Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is a charbagh complex located at the north of the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal complex, just opposite the Yamuna River. It lies in perfect alignment opposite to the Taj Mahal.
Mehtab Garden is also called “The Moonlight Garden.” The site talks about the myth of the Black Taj. It was believed in the late 19th century that the garden held the foundation of Black Taj. However, recent excavations reveal big tank in octagon shape. It features a small central tank, 25 fountains, and a baradari located at the east.
History
Emperor Babur created the Mehtab Bagh, which is sprawled in 25 acres, in 1530. The Bagh was the last in a series of 11 parks created on the east bank of the Yamuna River, long before the Taj Mahal was built. In 1652, the garden was destroyed by a flood.
In the 1990s, the park was re-created after a survey by the Archeological Survey of India.
According to history reports, Emperor Shah Jahan chose a spot along the grass-covered, crescent-shaped, floodplain of the Yamuna River to get the best view of the Taj Mahal. Mehtab Bagh was created on this very spot. The garden was supposed to give pleasure to senses on moonlit night with its fragrant flowers, pools, fountains, airy pavilions, fruit trees, and more. It was designed, perfectly aligned to the Taj, with its width similar to the Taj.
According to legend, Shah Jahan had wished to construct a Mausoleum in black marble for himself. It was supposed to be a twin of the Taj Mahal. This could not be done, as the emperor was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. This legend grew stronger when a British archeologist, A.C.L. Carlleyle, in 1871, discovered the remains of an ancient pond at the garden site and mistook it for the foundation of the Black Taj.
Architecture
Mehtab Bagh is square in shape. It is 300X300 meters and in perfect alignment with the Taj Mahal, just opposite the banks of Yamuna River.
Attraction
One of the biggest attractions of Mehtab Bagh is watching the sun go down on the Taj Mahal. Evenings in this Bagh can turn out to be a romantic gateway for couples.
As the sun sets and the moon envelopes the night sky with its dazzling shine, the Taj takes a completely new and dreamy look. It reflects the love of Shahjahan and Mumtaz. The Bagh is the best spot to view this passionate transformation of the Taj. This is what attracts tourists from around India and outside.
The fountains in the Bagh enhance the beauty of this garden. Visitors of the Taj Mahal must not miss this marvelous Bagh.
Bagh Timings
Mehtab Bagh is open from sunrise to sunset. The best time to come here is in early evening, before sunset. As the sun sets, the Bagh offers a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal, as its white marble turn pink in twilight.
Best Time to Visit
All year round but still spring and autumn are good seasons to visit Agra. Summers can be too hot and winters can be too cold.
How to Reach
Agra city is well connected with railway and roadway.
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