Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden is another fantastic work by the great Mughals in the middle of the beautiful city of Srinagar. Embarking into this era of 17th-century creation, one is surrounded by lush greenery and perceives royalty. This garden features a set of terraces, a network of canals and streams, and blooming beds. Shalimar Bagh is a kind of place that may appeal to everyone from history buffs to nature walkers to lovers on specific occasions. Within them, one can explore the grounds of a place recognised as the crown jewel of Mughal horticulture in the valley of Kashmir.
Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden History
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Shalimar Bagh, an exquisitely marvellous garden of the Mughals, is situated in Srinagar, in the states of Jammu and Kashmir. As one of the most significant gardens in Srinagar, Shalimar Bagh represents the region’s pinnacle of Mughal landscape design. Jahangir built this garden in 1619 as a symbol of his love for Nur Jahan.
With an area of eleven acres, this is probably one of the biggest of its kind in Srinagar and has a vantage view of Dal Lake. Popularly known as ‘‘Farah Baksh’’ (the delightful) and later renamed ‘‘Faiz Baksh’ Shalimar Bagh is a paradise on earth inspired by the genuine concept of Mughal landscaping and architecture.
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Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden Layout
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Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden spreading over 31 acres of land in Srinagar with three sequential terraces in Persian style. A water channel characterises the beautification, interpolated Kois, pavilions and fountains.
Flora includes the Chinar trees and other plantations, adding to the Charbagh beauty and intricate design features, including a black marble pavilion and Chini khanas. These include a place for parties and dancing, for the king’s palace and apartments, places for water and for walks, and all have their character and cool terraces with water and plants, and views of the mountains.
Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden Architecture
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Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden Architecture depicts the Persian Charbagh plan integrated with the geography of India, particularly the Kashmir region. It has a terraced layout, a seventy-yard-long Shah Nahar canal, different water fountains, and waterfalls. Structures such as the Diwan-e-Aam and the Diwan-e-Khas are facilitated with symmetry and engraved chambering Chini Khanas.
Flower beds and Chinar trees make up the beautiful garden at the location. The elegant patterns of stone pavements, traditional geometrical designs of different inlay works, and aesthetic planning and designing using local resources of Kashmiri stone and marble make it a paradise between Dal Lake and the Mughal hills.
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Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden Timings And Ticket Price
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Here is the information on Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden timings and ticket prices to plan your visit effectively. Understand the cost of admission and the best times to explore the garden’s beauty for a memorable experience.
Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM / all days open
Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden Ticket Price: INR 24 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners
Places To Visit Near Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
Explore the stunning locations surrounding Shalimar Bagh, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking views. From historic temples to serene meadows, these nearby attractions complement the charm of the Mughal garden. Discover the top sites within a 50-kilometre radius that enrich your visit to Srinagar.
1. Nishat Bagh
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This is a magnificently designed Mughal garden with terraces with splendid views of Dal Lake. Nishat Bagh is also famous for its beautiful water fountains, flowers, and beautiful lawns, just like the Mughal gardening style. Thus, the design of the garden brings nature and architecture into the closest proximity and offers the visitors a solemn experience. It is said to have been prudently designed and balanced in its structures, which helps to depict the Mughal style of horticultural work, thereby providing visitors with an actualized feel of the royal style.
Distance from Shalimar Bagh: 10 km
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fee: INR 24 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners
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2. Chashme Shahi
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The Mughal garden referred to as the Royal Spring Garden incorporates a royal water spring and a terraced plan. Beautifully built amidst the mountains and near Dal Lake, Chashme Shahi Garden is one of the most scenic attractions in Srinagar. Existing in the centre of the garden, the water spring is famous, as the water in it has healing properties. It is a beautiful park designed with several well-manicured pathways, eye-catching water fountains, and a majestic ambience that has influenced royalty and tourists throughout the ages.
Distance from Shalimar Bagh: 12 km
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fee: INR 24 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners
3. Shankaracharya Temple
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Located on Shankaracharya Hill of Kashmir this Hindu temple built two thousand years ago is devoted to the god Shiva More and gives an impressive view of Srinagar including the Dal Lake. The temple that can be seen today has features that relate to both periods. Thus, its architecture is diverse. People climb stairs to the shrine and observe the stony construction and detailed ornaments. Spiritually, the temple is on a higher ground thus offering a view of the city layout and physical features that can be considered beautiful.
Distance from Shalimar Bagh: 15 km
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
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4. Hazratbal Shrine
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This famous site is located on the northern periphery of Dal Lake, home to the hair of the Prophet Mohammad. A white marble mosque with advanced architectural designs and a tranquilised compound enjoy a rush of both tourists and pilgrims. There is a beautiful mirror-like reflection of the shrine in Dal Lake which makes the entire area picturesque. People can feel the calmness, look at the exquisite carvings, inscriptions, and artistic Islamic writing, and even watch faithful pray in one of the holiest spots.
Distance from Shalimar Bagh: 17 km
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fee: None
How To Reach Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
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Find out the best ways to travel to Shalimar Bagh, whether you’re arriving by air, train, or road. Here is information on reaching the garden from various starting points. Learn about transport options to ensure a smooth journey to this iconic Mughal attraction.
By Air: Fly into Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar Airport), which is approximately 12 km from the garden. You can take a taxi from the airport or use other local transportation options to reach Shalimar Bagh.
By Train: The nearest central railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, about 290 km from Srinagar. You can take a taxi or a bus from Jammu to Srinagar. In Srinagar, use a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to get to Shalimar Bagh.
By Road: Srinagar is well-connected by road. You can drive or hire a taxi from nearby cities or towns. Once in Srinagar, follow local signage or ask for directions to Shalimar Bagh. It’s a prominent landmark, so it’s relatively easy to find.
Local Transportation: In Srinagar, you can reach Shalimar Bagh by auto-rickshaws, taxis, or local buses.
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Your trip to Kashmir will only be complete with a visit to the famous tourist attraction, Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden. While planning the journey, remember to spend adequate time in this place of relative calm in the middle of the desert. Enjoy and be inspired by the garden’s beauty and learn from the surrounding area’s history. Seize the chance to build exclusive memories in this world’s paradise during your memorable stay in Kashmir.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
Are cameras permitted at Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden?
Yes, photography is allowed, however, the use of tripods and other professional equipment may be prohibited.
Are guided tours available in Shalimar Bagh?
The garden has no organised guided tours but there is always the availability of local guides at the gates to take a deeper look at its history.
Are traditional dresses available for rent to click pictures?
Although not offered in the garden, some stores nearby sell or rent traditional Kashmiri attire for photographs.
Is there a restaurant in Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden?
Although there are no restaurants in the garden, you will be able to get several local joints around the garden compound.
Is Shalimar Bagh wheelchair friendly?
The main pathways are wheelchair accessible, sometimes, visitors might find some terraced areas rather uncomfortable when using a wheelchair.
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