Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh are historic Mughal gardens on the eastern side of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Nishat is known for its twelve terraces and mountain-and-lake setting, while Shalimar has three terraces arranged around a central water channel.
You can compare their different layouts on an outing that includes both gardens, and fit them into a one-day Srinagar itinerary, though the district administration does not specify an official transport route between them.
- Nishat Bagh: a terraced garden on Dal Lake’s eastern bank, with the Zabarwan Mountains behind it.
- Shalimar Bagh: a public park on the northeast side of Dal Lake, arranged across three terraces.
- Opening hours: Nishat Bagh’s published hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Getting there: the district administration says Nishat Bagh can also be approached from Dal Lake by shikara.
What distinguishes the two gardens
Nishat Bagh is defined by its twelve terraces, while Shalimar Bagh’s three terraces follow a central water channel. Both sit on Dal Lake’s eastern side, but their layouts give each garden a distinct character.
Asif Khan designed and built Nishat Bagh in 1633; he was Nur Jahan’s elder brother. The twelve terraces represent the twelve zodiac signs, and the garden is divided into public and private sections, including the Zenana.
Shalimar Bagh’s history is tied to Mughal royal life. Emperor Jahangir enlarged it in 1619 as a garden for Nur Jahan and named it Farah Baksh. In 1630, Shah Jahan ordered an extension, after which it was named Faiz Baksh. It is now a public park.
Nishat Bagh: terraces and lake views
Shalimar Bagh: layout and historic features
Shalimar Bagh is organized around the Shah Nahar, a central axial water channel that runs through its three terraces. The garden covers 12.4 hectares and measures 587 metres along its main axis, with a total width of 251 metres.
Historic features include the Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas and Zenana garden. The district administration records 410 fountains across the garden. Together, the water channel, terraces and named features make Shalimar’s layout different from Nishat’s twelve stepped levels.
Visiting both in one outing
You can plan both gardens as one outing, but allow for the fact that no official transport route between them is specified by the district administration. Its directions for Nishat Bagh start from Lal Chowk, and its Shalimar Bagh page identifies Nishat Bagh as a nearby shoreline garden.
Hotel Meridien is a city-centre hotel in Srinagar, so you can use the city as your starting point while planning the garden visits.
For a lake-based approach to Nishat, the district administration says shikara access is possible.
Entry, hours and seasonal access
Nishat Bagh’s published hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Check the official site before you go.
Srinagar’s seasons affect garden visits, so you can place the outing within a wider city itinerary using this seasonal guide to Srinagar’s gardens and festivals.
FAQs
How many terraces does Nishat Bagh have?
Nishat Bagh has twelve terraces representing the twelve zodiac signs. Its garden also includes public and private sections, including the Zenana.
What is the water channel at Shalimar Bagh called?
It is called the Shah Nahar. The channel runs through Shalimar Bagh’s three terraces.
Can you reach Nishat Bagh by shikara?
Yes. The district administration says Nishat Bagh can be approached from Dal Lake by shikara.
What are Nishat Bagh’s opening hours?
Nishat Bagh’s published hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.