One of the most interesting stops on my journey through India was Mehtab Bagh, also known as the "Moonlight Garden." This place attracts travelers because it offers an excellent view of the Taj Mahal. I would also add another advantage—there were almost no tourists. On the day of my visit, I only saw a couple of local residents strolling around.
History of the Park
The park on the banks of the Yamuna River was established during the reign of Emperor Babur, a descendant of Tamerlane and the founder of the Mughal dynasty. At that time, 11 parks were created in the area, with Mehtab Bagh being the last one. These green spaces not only reminded the ruler of the gardens of Samarkand, which he was familiar with, but also served a practical purpose—providing shade from the heat and protecting against dust.
In the 17th century, Shah Jahan, the emperor who commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal, acquired two plots of land on the banks of the Yamuna. The southern side of the river was reserved for the construction of the world-famous mausoleum, while the land across the river remained a green recreational area. According to Shah Jahan’s vision, Mehtab Bagh was supposed to house a twin of the Taj Mahal, made of black marble. This mausoleum was intended to be his own burial place, and the two grand structures were to be connected by a bridge. However, this ambitious project was never realized. While Shah Jahan was planning the construction, his sons fought for the throne, and eventually, one of them imprisoned him in the Red Fort.
In the past, the park featured pavilions with galleries and more than 20 fountains. Today, almost none of that former splendor remains. Some foundations of structures can still be seen in certain areas of the park, but I’m not sure if they belong to the original historical buildings.
Mehtab Bagh is a square-shaped park with greenery and benches for relaxation. Aerial views show that the width of the park matches the width of the entire Taj Mahal complex. The name "Mehtab Bagh" translates to "Moonlight Garden." Travel guides describe it as the perfect place to admire the Taj Mahal at night. However, tourists often find it underwhelming and rate it as merely "average."
Mehtab Bagh: How to Get There
I often provide metro directions to attractions, but in this case, you’ll need to choose a different mode of transport since the metro line is on the other side of the river.
I took a taxi—Uber operates in the city, and fares are quite affordable. In the app, you can find the park by searching for "Mehtab Bagh."
There is an entrance fee, and only bank cards are accepted at the ticket counter. Tickets can also be purchased in advance on the website of the Indian Ministry of Culture. As of winter 2025, the price for foreign visitors is 250 rupees. Some travelers mention that you can save money by viewing the Taj Mahal from the road near the park. If you're not particularly interested in exploring the park itself, this could be a good alternative.
My next article about Agra will be dedicated to the hotel where I stayed. It was one of the most unusual places I have ever stayed during my travels.
Have a nice trip!
