Famous Gardens In Kashmir
Overview
Planning a trip to Kashmir and visiting these popular and amazing gardens must be there in the bucket list. The Mughals were renowned for having a keen interest in gardening. These were the far-off kings descended from aristocrats. Their addition to the gardens provided the area a stunning appearance.
In addition to Kashmir’s many beautiful gardens and Baghs, which are popular tourist destinations, the region is also home to a diverse range of adventure activities and sightseeing spots. Numerous trees, plants, flowers, herbs, and plants especially Chinar trees which can be found in these gardens, adding to their beauty.
Almost each garden was constructed in Persian architectural style which immensely impressed the Mughals. Because of the glistening pools, roaring streams of water, well-groomed trees, concrete walkways, lush lawns and other features. Some serene rivers and lakes like the iconic Dal Lake encircle these magnificent gardens, opening a door to pure bliss.
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Here are the 10 famous garden in Kashmir
01. Shalimar Garden
Said to be the largest garden in Kashmir, the Shalimar Garden was constructed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife, Empress Noor Jahan. The word “ Shalimar” is translated as “Abode of Love”.
It is Situated on the right side of Dal Lake and is also known as Shalamar Garden or Bagh, Faiz Baksh, and Farah Baksh. The Persian architectural style serves as an inspiration for the garden’s layout. The main draw is its water feature, built in the middle of a square of ground. The authorities have divided the garden into three terraces. Average folks can access the very first one.
While they reserve the second floor for exclusive use, the third deck is reserved for dignitaries and guests. This garden exemplifies the Mughals’ exceptional skill in horticulture. Currently, the tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir owns and operates the garden.
- Best Time: March to October
- Location: Near Dal Lake, Srinagar
- Entry Fee: INR 24 (Indian nationals), INR 300 (foreigners
02. Nishat Garden
Situated on Dal-Lake, approximately 2.5 kilometers south of Shalimar, it offers an amazing view to the west and a sprawling panorama of mountains to the east. Asaf Khan, the brother of Nur Jahan, Jahangir’s bride, set out the Garden of Delight, a famous garden in Kashmir on Dal-Lake, in 1632 A.D. There were once twelve terraces in the garden. The main features of this pleasure garden are an enchanting central water channel, flowing fountains in big tanks and channels, sparkling waterfalls amid an abundance of colors, lush meadows, and powerful chinars.
The garden occupies an area of roughly 20 hectares. The valley’s breathtaking beauty was what lured them in to establish dominance. The plan was brought about by Jahangir, who had a passionate interest in art and an unwavering affection for Kashmir. He also set the pace for the creation of Nishat Bagh, one of Kashmir’s most magnificent attractions.
- Best Time: March to October
- Location: Eastern side of Dal Lake, Srinagar
- Entry Fee: INR 24 (Indian nationals), INR 300 (foreigners)
03. Chashma Shahi
Chashma Shahi is a renowned Garden In Kashmir situated at the base of the Zabarwan mountain. Shah Jahan built this garden in 1932. The park is well-known for its spring of mineral water, which is excellent for digestion. It is believed to have medicinal properties. It has terraces and fountains as well.You can enjoy whole city tour by using our Kashmir taxi service for easy travel.
Various kinds of plants and trees are seen here with Chinar tree being a well-known one. The interior garden features a freshwater stream, which contributes to its popularity.
The organic spring emerges from the garden’s first terrace and travels to the second and third terraces. Water from the first terrace flows into an enormous pool in the middle of the second level where it meets the pool. Many who also think that this natural spring’s water has therapeutic qualities.
- Best Time: March to October
- Location: Near Raj Bhavan, Srinagar
- Entry Fee: INR 24 (Indian nationals), INR 300 (foreigners)
04. Pari Mahal
The Pari Mahal is a popular seven-terraced park in Kashmir, also known as “The Palace of Fairies.” From this location it is easy to overlook Srinagar. Visit and admire the lush greenery of the park. However, the location is more important as a historical masterpiece than as a garden.
This is the ideal location for some serenity. The Pari Mahal’s seven terraced gardens feature a variety of trees and flowers, enhancing its beauty altogether.
Dara Sikho, the son of Shah Jahan, created this garden for Mulla Shah, his Sufi guru. The springs in the gardens are currently dried up. The Jammu and Kashmir government is reconstructing the palace. The garden mesmerises visitors with its beauty as the lights of the lamps glimmer around it at nights.
- Best Time: April to October
- Location: Top of Zabarwan mountain range
- Entry Fee: INR 24 per person
05. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
The India Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is tucked on the shores of Dal Lake. It bursts with vibrant tulips in Spring. One can discover inevitable beauty in one of Srinagar’s most exquisite and unusual gardens.
