About Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh, the moonlight garden, sits on the north bank of the Yamuna exactly opposite the Taj Mahal. Its central axis lines up with the Taj, so from the riverside wall you get a full, uninterrupted view of the mausoleum without any crowds in front of you.
It's the favourite spot for sunset in Agra. As the sun drops, the marble turns gold and then pink, and on a calm evening its reflection appears in the river.
The garden itself is a restored charbagh with lawns, walkways, and the foundations of old pavilions and a large octagonal pool.
History & significance
Mehtab Bagh is believed to be the last of eleven Mughal gardens laid out along the Yamuna, a tradition that began with Emperor Babur. Shah Jahan later developed it as a moonlight garden aligned with the Taj Mahal.
The site was lost to river floods and silt for centuries. Archaeologists excavated and restored it from the 1990s, uncovering a large octagonal pool that once reflected the Taj Mahal.
Highlights
- Uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal across the river
- Sunset light on the marble
- Restored Mughal garden layout
- Remains of the octagonal reflecting pool
Things to do at Mehtab Bagh
- 01
Watch sunset over the Taj Mahal
Arrive an hour before sunset and walk to the riverside wall for the classic view.
- 02
Find the octagonal pool
Look for the excavated pool that once mirrored the Taj Mahal in its water.
Did you know?
- Mehtab means moonlight. The garden was designed to be enjoyed on moonlit nights with the Taj glowing across the river.
- The story of a planned 'Black Taj' on this site is a popular legend, but excavations found a garden and pool, not a second tomb.
Getting there by Agra Metro
Mehtab Bagh is on the opposite bank of the Yamuna, so although it looks close to Taj Mahal metro station on a map, the road route crosses the river and is several kilometres long. Take an auto-rickshaw or cab from the station.
Facilities
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Photography allowed
Visitor tips
- 1Come on a Friday, when the Taj Mahal is closed. Mehtab Bagh is still open and the view is just as good.
- 2Bring a zoom lens or use your phone's zoom for the best photos of the Taj.
- 3Carry mosquito repellent for the evening.
Mehtab Bagh: frequently asked questions
Is Mehtab Bagh open on Fridays?
Yes. Mehtab Bagh is open on Fridays, which makes it the best way to see the Taj Mahal when the Taj itself is closed.
Can you see the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh?
Yes. The garden is directly across the Yamuna and aligned with the Taj Mahal, giving a full view of the monument.
Which metro station is nearest to Mehtab Bagh?
The nearest Agra Metro station to Mehtab Bagh is Taj Mahal Metro Station (1.5 km, about 18 min walk). Shaheed Captain Shubham Gupta Metro Station is another option nearby.
What are the timings of Mehtab Bagh?
Mehtab Bagh is open Sunrise to sunset. It is closed on Open every day. Timings can change on holidays, so check locally before you go.
What is the entry fee for Mehtab Bagh?
Entry to Mehtab Bagh: About ₹30 for Indian citizens and ₹300 for foreign visitors. Children under 15 enter free. Fees are set by the Archaeological Survey of India and can change..
What is the best time to visit Mehtab Bagh?
Late afternoon to sunset, from October to March.
How much time do I need at Mehtab Bagh?
Plan for about About 1 hour at Mehtab Bagh.
