Viewpoint · Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Mehtab Bagh

The 'Moonlight Garden' on the north bank of the Yamuna, facing the Taj Mahal across the river

Ambient sound · similar settingEarly-morning birds and crickets in an Indian city garden

Photo: Julian Yu (@littlej1428) / Unsplash

Discover Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh, the Moonlight Garden, lies on the far bank of the Yamuna, exactly in line with the Taj Mahal. From its riverside edge the mausoleum appears side-on to the city, rising above its sandstone river terrace with the mosque and guest house on either side, and with none of the crowds of the main complex.

The garden itself is a restored four-part Mughal charbagh with pathways, lawns and fruit trees. It is a quiet, unhurried place, and in the late afternoon, when the light warms the marble across the water, it becomes one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Agra. Because it stays open when the Taj Mahal closes on Fridays, it also gives travellers on a tight schedule a way to see the monument that day.

Don’t miss

01Side-on view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna, framed by its mosque and guest house
02The restored four-part charbagh layout with walkways and fruit trees
03Remains of the octagonal pool aligned with the Taj on the river side
04Late-afternoon and sunset light on the marble across the water

History & culture

The story of Mehtab Bagh

Agra's district administration credits Emperor Babur with first laying out the garden, and Shah Jahan with later aligning it with the Taj Mahal. It was one of a chain of Mughal gardens along the river opposite the Taj. Over the centuries floods and neglect almost destroyed it, and a persistent legend held that Shah Jahan had planned a second, black Taj on this bank.

The Archaeological Survey of India excavated and restored the garden in the 1990s; the Ministry of Tourism notes that the restoration was completed by 1994. The work uncovered the original layout, including a large octagonal pool on the southern side that once reflected the Taj Mahal.

Local life & traditions

Away from the main tourist circuit, the north bank of the Yamuna is more rural, with fields and villages close to the garden. Local families and photographers favour Mehtab Bagh for its peace and its view, and the riverbanks outside the garden are used by villagers for grazing and farming.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

Come in the late afternoon and walk through the garden to its riverside edge, where the view of the Taj opens up across the water. It is an excellent spot for photography, a calm place to sit after the bustle of the main complex, and a good way to see the Taj on a Friday, when the monument itself is closed.

Combine it with nearby Itimad-ud-Daulah, the so-called Baby Taj, on the same bank of the river, or with a visit to Agra Fort across the bridge.

When to go

October to March brings the most pleasant weather; winter afternoons are clear more often than mornings, which can be foggy. The district administration notes that the light is best between about 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm. During the monsoon parts of the riverside ground can flood, and in summer the heat makes an evening visit essential.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset, all seven days. Source: agra.nic.in ↗
Admission (as published, Oct 2026): Indian citizens Rs 25; SAARC/BIMSTEC citizens Rs 25; foreign tourists Rs 300. Children under 15 free. Source: tajmahal.gov.in ↗
Getting there: On the left (north) bank of the Yamuna, about 8 km by road from Agra Fort via the Yamuna bridge. Source: agra.nic.in ↗
Facilities: Limited parking at the gate and no food stalls inside; bring your own water. Source: agra.nic.in ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Visit in the late afternoon for the warmest light on the Taj Mahal.
A good choice on Fridays, when the Taj Mahal itself is closed to visitors.
Bring a zoom lens if you can; the Taj is across the river and fills the frame better at longer focal lengths.
Carry water and mosquito repellent, especially in the evening near the river.
Arrange return transport in advance, as there are fewer taxis and auto-rickshaws waiting on this side of the river.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Mehtab Bagh: food, markets & places to stay

Itimad-ud-Daulah's tomb is on the same bank of the Yamuna a short drive away, and the small Chini ka Rauza is also nearby. There are no food stalls inside the garden, so eat beforehand in Agra; Taj Ganj and the Fatehabad Road area on the south bank have the widest choice of restaurants and hotels.

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