Gardens

Gardens in Jammu and Kashmir: Reflection of Mughal Art

Gardens in Jammu and Kashmir are pregnant with strong influence of Mughal past, often reflecting the high-tones of Mughal art and architecture. Dating back to the time of Jahangir and Shah Jahan, each of these terraced gardens has their own tourist attractions, making them important picnic spots and excursion points.
Experience the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir gardens, manicured in the Persian design, reflecting the beauty of the Iranian art. Interestingly, one can even spot Central Asian and Buddhist impressions in few of the gardens, adding to the diversity.

Following are the popular gardens in Kashmir

Nishat Bagh

This is a terraced Mughal garden located on the eastern side of the Dal Lake. It is an important tourist attraction in Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, it is the second most popular Mughal garden in the Kashmir valley. Its literal meaning signifies ‘Garden of Joy.’ It has also developed as a picnic spot with several shopping outlets around it.
It was constructed in 1633 and had enamoured the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan incredibly. It endows a magnificent view of the Pir Panjal and the Zabarwan mountain ranges, adding to its beauty and charm. It is based on the designing of Persian gardens. Enveloped with cypress and chinar trees, add to the grandeur and beauty of Nishat Bagh in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shalimar Garden

Popularly called as the ‘Garden of Love’. This Mughal garden was built by Emperor Jahangir, dedicating it to beloved wife Nur Jahan in 1619. It is one of the largest Mughal gardens in the Kashmir Valley. Later it has been converted into a public park.
The construction of Shalimar Garden reflects the excellence of Mughal horticulture. Based on the Islamic style, it follows the Persian style of designing gardens. Rice terraces and willow groves fringe the canal lining the Dal Lake with Shalimar Garden. The tourist attractions of Shalimar Bagh include blossoming flowers, shaded trees, fountains and well manicured platforms. It is a summer retreat in the valley.

Chashme Shahi

Locally called as the ‘Royal Spring’, it was built by the governor of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632. Overlooking the pristine beauty of the Dal Lake, it is peacefully nestled in the Zabarwan Ranges.
It is one of the famous Mughal gardens in Kashmir Valley. The art and architecture of the garden reflects the strong Iranian influence, especially in the Persian style designing. The tourist attractions of Chashme Shahi include three terraces, aqueducts, waterfalls and fountains. Along with it, it is noted for its flowers, fruits and blossoming Chinar trees.

Harwan garden

Located in Srinagar, it is quite massive and beautiful. Over the years, it has become a popular picnic spot. Situated on the hill-side, the beauty of ornamented tile pavements make it different from the other Mughal gardens in Jammu and Kashmir. One can spot the central-Asian influence in its designing through the presence of tiles that are embellished with close fitting turbans, Turkoman caps and large ear-rings
Its architecture also reflects the influence of Buddhism. The tourist attractions include the manicured green grass, chinar trees, artificial fountains and terraced gardens. It has developed as a base excursion point to start for Dachi Gam Wild life sanctuary as well as the Mahadev Mountain trek.

Thus, this season book your tickets for Kashmir Valley and explore the gardens in Jammu and Kashmir. Exquisite and appealing, they would win your heart.