Taj Mahotsav Festival 2024

Mehtab Bagh is located on the left bank of river Yamuna opposite to the Taj Mahal. The garden complex is a huge square measuring approximately 300m x 300m and in straight alignment with the Taj Mahal. The excavation has revealed a huge octagonal tank on the Southern periphery, baradaris or pavilion on the East and West, a small octagonal tank at the center and a gateway at the Northern wall.

The crescent-shaped Mehtab Bagh is the last in the series of 11 parks along the Yamuna River in Agra. Originally built by the first Mughal emperor- Babur in the early 1500s, the origin of the park goes back to the time when there was no Taj Mahal. However, later, this garden went into disrepair. It was Shah Jahan who rebuilt the garden to protect Taj Mahal from the abrasion of sand. This garden is located in such a way that it gives the perfect view of the Taj. At present, Mehtab Bagh, which is also known as ‘Moonlight Garden’, is reckoned to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra. The history of this alluring garden is known by few but is quite interesting; the width of the former garden which was built by Babur was in perfect alignment with that of Taj, and hence, Shah Jahan identified it as an ideal site to admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal. Originally, the structure of this heritage destination in Agra was like a charbagh complex - a Persian-style layout in which the garden is subdivided into four parts. The complex was separated by white walkaways, well-ventilated pavillions, beautiful fruit trees and water fountains.

In the early 1900s, most of these features got destroyed because of frequent floods, and hence, the entire garden turned into a mound of sand. Later in the year 1994, an excavation was carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the garden site. In this excavation, it was discovered that Shah Jahan wanting to construct the replica of Taj Mahal as his resting place on this very ground was nothing but a myth. Wha actually discovered from this excavation was the complex of charbagh buried underneath the sand. Today, all the important features of this popular tourist attraction in Agra have been restored to its original form. A number of plants like citrus, hibiscus and guava have also been planted to bring back the old grandeur of this striking garden. Mehtab Bagh is also an ideal place to catch the gorgeous sunset view.