Mehtab Bagh in Agra
Location:
View of Tajmahal from Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is situated on the sandy bank of Yamuna River just opposite to the Taj Mahal mausoleum. The place is an ideal spot that provides picturesque view of Taj Mahal.
Significance:
The name Mehtab Bagh, which connotes the term 'Moon Lit Garden' reflects the beauty of Tajmahal during the night. Main significance of this garden is the Tajmahal, which is incomplete without this garden.
Mehtab Bagh -Its Past:
Mehtab bagh has a history of its own. Being one of the prominent garden in Mughal kingdom, this moonlight garden named Mehtab Bagh was laid just across the Yamuna River, when the world famous Taj Mahal was being constructed 350 years ago. It was laid alongside the northern waterfront. It was once an oasis with sweet-smelling flowers, shaded pavilions, fountains and reflecting pools. Gradually the site became barren and lost its earlier appeal.
Main Attraction:
The major attraction of Mehtab Bagh is Taj Mahal. This garden has enriched the beauty of Tajmahal. The Archaeological Survey of India has tried to renovate the garden according to the original plan. The place has been enriched with flora and at present more than 40 species of plants bloom in the garden. The garden was of typical Charbagh fashion.
Some other Important Sites and structures within Agra:
Besides Tajmahal, the Mehtab Garden Agra is known for its rich heritage and culture. Various other sites in and around Agra focuses it. Some of such important structures are listed as below:
- Jahangiri Mahal - Akbar built it for his son Jehangir.
- Khas Mahal - one of the best examples of painting on white marble.
- Anguri Bagh - 85 square, geometrically arranged gardens.
- Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) - was used to speak to the people and listen to petitioners and once housed the Peacock Throne
- Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) - was used to receive kings and dignitary, features black throne of Jehangir
- Golden Pavilions - beautiful pavilions with roofs shaped like the roofs of Bengali huts
- Macchi Bhawan (Fish Enclosure) - grand enclosure for harem functions, once had pools and fountains
- Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque)- a tiny mosque; closed to the public
- Pearl Mosque - a private mosque of Shah Jahan
- Musamman Burj - a large, octagonal tower with a balcony facing the Taj Mahal
- Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque) - mosque designed for the ladies of the court
- Naubat Khana (Drum House) - a place where the king's musicians played
- Shah Jahani Mahal - Shah Jahan's first attempt at modification of the red sandstone palace.
- Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) or Shish Mahal - royal dressing room featuring tiny mirror-like glass-mosaic decorations on the walls
Mehtab Bagh stands on either side of river Yamuna. The ferry from the eastern side of Taj Mahal takes only few minutes to reach Mehtab Bagh. The distance by road is about 2 kms and takes hardly 15 minutes to reach there.
Yamuna Bridge Railway Station lies in the locality of Mehtab Bagh. The drive to the railway station is only a couple of kilometres.
Agra Airport lies far west of the Mehtab Bagh at a distance of 13 kms. Agra Airport is connected by almost all the domestic airlines.