MEHTAB BAGH

Located directly opposite the Taj Mahal, on the opposite bank of the Yamuna, Mehtab Bagh was one of 11 Mughal gardens that dotted the banks of the river during the Mughal period. Intended by Emperor Babur, the founder of the empire, the garden follows the traditional design of Persian gardens. Square in format, it is divided into 4 large sections, subdivided into 4 parts, which represent paradise in Islam. It is located in line with the Taj Mahal, offering a perfect view of the sublime mausoleum at sunrise or sunset. Legend has it that Emperor Shah Jahan chose the site for the Taj Mahal precisely so that it would face the garden. After the construction of the marble mausoleum, the garden was modified and named Mehtab Bagh, which literally means "Moonlight Garden". The garden's dimensions were modelled on those of the Taj Mahal complex, with white plaster pathways reflecting the moonlight, pavilions to enjoy the night breeze, fruit trees and daffodils planted in abundance, and ponds and fountains providing coolness in summer. French explorer Jean-Baptiste Tavernier mentions the gardens of Mehtab Bagh in his writings. He recounts how Shah Jahan was said to have wanted to build a black marble mausoleum, identical to the Taj Mahal, for his own burial. But this project was prevented by Aurangzeb, who had his father arrested and imprisoned in the Red Fort in order to gain power.

Regularly flooded in winter, the gardens of Mehtab Bagh have suffered greatly over the centuries. Originally, the gardens were enclosed by a brick wall rendered in white plaster and lined with pink sandstone. Today, only part of the southern wall, facing the Taj Mahal, remains. Domed pink sandstone towers were erected at the four corners of the garden; only the one to the southeast of the garden remains. Pavilions with twelve arches were located to the east and west. Air circulated freely in these pavilions, providing cool air on hot summer days. A large octagonal pool faced the mausoleum, which was reflected in it.

Located within the protected perimeter of the Taj Mahal, access to the Mehtab Bagh gardens is restricted. The parking lot is 500 meters away, and electric carts are available for those who don't want to walk. You will be searched at the entrance, and the police will take your lighter and matches if you have any on you.