Discover The Hidden Battis Khamba Of Agra

A garden situated on the bank of the Yamuna River, abound with ruins of the Mughal era, a short distance north of Ram Bagh, is the Buland Bagh. The remains of the structures of Chhatris, including a tall tower called Battis Khamba, are located on the side of the old Mughal garden. The tower is hidden in plain sight, easy to miss amid the overgrown shrubs and the other old ruins of the garden. Buland Khan, a eunuch of Emperor Jahangir's court, was said to have built the Chhatris and the garden between A.D. 1606-23.

The most notable structure here is the five-story tower, which is supported by thirty-two pillars and is locally known as Battis Khamba. The tower is adorned with intricate bas-relief work of floral and geometrical designs. All other architectural features of this grand Mughal garden e.g. stone pathways, channels, tanks, cascades and fountains have been pillaged and it has now been reduced almost to the form of a village corpse.

Architecture Of The Battis Khamba

Rising from the sands of the Jumna, the Battis Khambha, a beautiful pavilion located in the Ram Bagh gardens, is a five stories high structure which has served as a "Light-House", a "Watch Tower" and a "Manzil" (halting stage) – all in one, during its era.

It is made of red sandstone and comprises 36 pillars that support an octagonal cupola. The building has arched galleries and on the fourth floor, there are twenty-four columns, and the fifth floor is a cupola supported by eight slender shafts. The Ram Bagh, also known as Aram Bagh or the "garden of rest", is located next to the Battis Khamba. It has brick masonry embankments on the river-side, seven wells on its northern edge called Sat-Kuian, and a three-storied tower named Battis-Khambha. This ruin has survived to date and is a testament to the magnificent architecture of the past.

Things To See Nearby

Agra Fort: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a massive red sandstone fort that was built by the Mughal emperors. It is home to several palaces, mosques, and gardens, and is a fascinating place to explore.

Mehtab Bagh: This Mughal garden is located on the opposite bank of the Yamuna river from the Taj Mahal, and offers stunning views of the monument. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunset.

Fatehpur Sikri: This abandoned city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. It is home to a number of well-preserved buildings, including mosques, palaces, and tombs.

Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: This white marble tomb is known as the "Baby Taj" because of its similarity to the Taj Mahal. It is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture.

Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Centre: This centre hosts a variety of cultural events, including dance performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions. It is a great place to learn more about Indian culture.

Places To Stay

Some luxurious 5 star places to stay near the Battis Khamba are Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra, Radisson Hotel Agra and DoubleTree by Hilton Agra located just a few kilometres off the Bagh. If you are travelling on a budget, there are a few options that provide accommodation in decent prices such as Aman Homestay, Anukampa paying Guest House and Hotel Alleviate in Agra.

Getting There

Agra is 205 km by road from Delhi. One convenient way to reach Akbar's Tomb, the old city and the riverside gardens is by taking the Taj Express train that stops at Raja ki Mandi station.

Battis Khamba is one of the Ruins of the Mughal Bagh, one of the riverside gardens. One can reach the garden by road but to reach the lonely structure, one needs to take the assistance of locals or Google maps.