The Mughal emperors loved Kashmir, and their terraced gardens on the slopes above Dal Lake are still the city's most elegant sights. Four are easy to visit in one afternoon.
- Visit in this order: Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal, Nishat, Shalimar.
- Late afternoon light is best for photos.
- Spring and autumn are the most colourful seasons.
- Allow 3–4 hours for all four gardens.
Chashme Shahi
The smallest of the four, built around a natural spring in the early 17th century. Many visitors fill bottles from the spring. It's a short walk from here to Pari Mahal.
Pari Mahal
A ruined terraced palace associated with Dara Shikoh, perched above the lake with one of the best viewpoints in Srinagar. Come here for sunset if you can.
Nishat Bagh
The "garden of joy", with twelve terraces running down towards the lake, chinar trees and fountains. It's the most dramatic of the gardens, framed by the Zabarwan hills.
Shalimar Bagh
Built by Emperor Jahangir for Nur Jahan in the early 1600s: a long water channel, black-marble pavilions and fountains. Calm and shady, and lovely in autumn when the chinars turn.
Practical tips
- Order: Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal first (uphill), then Nishat and Shalimar along the lakeside road.
- Timing: mid-afternoon to sunset. Mornings are quieter for photography.
- Tickets: small entry fees apply; timings and fees change, so check locally or with the J&K Department of Tourism.
- Season: spring for blossom and the nearby Tulip Garden, autumn for chinar colours.
The gardens are part of most of our Srinagar tour packages. Read more about the Tulip Garden and our full Srinagar guide.
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About the author: Written and checked by the Travel Wiki planning team, who arrange Kashmir and Ladakh trips every week from Srinagar and Bijbihara.
