The Mughal emperors adored Kashmir — Jahangir is said to have called it paradise on earth — and on the slopes above Dal Lake they built a string of pleasure gardens in the Persian charbagh tradition: terraces stepping down the hillside, a central water channel, fountains, pavilions and shady chinar trees. Four of them are the essential visit: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal.
They are all within about 15 km of each other along the Boulevard and the Zabarwan foothills, so it is easy to see them in a morning or afternoon. Each charges a small entry fee, and they are at their best in spring (April–May) when the flowerbeds are full, and in autumn (late October–November) when the chinars turn copper and gold.
Top things to do at Mughal Gardens
Shalimar Bagh
Laid out by Emperor Jahangir in 1619 for his wife Nur Jahan, Shalimar is the most formal and romantic of the gardens: a long central canal, black-marble pavilion and cascades running under enormous chinars. It sits at the north-eastern end of the lake, connected to it by a channel.
Nishat Bagh
The biggest of the gardens, built in 1633 by Asif Khan, Nur Jahan’s brother. Twelve terraces — often said to represent the signs of the zodiac — climb from the lakeshore towards the Zabarwan hills, with a broad water channel tumbling down the middle. The views back over Dal Lake are superb.
Chashme Shahi
The smallest of the four, built in the 1630s around a natural spring whose cold, clear water is famous for its taste. It is compact and charming, with three terraces and neat flowerbeds; the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is close by.
Pari Mahal
The “palace of fairies” is a ruined seven-terraced garden and former school of astronomy built by Prince Dara Shikoh in the mid-17th century, high above Chashme Shahi. Its arched stone terraces are lit at night and are the best place in Srinagar to watch the sun set over Dal Lake.
How to get to Mughal Gardens
- By taxi: the easiest option — a driver can take you to all four gardens in about four hours from Dalgate or the Boulevard.
- On a tour: the guided Srinagar old city and Mughal gardens tour combines them with the old city and a boat ride.
- By shikara: in the past visitors arrived at Shalimar and Nishat by boat; some shikara-wallahs still offer long lake loops that stop near Nishat.
Insider tips
- Go early (gardens usually open around 9am) to enjoy them before the tour groups; Nishat is busiest in the afternoon.
- Keep your ticket if you are visiting several gardens — the rules on combined tickets change, so ask at the first gate.
- The fountains do not always run; they are more reliable in the spring and summer season and at weekends.
- Pari Mahal involves a winding road; combine it with Chashme Shahi, which is just below.
Tours that include Mughal Gardens
These guided trips cover Mughal Gardens or combine easily with a visit:
Private city tour from €39 Srinagar: Old City and Mughal Gardens Guided Tour
The best single day in Srinagar. A local guide walks you through the old city — its bazaars, wooden mosques and Hari Parbat fort — then drives you round the Mughal gardens above Dal Lake before a shikara-style boat cruise on the lake itself.
- Old-city heritage walk: bazaars, historic mosques and the fort
- Shalimar, Nishat and the other Mughal gardens by AC car
- Boat ride on Dal Lake to finish the day
Garden tour from €45 Srinagar: The Treasure of Gardens
A half-day focused on Srinagar’s Mughal gardens — the terraces, fountains and water channels that blend Persian, Islamic and Indian garden design on the slopes above Dal Lake.
- Shalimar, Nishat and Chashme Shahi gardens
- Persian-inspired terraces, fountains and chinars
- Views over Dal Lake
