splendid view of the Taj Mahal, especially during sunrise and sunset. Visit during Agra One day Trip From Delhi.
Location of Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is located in a 25-acre (10-hectare) area, which includes a large octagonal pool, a pavilion and several fountains. The complex is situated in Agra, a city in Uttar Pradesh, about 200 km south of Delhi. Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1648 and is home to many other historical monuments such as Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Timing / Entry Fees Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is open for visitors from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Friday, when it is closed for prayers. The entry fee for visiting Mehtab Bagh is Rs. 25 for Indian citizens and Rs. 300 for foreign nationals. Children below 15 years of age are exempted from paying any fee.
How to Reach Mehtab Bagh from City Centre
Mehtab Bagh is about 5 km from the city centre of Agra. Visitors can reach the garden by various modes of transport, such as:
- Auto-rickshaw: This is the most common and convenient way to reach Mehtab Bagh from the city centre. Auto-rickshaws are easily available and charge around Rs. 50-100 for a one-way trip.
- Bus: There are buses that ply between the city centre and Mehtab Bagh at regular intervals. The bus fare is around Rs. 10-20 per person.
- Taxi: Visitors can also hire a taxi or a cab to reach Mehtab Bagh from the city centre. The taxi fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic, but it usually ranges from Rs. 200-400 for a one-way trip.
Things to Do / Must See Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a historic and scenic landmark that offers a glimpse into the love story and legacy of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Some of the things to do and see at Mehtab Bagh are:
- Enjoy the view of Taj Mahal: The main attraction of Mehtab Bagh is the view of Taj Mahal, which can be seen across the Yamuna River from the garden. The view is especially enchanting during sunrise and sunset, when the Taj Mahal changes its color according to the light. The garden also provides a perfect backdrop for photography and painting.
- Explore the garden: The garden is designed as an integral part of the Taj Mahal complex in the riverfront terrace pattern. Its width is identical to that of the rest of the Taj Mahal. The garden has four quarters, each divided by water channels and pathways, which symbolize the four rivers of paradise mentioned in the Quran. The garden has various types of flowers, trees and birds that create a serene atmosphere.
- Visit the pool and pavilion: The garden has a large octagonal pool, which reflects the image of Taj Mahal on its surface. The pool was originally used as a reflecting pool for viewing Taj Mahal at night under moonlight. The pool also has several fountains that add to its beauty. Near the pool, there is a pavilion, which was used as a resting place by Shah Jahan and his guests.
Significance of Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a significant place for Indians, as it is a symbol of their cultural and artistic heritage. It is also a significant place for Muslims, as it is a masterpiece of Islamic garden design and architecture. It is also a significant place for lovers, as it is a monument of eternal love and romance.
According to legend, Shah Jahan had identified Mehtab Bagh as an ideal location for viewing Taj Mahal, which he built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. He also planned to build a black marble mausoleum for himself on the site, as a twin to the Taj Mahal. However, this could not be achieved as he was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in Agra Fort.
He spent his last years gazing at the Taj Mahal from the window of his prison cell. Mehtab Bagh was later owned by Raja Man Singh of Amber, who also owned the land around the Taj Mahal. The garden was neglected and damaged by floods and villagers over the years. It was rediscovered and restored by the Archaeological Survey of India in the 1990s.
FAQ’s
Q: When was Mehtab Bagh built?
A: The Bagh was built by Babur in 1530 and later renovated by Shah Jahan.
Q: What are the materials used for building Mehtab Bagh?
A: The Bagh is made of red sandstone, white marble and brick.
Q: Why is Mehtab Bagh called Moonlight Garden?
A: The Bagh is called Moonlight Garden because it was used as a viewing point for Taj Mahal at night under moonlight.
Conclusion
Mehtab Bagh, meaning ‘Moonlight Garden’, is a charbagh (four-quartered garden) complex in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It lies north of the Taj Mahal complex and the Agra Fort on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the flood plains. It was built by the Mughal emperor Babur in 1530 and was later renovated by Shah Jahan.
It is one of the 11 Mughal gardens along the Yamuna River and is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. It is a place of history, beauty and romance, as it offers a splendid view of the Taj Mahal, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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