Chashme Shahi 🇮🇳

When you visit Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, make sure to explore Chashme Shahi, also known as the Royal Spring. Built in 1632 AD by Mughal Governor Ali Mardan Khan under Emperor Shah Jahan’s orders, this one-acre site was created as a gift for Prince Dara Shikoh. Though it is the smallest of Srinagar's three historic Mughal gardens, traveler Amit Kumar praised it as architecturally the most charming.

Set against the dramatic Zabarwan Range near Raj Bhawan and overlooking Dal Lake, the garden features a design deeply rooted in Persian and Iranian artistic influences. You will see a central freshwater spring—originally discovered by Kashmir's great female saint, Rupa Bhawani—flowing down through three distinct terraced sections connected by water ramps, aqueducts, and fountains. On the top terrace, you can discover a two-storey Kashmiri hut that marks the origin of the spring, whose water is believed to hold medicinal properties and was once sent to Delhi for Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

As you climb the flights of stairs alongside the terraces, you will encounter a central pool with a large fountain on the second level and a five-fountain square pool at the entrance.

What to see at Chashme Shahi

• Built in 1632 AD as a Mughal gift for Prince Dara Shikoh
• Three terraced levels showcasing Persian and Iranian architectural influences
• Historic freshwater spring discovered by Kashmiri saint Rupa Bhawani
• Scenic location in the Zabarwan Range overlooking Dal Lake
• Traditional two-storey Kashmiri hut marking the origin of the spring

Visiting tips

Plan your visit between April and October to experience the site at its best, especially during May and June when the garden reaches full bloom.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: May to June

How to get there & what’s nearby

Chashme Shahi is easy to reach on Srinagar’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Srinagar travel guide.