Srinagar city in the Kashmir valley is renowned for its fantastic gardens and lakes. These beautiful Gardens of Srinagar have picturesque hill slides, flowering shrubs and trees, and gorgeous water bodies. Despite witnessing centuries of change, the gardens still manage to lure tourists from all over the world.
Many gardens are the creations of the great Mughals, while some were built by modern-day authorities. Truly captivating and delightful, the renowned gardens in this part of India boast exquisitely carved lawns, a massive spectrum of colorful flowers, and stepped terraces. On a Srinagar trip, one must visit famous gardens, including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Tulip Garden, Chasma Sahi Garden, Pari Mahal, and Nehru Garden.
List of 5 Beautiful Mughal Gardens in Srinagar You Must Visit
Nishat Garden in Srinagar
Also known as “the garden of bliss”, Nishat Garden in Srinagar is set on the banks of the beautiful Dal Lake. The garden is set at the backdrop of the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range and offers a great sunset view of the Dal Lake. A beautiful water channel flows right in the middle of the garden. Nishat Bagh was designed by Asaf Khan, the brother of Nur Jahan, back in 1633 AD. The garden has 12 terraces, one for every zodiac sign, and they keep on rising the mountainside. The terraces are filled with colored roses, lilies, geraniums, and asters.
Nishat Garden is a very famous garden of Srinagar as well as the most visited tourist spot. Peoples come from all over the world to see the beauty of the place. Tourists not only get to enjoy the scenic view of the gardens but also can enjoy Shikara rides at the Nehru Park. In addition, there are many shopping stalls outside the garden where tourists can shop for different items.
- Best time to visit – April – October
Chashme Shahi garden
Chashme Shahi Garden is terraced lawns, fascinating fountains, and floral beds on the banks of Dal Lake. The beautifully terraced garden and colorful flowers make Chashme Shahi more beautiful than any other park and garden in Kashmir. Originally Shah Jahan’s creation in 1632, it has undergone several renovations to retain its remarkable beauty. Shah Jahan named the garden after a mountain spring that waters it, and it has the name, Chashme Shahi. Get your permits from the information counter to visit this garden in Srinagar.
Nehru Botanical Garden
A well-designed modern garden at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range in Srinagar, Nehru Botanical Garden is where every florist or nature lover would surely love to unwind. Built-in 1969 over a massive area of around 80 hectares, tourists are likely to come across four different sections of the beautiful garden. As Nehru Botanical Garden in Srinagar is designed per modern techniques and terms, the four sections can be explained as Recreational Garden, Botanical Garden, Plant Introduction Center, and Research Section. Amongst the best places to rejuvenate in nature, the property has several inner gardens to boast upon, the themes of which are highly intriguing. Strolling along the inner gardens allows visitors to watch over three hundred species of flowers, all in one place.
During the springtime, the Nehru Botanical Garden witnesses chaos of colors and fragrances; thus, it is advised that one must make his plans keeping this thing in mind. Besides the lovely flowers, boating is also among the star attractions in Nehru Garden. For this, the property has a beautiful lake that allows joy rides by boats. Overall, the beauty and tranquility of the renowned Nehru Botanical Garden make it a top tourist spot in Srinagar.
Pari Mahal
Kashmir leaves no one disappointed when it comes to attractions. One of its major attractions is the Pari Mahal. Pari Mahal is an attraction well known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Set right at the top of the Zabarwan mountain range, Pari Mahal is a beautiful historical monument. The structure’s architecture features Islamic architecture and art styles that prevailed during the reign of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The memorial is located amid seven beautiful terraced gardens, which add to the structure’s beauty. These gardens were established by Prince Dara Shikoh back in 1600. The gardens have a variety of flowers and trees, which give the place a serene environment.
The main attraction of the place is the view which it offers. Pari Mahal provides a great view of the Chinar trees in the surrounding area and the Dal Lake. The attraction can be visited all around the year. However, the best time to visit the place is from April to October when the weather remains pleasant.
Shalimar Garden
One of the most famous gardens in Kashmir valley, Shalimar garden, is situated on the shores of serene Dal Lake. The word ‘Shalimar’ defines the reason for its construction, which indicates ‘abode of love. Therefore, the ‘house of Love’ was built by Mughal Emperor Jehangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan around 400 years back. The lush green and well-maintained Garden of Srinagar is designed with terrace lawns, fountain pools, and flower beds combined with mighty chinar trees and pavilions. The interior of Shalimar Bagh contains four terraces in which the top terraces were initially reserved for the royal ladies and is considered the most beautiful section.
During the autumn and spring season, the picturesque surrounding of the ‘Bagh’ looks impressive as the Chinar trees change their color from green to orange. Shalimar Bagh is also famous with different names- Shalamar Garden, Farah Baksh, Faiz Baksh, etc.
Timing – The Garden is open on all the days of the week except Friday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The duration of the visit is generally 2-3 hours, and the entry charges are INR 10.
You can explore these gardens of Srinagar on your holiday. Moreover, you can explore more popular attractions and indulge in thrilling activities by booking a tour with us. Contact us to plan your vacation in Srinagar with us to have an incredible traveling experience.
