Located at the northeast edge of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Shalimar Bagh is a historic Mughal garden renowned as the high point of Mughal horticulture and known as the "Crown of Srinagar." Built in 1619 by Emperor Jahangir as an imperial summer residence, this 31-acre public park adapts traditional Persian garden designs to Kashmir's hilly terrain. You will explore a rectangular layout featuring three distinct terraces fed by the central Shah Nahar water channel.
As you wander the grounds, you can see the Diwan-e-Aam with its small black marble throne set over a waterfall, the Diwan-e-Khas on the second terrace featuring 410 fountains and stone bases, and the Zenana garden on the third level. The top terrace showcases the famous Black Pavilion, built by Shah Jahan from black marble, which sits encircled by a fountain pool set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Throughout the garden, you will find trellised walkways, avenues of chinar and aspen trees, and unique chini khanas—arched niches behind cascades that now hold colorful flowerpots reflecting through falling water.
What to see at Shalimar Bagh
- The Black Pavilion, a black marble baradari on the third terrace surrounded by a fountain pool
- Central Shah Nahar channel with 410 fountains flowing across three distinct terraces
- Chini khanas, unique arched niches set behind falling waterfalls to display flower pots
- Historical terraces including the public audience hall (Diwan-e-Aam) and private audience hall (Diwan-e-Khas)
Visiting tips
Visit during the autumn or spring seasons to experience the spectacular color changes in the leaves of the garden's famous chinar trees.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Spring or autumn
How to get there & what’s nearby
Shalimar Bagh is easy to reach on Srinagar’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Srinagar travel guide.
See the full Srinagar travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.