Mehtab Bagh :-
Namesta 🙏🏿 Welcome to Traveler's Best friend Let’s Have a Walk India .
Weather:-
39° C .
Timings:-
06:30 t0 18:30
Entry Fee:-
Indians and SAARC nations' members- INR 30
Foreigners- INR 200.
Time Required :-
Two hours thirty min.
Tips :-
Food, alcohol, tobacco, headphones, knives, cords, mobile chargers and electronic items (except cameras) are prohibited.
Carry your ID with you when you visit this attraction.
Mobile phone must be switched off.
It is advisable to only hire photographers with approved guides and ID
Established By :-
Emperor Akbar.
How to Reach Mehtab Bagh Garden :-
Located at a distance of barely 7-8 kms from the Taj Mahal complex in the heart of the city, this park is easily accessible via local electric/battery operated rickshaws. You can also hire an auto-rickshaw to reach the park. The city is also well connected through state-run buses that you can avail. Alternatively, you can book a taxi cab from anywhere in the city. Recently, the management has also come up with the option of a cross ferry ride from the eastern side of the Taj.
Architecture of Mehtab Bagh Garden :-
Mehtab Bagh reflects the typical Mughal style of architecture, with four garden layouts, square in shape and 300 meters on each side. The two major elements of the garden include the octagonal domed tower made of red sandstone inside the garden and the large octagonal pond on the southern side. The beauty of the pond lies in the fact that it displays the reflection of the Taj Mahal on it.The garden has four minarets, one at each corner. Of these four, only one tower stands today, which is present on the south-east side. To the east is a large water tank, with several water channels covering the garden to ensure that every part of it continues to flourish. To the west and east of the garden are Baradari. There are also two ruined structures in the garden, believed to be garden pavilions that did not survive the passage of time. To the north is an aqueduct that feeds the garden. Another important structure in the garden is the small Dalit temple near the entrance. The overall architecture of Mehtab Bagh is further enhanced by a number of plant nurseries which are being added to the garden along with temples, sculptures and more.
Historical :-
Initially built in 1530 by the Mughal emperor Babur, the striking Mehtab Bagh fell into disrepair until Shah Jahan recognized it as the perfect viewing spot for the Taj Mahal and stepped in to soak in its beauty. It was then removed from floodplains and dirt mounds and converted into a "moonlight pleasure garden" in the Persian style – elevated walkways with plastered pavilions, ornamental fountains and beautiful pools. By the early 1900s, frequent flooding and misuse of resources had turned the once charming garden into a giant pile of sand with an overgrowth of grass and wild plants.
In 1994, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) surveyed the site and conducted detailed research to ascertain the truth about the rumoured black Taj Mahal, only to find that it was a myth. Instead, excavations revealed an octagonal tank, 25 water fountains and a four intricately divided compartments, all of which suggest the possibility of a well-established garden at the site. Later, the discovery of a letter by Aurangzeb to Shah Jahan in AD 1652, which mentioned the condition of Mehtab Bagh during the events of the flood, confirms the authenticity. Today, ASI is making efforts to restore the attractive location to its original condition. The gorgeous Mehtab Bagh is already on its way to recovery, with numerous citrus, guava and hibiscus trees and brightly blooming seasonal flowers..