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Shalimar Bagh
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Shalimar Bagh

Getting around: On the northeastern shore of Dal Lake, Srinagar, reachable by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Hours: Open daily, roughly 9am to 7pm (seasonal variation).

Shalimar Bagh is the grandest of the Mughal gardens in Kashmir, built by Emperor Jahangir in 1619 for his wife Nur Jahan, laid out across terraced levels with a central water channel, fountains, and chinar trees that turn brilliant colors in autumn. It served as the template for later Mughal gardens elsewhere in India, including the garden at Delhi's Pinjore.

Autumn (October) is a particularly striking time to visit given the chinar foliage, though the gardens are pleasant throughout the main visiting season, and it's usually paired with Nishat Bagh on the same outing given their shared location near Dal Lake.

Shalimar Bagh FAQs

Is Shalimar Bagh the original Mughal garden template?

Yes, it's considered the grandest and most influential of the Kashmir Mughal gardens, and it directly inspired other Mughal-style gardens built elsewhere in India, including Pinjore Gardens near Chandigarh.

When is the best time to visit for the chinar trees?

October, during autumn, when the garden's chinar trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold.

How long does a visit take?

1-1.5 hours.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a modest entry fee applies.

Who built Shalimar Bagh?

Emperor Jahangir, built in 1619 as a gift for his wife, Empress Nur Jahan.

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