Nestled on the shores of Dal Lake, amid the breathtaking landscapes of Srinagar, lies a gem of Mughal craftsmanship and natural splendor — Nishat Garden. Steeped in history and adorned with terraced beauty, this Mughal Garden is a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era.

As you step into the meticulously landscaped terraces, you are transported to a world where the artistic vision of the Mughals harmonizes with the stunning topography of the Kashmir Valley. Let me take you on a virtual journey through the enchanting allure of Nishat Garden, where every corner tells a tale of elegance, resilience, and the timeless beauty that defines the heart of Srinagar.

This blog offers complete details for a tourist visiting Nishat Garden in Srinagar, including its history, entry fee, and visiting time.

Why Visit Nishat Garden in Srinagar

Nishat Garden’s breathtaking natural surroundings provide a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The garden’s expansive terraced layout offers panoramic views of the Dal Lake and the majestic Himalayan mountains, creating a tranquil setting that is perfect for relaxation and contemplation.

The garden is situated on the eastern side of the Dal Lake and is spread over 47 acres of land, making it the largest Mughal Garden in the region. Its strategic location offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains, adding to the overall allure of Nishat Garden. The garden is terraced and features a series of meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and cascading fountains that contribute to its aesthetic appeal.

Beyond its scenic allure, Nishat Garden boasts an exquisite blend of Persian and Mughal architectural styles. The meticulously designed terraces, water channels, and fountains showcase the grandeur of Mughal craftsmanship, providing visitors with a glimpse into the historical and cultural richness of the region. Exploring the garden’s pathways is akin to stepping back in time, allowing one to appreciate the intricate details and design principles that have endured for centuries.

If you are visiting Kashmir, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, and shikara ride on Dal Lake can be your first day things to do in Srinagar.

Entry Fee and Visiting Time

Nishat Garden is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on all days of the week. The entry charge for an adult is Rs. 24, while for a child older than 5 years, it is Rs. 12. You can get yourself photographed in Kashmiri attire here. Nishat Garden is where we got our Kashmiri attire photo!

If you are planning a family trip to Kashmir, here is a 6 day Kashmir itinerary covering all the popular sites to see and activities to do in Kashmir.

Useful Information for Visiting Nishat Garden

Here are some tips for visiting Nishat Garden in Srinagar. Check out this Kashmir Travel Guide for all the useful information you will need to plan your trip to Kashmir.

• Carry an umbrella or wear a hat and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen. There will be a lot of sun exposure.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be a lot of walking involved.
• You can carry water, but food is not allowed inside the garden.
• The garden has clean pay and use toilets.

History of Nishat Garden

Nishat Garden was built in the year 1633 by Asif Khan, the brother of Empress Noor Jehan, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

A notable anecdote surrounds the garden’s creation, illustrating the jealousy of Emperor Shah Jahan upon witnessing its beauty. Despite initially expressing admiration, the Emperor’s desire to possess the garden went unfulfilled. In a fit of pique, he ordered the water supply to the garden to be cut off, leading to its temporary abandonment. Asif Khan, disheartened by the turn of events, faced a challenging period.

During this hiatus, a bold servant took the initiative to restore the water supply, fearing the repercussions of Shah Jahan’s wrath. To everyone’s surprise, including Asif Khan, the Emperor, upon learning about the servant’s act, not only forgave the disobedience but also appreciated the servant’s loyalty. As a result, Shah Jahan reinstated the water supply rights to Asif Khan, acknowledging his prime minister and father-in-law’s dedication.

The historical significance of Nishat Bagh is further enriched by the presence of the final resting place of Mughal Princess Zuhra Begum. Daughter of Emperor Alamgir II and granddaughter of Emperor Jahandar Shah, her burial in the garden adds a touch of royal heritage to this already captivating landscape.

Landscape of Nishat Garden

The landscape of Nishat Bagh, situated on the banks of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains as a majestic backdrop, reflects a harmonious blend of Persian garden concepts adapted to the topographic conditions of the chosen site in the Kashmir Valley.

