What is Mehtab Bagh?
A Mughal garden on the north bank of the Yamuna, directly opposite the Taj Mahal. It was originally laid out in the Mughal era and aligned with the Taj, and its excavated octagonal pool once reflected the mausoleum. Legend says Shah Jahan planned a "Black Taj" for himself here, though historians doubt it.
Today it's a peaceful garden with the best ground-level view of the Taj Mahal's river side, especially at sunset.
Entry fee and timings
It's managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Fees can change, so check the official ticketing site. Tickets can be bought at the gate or online.
How busy is it?
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Mehtab Bagh, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Thursday, 6 am-4 pm
Busiest time
Friday, 10 am-6 pm
Tips
- Arrive 60-90 minutes before sunset to find a spot on the riverbank side.
- Visit on a Friday when you can't enter the Taj.
- Winter fog (December-January) can hide the Taj in the morning.
- Bring a zoom lens for close-up shots of the Taj's minarets.
- Drones aren't allowed.
Getting there
Mehtab Bagh is about 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal by straight line, but you need to cross the river by road: about 20-30 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi from the Taj area. Agree the fare or ask the driver to wait.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving after sunset, when the gates close.
- Expecting to see the Taj up close: it's a view from across the river.
- Skipping the Taj Mahal itself in favour of Mehtab Bagh.
History
Mehtab Bagh, the "Moonlight Garden", is a square Mughal garden on the north bank of the Yamuna, aligned exactly with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. It was laid out by the emperor Babur, founder of the Mughal dynasty, and later rebuilt as part of the Taj complex under Shah Jahan. A legend says Shah Jahan planned a "Black Taj" for himself here, but historians find no evidence. Floods destroyed most of the garden, and it was restored by the Archaeological Survey of India from the 1990s, with Mughal-style walkways, fountains and plants.
What to see
- The Taj view: the best view of the Taj Mahal's rear, with the river in front, and no crowds.
- The octagonal pool: the remains of a large pool that reflected the Taj by moonlight.
- The garden layout: the charbagh, the classic four-part Mughal garden, with walkways and channels.
- The riverbank: outside the garden, the river path gives another view, popular with photographers at sunset.
Is Mehtab Bagh worth it?
Yes, for a sunset view of the Taj without the crowds, and especially on a Friday. It complements the Taj visit rather than replacing it.
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FAQs
How much is Mehtab Bagh?
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About ₹300 for foreigners and ₹25 for Indians. Children under 15 are free.
Is Mehtab Bagh open on Friday?
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Yes, it's open every day, including Fridays when the Taj Mahal is closed.
What are Mehtab Bagh's timings?
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Sunrise to sunset.
Is Mehtab Bagh good for sunset?
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Yes, it's the best place for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the river.
How far is Mehtab Bagh from the Taj Mahal?
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About 2.5 km in a straight line, 20-30 minutes by road.
Can you see the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh?
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Heading to Mehtab Bagh?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
