Shalimar Bagh

What is Shalimar Bagh?

Shalimar Bagh is a large formal garden covering over 12 hectares, laid out in three main terraces linked by a central water channel. Each terrace has its own fountains and is lined with tall chinar (oriental plane) trees, which turn brilliant colours in autumn and spring. The garden includes marble pavilions, carved stone platforms, and arched niches behind waterfalls, which once held oil lamps and now display flower pots. Broad walkways, water features, and views of the surrounding mountains make it a striking place to visit.

The history of Shalimar Bagh

The garden was created in 1619 by Jahangir, a Mughal emperor, who expanded an older site into a royal retreat called Farah Baksh. Later, under Shah Jahan, the garden was enlarged and renamed Faiz Baksh. Over time, it served as a summer residence for Mughal rulers and their courts, and later as a pleasure ground for Sikh and Dogra rulers. The name 'Shalimar' may come from Persian or Kashmiri words, though its exact origin is uncertain. The garden's design adapts Persian garden principles to the local landscape.

What there is to see

Shalimar Bagh is built on flat land with a rectangular plan, shaped by a central water channel called the Shah Nahar. Water flows from the highest terrace down through each level, feeding hundreds of fountains. The garden is divided into three main terraces, each with its own purpose and architecture, including halls for public and private audiences and a secluded area for the royal women. Chinar and aspen trees line the paths, and canals connect the garden to Dal Lake.

When to go

Today, Shalimar Bagh is a public park managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department. It draws visitors throughout the year, but especially in spring and autumn when the chinar leaves change colour. The garden's layout, water features, and pavilions are admired for their beauty and historical significance. In the past, it was a royal retreat and a place for court gatherings and receptions.

Parts and collections

Other gardens with the name 'Shalimar' were later built in Lahore (1641) and Delhi (1653), following the example of Srinagar's garden. While each has its own features, the Srinagar Shalimar Bagh is the oldest and served as a model for later Mughal gardens in the region.

Why Shalimar Bagh matters

Shalimar Bagh has inspired poetry and literature, including the well-known 'Kashmiri Song' and Salman Rushdie's novel 'Shalimar the Clown.' The garden is famous for its Persian inscription, which speaks of paradise on earth. Its design and atmosphere have made it a symbol of Mughal garden art and a landmark of Srinagar.

Plan a visit

🇮🇳 Srinagar · Apr to OctThe Mughal gardens of SrinagarTerraced seventeenth-century gardens above Dal Lake, with water channels, chinar trees and flower beds.

Questions people ask about Shalimar Bagh

Good reading and sources

• The story behind the Kashmiri Song that entranced Britain between the warsScroll.in, Article

• Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data