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The Mughal Gardens are the quiet, formal side of Srinagar. Built in the seventeenth century by Mughal rulers and nobles who came to Kashmir to escape the heat of the plains, they follow a similar idea: a central water channel, terraces stepping up the hillside, chinar trees, and flower beds that bloom in carefully timed waves. They sit along the eastern shore of Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan range behind.
The three main gardens
Shalimar Bagh is the largest and the most famous, laid out in terraces with a long central canal and a pavilion built for royal audiences. It is built on a grand scale, and is usually the most crowded.
Nishat Bagh, the Garden of Pleasure, has twelve terraces climbing the hill and good views across Dal Lake from the upper levels. Many visitors find it the most photogenic.
Chashme Shahi, the smallest of the three, is built around a natural spring. It is the quietest and has a peaceful, intimate feel. It is worth including if you have time.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the best seasons. April and May bring roses, tulips and fruit blossom, while October and early November give the chinar trees their red-gold leaves. In summer the gardens are shaded and cooler than the streets, but busier at weekends.
Making the most of a visit
Allow about 45 minutes at each garden if you want to walk the terraces, or around three hours for all three with travel between them. Morning light is soft, and the upper terraces are less crowded than the lower lawns. Wear comfortable shoes; there are steps and slopes throughout.
- Carry a bottle of water and a light layer.
- Check the day's timings before setting out, as some gardens close for events or maintenance.
- Photography is allowed in most areas, but drone use is restricted.
What to eat and drink nearby
There are stalls and small restaurants close to the gardens selling tea, snacks and fruit, and the lakeside roads have larger cafes. A common pattern is to enjoy Shalimar and Nishat in the morning, break for lunch on Boulevard Road, and finish at Chashme Shahi, which stays quiet even on busy weekends. Kashmiri tea or a glass of fresh seasonal juice in the shade is a perfectly good way to end the visit.
Combining with other stops
Mughal Gardens work well as a half-day, followed by a Shikara ride on Dal Lake or the climb to the Shankaracharya Temple. If you are visiting in March or April, check the dates of the Tulip Garden too. For a wider plan, see our Srinagar guide or ask us to build it into your itinerary.
