The Legendary Mughal Gardens of Srinagar

Built between 1620 and 1634 by the Mughal emperors, the six (sometimes counted as seven) terraced gardens around Dal Lake are Kashmir’s living masterpieces. Designed in the Persian char-bagh (four-garden) style, they combine cascading fountains, endless chinar trees, vibrant flower beds, and breathtaking mountain views. UNESCO has recognised them collectively as part of the “Mughal Gardens of Jammu & Kashmir” tentative World Heritage list.

1. Nishat Bagh – Garden of Joy

Location: Eastern shore of Dal Lake Built by: Asif Khan (brother-in-law of Jahangir) in 1633 Highlights: • 12 terraces representing the 12 zodiac signs • Spectacular central water channel with 5 major cascades • Best sunset views over Dal Lake and Pir Panjal mountains • Still the most popular and crowded (yet unmissable)

2. Shalimar Bagh – Abode of Love

Location: Northern shore of Dal Lake Built by: Emperor Jahangir for Nur Jahan in 1619 Highlights: • Largest of the Mughal gardens • Three distinct terraces: Diwan-i-Aam (public), Diwan-i-Khas (private), Zenana (ladies) • Famous “Chini-khanas” (niches with artificial waterfalls) • Evening light-and-sound show (April–October)

3. Chashme Shahi – Royal Spring

Location: On the foothills of Zabarwan range Built by: Shah Jahan in 1632 Highlights: • Smallest but most elegant • Fed by a natural mineral spring (water is sweet and believed to be digestive) • Steep terraces with panoramic city views • Perfect for a quiet 1-hour visit

4. Pari Mahal – Palace of the Fairies

Location: High above Chashme Shahi on Zabarwan hills Built by: Dara Shikoh (Shah Jahan’s son) in the 1650s Highlights: • Six terraced gardens illuminated at night (looks magical) • Originally a Sufi school and observatory • Best viewpoint in Srinagar — entire city and Dal Lake at your feet • Reach by car/taxi; 10-min walk from parking

5. Harwan Garden

Location: 18 km east of Srinagar Highlights: • No cascading fountains — more natural style • Ancient 3rd-century terracotta tiles discovered here • Starting point for trek to Mahadev Peak & DachiGam wildlife sanctuary • Peaceful picnic spot with huge chinar trees

6. Achabal Garden

Location: 60 km south (Anantnag district) – often included in the list Highlights: • Natural spring gushing from the garden itself • Jahangir’s favourite — he called it “the place where water becomes music”

7. Verinag Garden (Bonus)

Location: 80 km south-east Highlights: • The actual source of the Jhelum River • Octagonal stone tank built by Jahangir & perfected by Shah Jahan

Best Time to Visit the Gardens

• April: Tulips in full bloom (especially Nishat & Shalimar)
• May–June: Roses, irises, and perfect weather
• September–October: Golden chinar leaves — pure magic
• Winter: Snow-covered terraces (very few visitors)

Practical Tips

• Entry fee: ₹20–50 per garden (children half price)
• Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Best circuit (half day by car): Chashme Shahi → Pari Mahal → Nishat → Shalimar
• Photography: No tripod fee; drones prohibited
• Combo ticket: Some taxis offer “4 gardens tour” for ₹1500–2000 (4–5 hrs)

The Mughal Gardens are not just parks — they are poetry in stone, water, and flowers. Walk slowly, sit by the fountains, and let the 400-year-old romance of Kashmir sink in.

Pro tip: Visit Nishat at sunset and Pari Mahal at night when it’s lit up — two of the most romantic experiences in all of India.