Shalimar Garden, Srinagar : The Jewel of Mughal Elegance and Serenity

Introduction

The Shalimar Garden is a paradise of Mughal horticulture and an enchanting beauty that adorns Srinagar town. Shalimar Garden, one of the renowned Mughal gardens in Kashmir ➜ The garden is famous for its long stretched green grassy lawn along with magnificent design forest. This guide is a one-stop solution for those looking on more detailed information of what Shalimar Garden has to offer including background history, its architectural excellence and main attractions along with some basic travelling tips that everyone should know before you make your next travel plans.

Overview of Shalimar Garden

This is the same Shalimar Bagh, which was built by Mughals with a historical perspective and located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Designed in the style of Mughal Garden, a lovely garden that appears to be a pattern among views. Stretching across 31 acres, Shalimar Garden is an epitome of peace and beauty besides it gives a chance to the travelers to see how luxurious life existed in royal Emperors.

Key Features:

One of the few places to offer a view point and kangri in summer warmers — Address: Foothills of Zabarwan Range, Srinagar ⁄ Jammu & Kashmir

Size: 31 acres.

Architecture: Mughal Persian garden style.

Historical Background

Built in 1619 by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, the Empress Nur Jahan. It was laid out during the reign of Shah Jahan by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who is more famously associated with construction of Taj Mahal. Mughal Garden : A fine showcase of Mughal landscaping and is a place that the emperors used to enjoy.

Historical Significance:

Ordered By: Jahangir

Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahori

Era: Early 17th century, Mughal Empire

Architectural Features

Shalimar Garden as the name suggests is French in nature, which was then transformed into a Mughals master piece charbagh, depicting mughal grandeur in simple yet most exquisite fashion.charCodeAt The garden is partitioned into three terrases which are loaded with a portion of the essential elements that shape Mughal Gardens.

Elements of Interest Architecturally

It’s divided into three descending terraces, separated in design and function. The top terrace, or Farah Baksh is formal while the surviving middle terrace called Faiz Baksh has just a hint of it’s former watercourses and pavilions. Nishat Baksh (Blossom terrace) is an upper pie with showy flower beds and flowing water channels, the lower Nishat Chinar-Baksh(embedded around a stone drainage in winters): The downer level gardens of this branch were ornamented by rows-(aleys) laid out between well kept chrenal-filled pavements.

Channels of water: The garden is divided in four parts by a straight channel which leads through the quarters and under gateway to cross paths with 4 open fountains or you may say rivers that represent flowing paradise. The sound of water is relaxing, and these fountains add drama to this peaceful garden.

Pavilions: The Shalimar Pavilion and Crown Pavillion stand out amongst the charming pavillons, offering breath-taking views of the surroundings and Dal Lake.

Attractions and Highlights

1. The Main Fountain

One of the major highlights is located on top terrace, which houses central fountain of Shalimar Garden. It is an elaborate water feature which has well maintained rows of flower beds all around and adds to the elegance while you can rest on benches beside it.

2. The Chinar Trees

The grandeur of Chinar trees along with their autumn dress, enhance the beauty of this garden. The trees are a distinctive feature of the magnificent gardens and make for an interesting contrast to all that greenery.

3. The Mughal Architecture

The Nice Architectural pavilions with their trellis works are the portrayal of mughal architecture. There is a harmonyin visual language of the combination: Persian and Mughal design elements.

4. The Flower Beds

The flowers beds of Shalimar Garden are well tended and have a plethora of seasonal blooms on display. Colorful flowers pop up all over to break the otherwise tranquil landscape of this beautiful garden.

How to Reach Shalimar Garden

By Air

Shalimar Garden Nearest Airport- Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar airport) is approximately 22 kilometers away from the garden. From airport you can hire a taxi or private cab to Shalimar Garden.

By Train

Jammu Tawi Railway Station, located around 300 km from Srinagar is the nearest major railway station. If you are traveling from Jammu, board a state bus or hire taxi and head to Shalimar Garden via Srinagar.

By Road

Srinagar, which is well connected by road to major cities of India. From there you can either drive to Srinagar or take a bus from cities like Delhi, Jammu and Manali. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are local transport options by which one can travel within the city Srinagar.

Local Transport

In Srinagar, you can use local taxis or auto-rickshaws to get around as well, even hire a shikara (boat) for the ride from your station through Dal Lake right up to Shalimar Garden. The garden is well located for a variety of transport options.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May)

Shalimar Garden is Best to visit in spring. The garden blooms during the season, and with good weather we can see flourishening greenery under pleasant climatic conditions.

Summer (June to August)

Since it is the summer season, Shalimar Garden can be visited as one would get pleasant weather. But since it is a popular spot for tourists, best you go early morning to avoid the crowd.

With that in mind it comes as no surprise to me when my calendar filled up fast for Fall (September-November).

Chinar trees in full autumn bloom change the entire hue of Shalimar Garden. Although fall can be deemed as a season that is not so touristy, this location when visited at such time looks picture perfect with the fresh chilling air and leaves turning colors.

Winter (December to February)

This may be the beautiful winter in Srinagar where you will get very cold and sometime snow fall. Even though Shalimar Garden has become less crowded by this time, there is another charm to a snow-covered garden.

Nearby Attractions

1. Nishat Garden

This beautiful Mughal garden is situated on the eastern side of Dal Lake. Its terraced waterfall is a favorite spot to visit.

2. Chashme Shahi

Lastly, visit just near to forest Shalimar is the Chashme Shahi which a historic garden having natural spring. The serene nature of this place makes it an ideal companion with your trip to Shalimar.

3. Tulip Garden

Near Shalimar Garden, is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden — one of Asia’s largest tulip gardens. Tulips bloom in full colors during the spring season

4. Dal Lake

Shikara ride on Dal Lake is one thing that you cannot miss when in Srinagar! The panorama is incredibly beautiful draped with the encircling mountains and The lake itself offers an ethereal escape from everyday life into a land of natural beauty.

Travel Advice & Recommendations

1. Dress Comfortably

Dress in loose or stretchable clothing and shoes you can walk comfortably in. During the winter months, bring warm clothes as temperatures can dramatically decrease.

2. Photography

Ensure to take your camera as the beauty of shalimar Garden will leave you speechless. Photography is not forbidden, but you must follow phototaking restrictions—such as no flash—in specific locations.

3. Local Cuisine

Dine at the nearby restaurants specializing in local Kashmiri food. Also, do not forget to taste the regionale food items here including Rogan Josh, Yakhni and saffron tea.

4. Health and Safety

Keep important medicines and drink water Watch out for high altitudes and make sure you get good travel insurance.

5. Respect Local Customs

Be respectful of local customs Keep clothing modest and ask permission prior to photographing people.

Conclusion

One of the biggest and finest Mughal gardens, Shalimar located in the lap of Srinagar is an epitome for mugglescaped architecture representing cultural heritage. Alcazar Garden is a place of serenity and beauty;with its intricate water features, vibrant flora and stunning terraced levels. History buff or nature freak, tour addict or solace groupie Shalimar Garden offers a real colossal opportunity.

Visit in the spring or autumn months for a perfect experience, and ensure that you also roam around at some of other amazing attractions here to get indulged completely into Srinagar flavor. We wish you a pleasant time travelling one of Kashmir’s most beautiful lands!