Take a soothing stroll among countless rows of tulips in bloom. Each visitor to Kashmir must see this artificial garden. It is closely located to the Zabarwan Mountain Range. This exquisite flower garden has settled in the Kashmiri Garden, adding to the allure of India’s Paradise.
The coloured tulips in the garden come in over seventy kinds. In blossom, the garden resembles a painting of the Almighty. The vivid hues seem to scatter throughout the canvas of nature. The exotic charm and brilliant colours of tulips easily captivate tourists’ eyes.
06. Harwan Garden
Harwan is a natural garden that is roughly 18 miles from Srinagar. It is a well-known location for picnics. A lengthy canal is present in the garden. In addition to this, the pond outside the garden is a source of water. The area is adorned with lovely floral plants along with the Chinar trees as a Kashmir special.
This garden lacks artificiality, just like every other garden. This well-manicured lawn features arched gates and a concrete pathway. A delightful scent of flowers fills the entire garden, making it a popular tourist site.
In addition, there is a stunning Harwan Lake with a backdrop of towering mountains beyond the garden. The lushness of the grass makes it a perfect place for a picnic. Consider taking lengthy walks while soaking in the splendour of the natural world. From this garden, begin your trekking excursion to the Mahadev Mountain Trek. The Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated nearby.
07. Badamwari Garden
The location of Badamwari garden is on the Koh-e-Maran’s hills near the Hari Parbat, Srinagar. This garden is dotted with numerous trees, plants, and flowers. A number of nature enthusiasts frequently visit here. A spectacular dome in the middle of a garden appears much more lovely in the spring when it blossoms completely
Visitors can enjoy some quality time with their friends and partners. The garden is very picturesque and you may get the best photo options here.
Schedule your visit in April, when the almond blossoms are blooming and bustling. The charming garden is full with lush bushes and shrubs. The majestic dome resides in the centre with walkways designed for visitors to stroll .
08. Achabal Garden
Achabal Garden is among the most exquisite and elegant tourist destinations in Anantnag. It is sometimes referred to as “The Places of the Prince,”. The best example of an Indian garden designed in the Mughal style is this charming landscape. You can see the gushing water as you stroll around the garden. The area is filled with cool breezes and pure air due to the abundance of trees and vegetation.
Achabal Garden is a must-visit in the fall when Chinar trees turn red, creating a breathtaking scene that you won’t soon forget. The garden’s most appealing aspect is that one of the nearby hill’s holy mountain springs waters it.
The garden’s water spring fountains depict a romanticised past from antiquity. Stretching about 6.20 hectares, Achabal Gardens is located at the base of a Himalayan slope. The terraced terraces, fountains, waterfalls, and shimmering flowers and bushes increase the beauty of the garden.
09. Verinag Garden
The Verinag Mughal Garden is a popular tourist destination located at the entrance of the Kashmir valley. It serves as a getaway. The Garden is ideally situated at the base of the Pir-Panjal Mountains, well-kept, serene, and clean. Travellers appreciate the beautiful views provided by the ancient Chinar trees, nestled amidst verdant meadows. The main draw for tourists to this location is an arcade-enclosed spring, feeding into the Jhelum River, the Verinag Spring.
The magnificent spring and its surroundings pleasantly surprised Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor. Soon after, in 1620 AD, he constructed an octagonal water tank using stone sculptures. Seven years later, his son Shah Jahan built row lines of fountains and waterfalls in front of the spring, along with other lovely features. In the garden, he also constructed hot and cold baths. However, only the ruins exist.
- Location: Anantnag district
- Best Time: April to September
- Entry Fee: INR 24
10. Botanical Garden
The stunning Botanical Garden adds to the splendour of Srinagar and Zabarwan Mountain. Known by another name, the 80-hectare Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden is a stunning tourist destination. The Recreational Garden, Botanical Garden, Plant Introduction Center, and Research Section are the four main sections of the garden.
It features a rare collection of tropical plants from Kashmir, as well as a vast assortment of oak kinds and around 150,000 ornamental plants. The tourist destination is a nature lover’s paradise, offering guests an amazing vista during the spring.
- Location: Near Tulip Garden
- Best Time: April to September
- Entry Fee: INR 25
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FAQs
Which is the most famous garden in Kashmir?
Which garden is known as the crown of Kashmir?
It’s common to refer to Nishat Bagh as the “Crown of Kashmir.” This garden, which captures the spirit of Kashmir’s natural beauty with its twelve tiered levels, each symbolizing a zodiac sign, is well-known for its stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and Dal Lake.
Why is Nishat garden famous?
What is the garden of love in Kashmir?
What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
You can explore Kashmir throughout the year. The famed gardens in the area are at their most picturesque during summer months, when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is nice.