Badamwari Park
Srinagar
Badamwari Park is a historic garden located at the foothills of Hari Parbat in Srinagar, known for its almond orchards.
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Mughal Garden at a glance
Mughal Gardens in Srinagar are historic terraced gardens developed during the Mughal period along the eastern side of Dal Lake and the foothills of the Zabarwan Range. Known for their formal layouts, stepped terraces, flowing water channels, fountains, lawns, and mountain views, they reflect the distinctive garden-planning traditions associated with Kashmir's Mughal heritage.
A visit involves walking through landscaped terraces, viewing traditional water features, and taking in the surrounding Zabarwan and Dal Lake scenery. The gardens provide a relaxed sightseeing experience with strong architectural and horticultural character, and they are commonly included with other Srinagar attractions such as Dal Lake, depending on the garden being visited.
Good to know: Individual Mughal gardens in Srinagar have separate entrances and may have different visitor arrangements. Comfortable walking footwear is useful because exploring the terraced sections involves steps and uneven changes in level.
History of Mughal Garden
The Mughal Gardens of Srinagar were developed during the Mughal period, when Kashmir became an important retreat for Mughal emperors and nobles. Their terraced layouts, water channels and formal planting reflect the Persian-influenced garden tradition that shaped Kashmir's historic landscape.
16th Century — Mughal Arrival in Kashmir
After Kashmir came under Mughal rule in the late 16th century, Mughal emperors began developing gardens in the valley. The gardens were designed as formal retreats using terraces, flowing water and views of the surrounding mountains.
17th Century — Expansion of Mughal Gardens
During the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan, several important gardens were developed and expanded around Srinagar. Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh became notable examples of the Mughal garden tradition in Kashmir.
Modern Period — Protected Garden Heritage
The historic Mughal Gardens of Srinagar are now recognised as important cultural and landscape heritage sites. Their traditional terraces, water features and historic design continue to represent the Mughal influence on Kashmir's built heritage.
Best time to visit
April to June
April to June is generally an excellent period to visit Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens, when spring and early summer bring favorable weather and well-maintained seasonal floral displays. The gardens are particularly appealing during the spring bloom, although exact flowering varies by year and garden.
Morning hours
Morning is a practical time to explore the Mughal Garden, with comfortable conditions for walking through the landscaped terraces and fountains. Starting earlier can also provide softer light for photography and a more relaxed experience before visitor activity increases later in the day.
How to reach Mughal Garden
- By Air: Srinagar Airport is the practical airport for reaching the Mughal Gardens of Srinagar, with onward road travel to the garden area.
- By Road: The Mughal Gardens are well connected to Srinagar by road. Nishat and Shalimar gardens can be reached from the city along the Dal Lake–Harwan side.
- Local Approach: Local roads provide direct access to the individual Mughal Garden sites, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, from central Srinagar.
What to expect on your visit
Terraced Garden Design
Visitors can explore landscaped terraces, flowing water channels, fountains and carefully maintained flower beds. The garden combines formal Mughal-style planning with Kashmir’s mountain setting, creating a structured environment for leisurely walks and sightseeing.
Garden Photography
The terraces, fountains, floral displays and surrounding mountain views provide varied photography opportunities. Spring and summer bring stronger floral colour, while clear weather can offer better visibility toward the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
Leisurely Walking
The visit involves walking through landscaped garden sections and between different terraces. Comfortable footwear is useful, particularly for visitors planning to explore the garden beyond the main entrance areas and spend time viewing the layouts.
Relaxed Garden Atmosphere
The garden is primarily experienced as a heritage and landscaped attraction, with visitors spending time walking, photographing the surroundings and viewing the water features. During busy periods, expect more activity around popular viewpoints and garden sections.
Photography & viewpoint guide
Mughal Garden in Srinagar is worth photographing for its terraced lawns, symmetrical garden layout, fountains, water channels and views across the surrounding landscape. The strongest compositions come from aligning the terraces, pathways and water features, while morning and late-afternoon light can give softer shadows and clearer architectural details. The garden can become busy during peak visiting hours, so quieter periods are useful for wider photographs. Visitors should avoid obstructing pathways and respect any restricted areas. Visitors should follow current on-site photography instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
Planning your Mughal Garden visit
The principal Mughal Gardens of Srinagar are Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi. They were developed during the Mughal period using Persian-inspired garden principles and are known for terraced layouts, water channels, fountains, landscaped lawns and views toward Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountains.
Srinagar's Mughal Gardens are famous for combining formal Persian garden design with Kashmir's natural landscape. Their terraces, flowing water, fountains, flowerbeds, pavilions and mature trees create distinctive historic landscapes. Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi each have their own architectural and historical character.
Shalimar Bagh is generally regarded as the most celebrated of Srinagar's Mughal Gardens and is described by the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir as the largest Mughal garden in Kashmir. It was developed by Emperor Jahangir for Nur Jahan and is located on the northeastern shore of Dal Lake.
Shalimar Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan in 1619. The garden reflects Mughal horticultural and architectural traditions adapted to Kashmir's landscape, with terraces and a central water channel forming important elements of its design.
Nishat Bagh was designed by Asif Khan, the brother of Nur Jahan, in 1633. It stands on the eastern shore of Dal Lake and is known for its terraced design, central water channel, flowerbeds, Chinar trees and views across the lake toward the surrounding mountains.
Chashme Shahi is the smallest of Srinagar's three principal Mughal Gardens and was built around a natural spring. Its design uses three terraces, with water flowing through an aqueduct, cascade and fountains. The garden is also valued for its elevated setting and views over Dal Lake and Srinagar.
Expect terraced lawns, geometric garden layouts, water channels, fountains, cascades, flowerbeds, Chinar and other trees, and historic pavilions. The exact features differ by garden: Shalimar Bagh is noted for its Mughal terraces and pavilions, Nishat Bagh for its lake views and twelve-terrace design, and Chashme Shahi for its spring and water features.
Spring and the warmer months are particularly rewarding because the gardens are at their most colourful and the landscaped areas are easier to enjoy outdoors. The Kashmir tourism authority broadly identifies April to October as a pleasant period, with May and June highlighted for flower displays.
Yes. The terraced geometry, fountains, flowerbeds, Chinar trees, historic structures and views toward Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountains provide varied photography subjects. Each garden offers a different composition, so visiting more than one is useful if photography is an important part of your Srinagar itinerary.
Allow enough time to walk through the terraces, see the water features and enjoy the views rather than treating each garden as a quick photo stop. The total time depends on how many gardens you visit and how much time you spend photographing or exploring their historical features.
Yes. Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh are both on the eastern side of Dal Lake and are natural additions to the same Srinagar sightseeing plan. Visiting them together also makes it easier to compare their different layouts, terraces, water features and views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Comfortable clothing and walking footwear are practical because the gardens use terraces, pathways and steps. Dress for the season, particularly in cooler months. Since these are historic public attractions, visitors should also avoid damaging plants or structures and follow any instructions displayed at the gardens.
Yes. The gardens can work well for families who enjoy landscaped spaces, historic architecture and outdoor sightseeing. However, the terraced layouts mean that some areas involve steps and walking. Families with very young children or visitors with limited mobility should consider the specific garden layout when planning their visit.
Dal Lake is the most natural companion attraction because the principal gardens are closely associated with the lake and the Zabarwan foothills. Depending on the route, travellers can also combine the gardens with other Srinagar sights such as Chashme Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple or Pari Mahal.