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Mehtab Bagh
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Mehtab Bagh

Getting around: On the opposite bank of the Yamuna from the Taj Mahal, about 2-3km by road (since you have to cross the river via a bridge). Reached by auto-rickshaw from central Agra.
Hours: Open daily, roughly 6am to 6:30pm. Sunset is the most popular time to visit for the Taj Mahal view.

Mehtab Bagh is a Mughal charbagh (four-part garden) directly across the Yamuna from the Taj Mahal, laid out by Shah Jahan as a moonlight viewing garden and, by some accounts, the possible site he considered for a planned black marble mausoleum for himself that was never built.

Today it's mainly visited for the unobstructed, symmetrical view of the Taj Mahal from across the river, without the crowds and queues of the main complex. It's a particularly good sunset spot since the Taj catches the evening light, and the gardens themselves, while much simpler than in Mughal times, make for a pleasant walk.

Mehtab Bagh FAQs

Is the Taj Mahal view from Mehtab Bagh actually good?

Yes, it's one of the best-known alternative viewpoints, giving a full frontal view across the river without the crowds inside the main complex.

What's the best time to visit?

Late afternoon into sunset, when the Taj Mahal's marble catches the changing light.

Is Mehtab Bagh crowded?

Much less than the Taj Mahal itself, though it does get busy around sunset with photographers and other visitors chasing the same view.

Can I combine this with Itimad-ud-Daulah?

Yes, both are on the same side of the river and close together, making them an easy pairing.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a modest ASI ticket fee applies, separate from the Taj Mahal ticket.

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