The Shalimar Garden is a Mughal garden in Kashmir, located on the right side of the Dal Lake. It was designed by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife, Empress Nur Jahan, in 1619 AD. This park is also known as Shalamar Park or Shalimar Bagh, Faiz Baksh, and Farah Baksh. It is currently owned and administered by the tourist department of Jammu & Kashmir.
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Shalimar Garden: Design
Shalimar Bagh is designed with three terraces laid out in a Persian garden style on 31 acre of land measuring 587 metre in length and 251 metre in width. The garden is built on level terrain near the Dal Lake and has a rectangular centre form with four spreading arms. Shah Nahar is the major water canal in Shalimar, running from the garden’s upper or top terraces to its lower or bottom terraces. Apart from the Shah Nahar water channel, the three terraces of Shalimar are bordered by Chinar trees and equipped with water fountains.
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Shalimar Garden has a unique architectural style
The three-tiered Shalimar Garden is recognised for Mughal architectural perfection, built in line with the ground surface and water supply source. The garden is separated into two sections: public and private. Water fountains and pools are positioned on each terrace, and water is given to them in succession. Shalimar’s grounds have 410 water fountains in all.
The public garden on the first cum lower terrace or the outside garden of Shalimar includes various water fountains. This terrace leads to the Diwan-e-Aam, a public audience hall with a waterfall and a little black throne on top. Shalimar’s second terrace consists of two thin terraces flanked by several water fountains. This terrace leads to the Diwan-e-Khas, a secret audience chamber originally reserved for Royal courts, noblemen and their visitors. Royal baths can also be located on the terrace’s northwestern edge.
The Zenana garden on Shalimar’s third terrace is densely forested with Chinar trees and water is provided by an axial water channel. Only the Royal Courts had access to Zenana Garden. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the black pavilion at Zenana Garden out of pure black stones and it is flanked by water fountains. Two little waterfalls flow behind the black pavilion. Two octagonal pavilions complete the patio.
Shalimar Garden’s Baradari
Two subordinate water channels go from the black pavilion to a little Baradari with a snow-capped mountain backdrop. Another feature of Shalimar is the four doors of Baradari, which are built of stone and supporting pillars.
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Shalimar Garden’s Chini Khanas
The arched niches known as Chini Khanas are popular in Shalimar because they distinguish Shalimar from other tiered gardens. These niches were formerly illuminated at night with oil lights to give the flowing water an exotic aspect, but now they hold pots with brightly coloured flowers that mirror the hue of the waterfall.
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Time spent at Shalimar Garden
The Shalimar Garden is a tourist attraction in India that draws people from all over the world. The ideal time to visit the garden is February and March, or autumn and spring since the leaves of the chinar trees change colour throughout this time period. The garden is available to the public every day of the week from 9:30 AM to 6.30 PM.
Shalimar Garden: How to reach?
The garden is accessible through motorways. The Shalimar bus station is only 650 metre away and takes less than 10 minutes to walk from there, while the Srinagar train station is only 23 kilometre (km) from here. A cab trip from the Srinagar railway station to the garden takes about 30 minutes. The international airport in Srinagar is around 25 km from Shalimar Garden; any local transportation vehicle from the airport will take you there in about 60 minutes.
FAQs
Which days does Shalimar Garden close?
Shalimar Bagh is open every day from 9:30 AM to 6.30 PM, seven days a week.
What is the Shalimar Garden in Srinagar well-known for?
The Shalimar Garden in Srinagar, also known as Shalimar Bagh, is known for its Mughal-era architecture, terraced gardens, and fountains.
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