Mehtab Bagh

Overview

Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) is a charbagh complex directly north of the Taj Mahal, across the Yamuna River. Originally built by Emperor Babur as the last in a series of eleven gardens on the riverfront, it offers what many consider the finest view of the Taj Mahal.

Highlights

• Taj Mahal Reflection: On calm evenings the monument reflects in the garden's old water channels.
• Sunset Views: The west-facing elevation provides golden-hour photography unlike any other vantage point.
• Archaeological Ruins: Remnants of an octagonal pool and garden pavilions reveal the original Mughal layout.

History

Built around 1631, the garden fell into ruin after the Yamuna shifted course. Archaeological Survey of India excavations in the 1990s uncovered its original plan and confirmed that a matching black marble Taj Mahal was never intended here, contrary to popular legend.

Visitor Tips

• Best Time: Arrive 1–1.5 hours before sunset for the best light.
• Photography: Wide-angle lenses capture the full Taj reflection.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.