Unlike the traditional square pattern with four radiating arms found in flat landscapes, Nishat Bagh’s design was altered to accommodate the hilly terrain. The axial stream flow design, with water originating at the top of the hill, led to the adoption of a rectangular layout measuring 548 meters in length and 338 meters in width.

Nishat Bagh unfolds as a cascade of terraces adorned with avenues of chinar and cypress trees, creating a visual spectacle that ascends from the lakeshore to an artificial façade at the hill’s end. The garden encompasses twelve terraces, each representing a Zodiacal sign.

Notably, it features two sections – the public garden and the private garden for the Zanana or harem, distinguishing it from the four sections of the Shalimar Bagh, which served the Mughal Emperor. The layout, polished stone channels, and terraces bear some similarities to the Shalimar Bagh, as both gardens share the same water supply source.

The central canal, 4 meters wide and with a water depth of 20 centimeters, runs through the garden, cascading down stone ramps that add sparkle to the water flow. Fountains with pools adorn each terrace, providing a captivating spectacle for visitors. Benches strategically placed at channel crossings offer opportunities to relish the beauty of the cascading flows and fountain jets.

The Terraces of Nishat Garden

The twelve terraces of Nishat Bagh showcase a thoughtful design. Each terrace serves a unique purpose, with features such as water collection chambers, fountains, pools, and pavilions. The Zenana chamber on the twelfth terrace, covered by a high wall with a facade of blind arches, stands as a testament to Mughal architecture. Notable features include engraved paths, octagonal benches, and pavilions with stunning views of the lower terraces.

Of all the terraces, the second terrace is particularly noteworthy, boasting twenty-three niches behind the cascade, originally designed for lighted lamps. Abundant Persian lilacs and pansies, coupled with cascading water, create a picturesque sight.

Another intriguing feature is the presence of marble thrones, resembling setas, placed at the head of the waterfall across the channel. Together, these architectural and landscaping elements make Nishat Bagh a captivating destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and meticulous planning of the Mughal era.

Shalimar Garden VS Nishat Garden

Shalimar Garden vs Nishat Garden is something every tourist considers on their trip to Kashmir. So let me share some differences between the two and also my take on the Shalimar Bagh Vs. Nishat Garden debate.

Shalimar Garden is the second largest Mughal Garden in Srinagar, while Nishat Garden is the largest. While Shalimar Garden has four terraces, Nishat has twelve terraces.

Shalimar Garde has a lot of trees. During the spring season, the almond and peach trees in full bloom give you a visual treat of flowering trees. During the autumn months the leaves of the chinar trees turn yellowish orange and turn the garden into a photographer’s paradise.

When we visited Kashmir in April 2023, I felt Shalimar Garden looked uncared for. I read a lot of older reviews that talked about how it has been long neglected. However, during my visit I found that there was a lot of renovations being done to the garden and from the more recent reviews I can say it looks spectacular.

Nishat Garden has a lot of flowering plants so it looks stunning in the spring season, between late March to early May. But outside of the spring season, it may not be that appealing.

Being centrally located on Boulevard Road, it offers spectacular views of the Dal Lake. In fact, one of the starting points of Shikara boat ride is right opposite to Nishat Garden. It also has a larger water body which gives it a serene environment.

My Opinion: Despite its flaws, I liked Shalimar Bagh more than Nishat Garden although it was the spring season. There is an old-world charm to the place that cannot fail to amuse you.

Conclusion: Nishat Garden Srinagar

Nishat Garden in Srinagar transcends time and continues to captivate hearts with its allure. From the meticulously designed terraces to the cascading water channels and vibrant flowerbeds, Nishat Garden is a living canvas that paints a vivid picture of the Mughal era’s architectural brilliance.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, it stands as a historical witness to the interplay of power, admiration, and loyalty. In the embrace of the Zabarwan Mountains, Nishat Garden remains not just a garden but a living testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.

Whether you seek tranquility amid nature’s bounty or a glimpse into the grandeur of Mughal artistry, Nishat Garden in Srinagar beckons, inviting you to immerse yourself in a journey of beauty, history, and timeless charm.