GARDENS

Achabal Garden

Achabal, also known as 'the princess's place,' is a spectacular Mughal garden in the Anantnag district, some 58 kilometers south of Srinagar, that dates back to the 17th century. It was once known as Begumbad, after Empress Noor Jehan, Queen of Jahangir, who commissioned the construction of the park in 1620. Achabal, a popular garden of Srinagar, sits at the base of a Himalayan mountain, whose rocks and trees blend seamlessly with the garden's stone and trees. A sacred mountain spring enters the garden like a cascade, crashing down between two modest pavilions into a big basin and presenting an attractive image beneath this hill.

The garden is an imitation of a Persian pleasure garden called Chahar Bagh. It is divided into four sections, each of which is surrounded by Chinar clusters, lush plants, and beautiful blossoms. The garden's terraces are adorned with glistening water cascading from fountains, adding to the garden's charm. Achabal garden is divided into three such terraces. Along the north-south axis, a powerful water stream runs through the center. Two paths flank this creek, where visitors frequently wander and rest while taking in the beauty of this old garden.

It was once much larger, according to locals. A Hammam (a Turkish bath) was afterwards added by Jehanara Begum, Shah Jehan's daughter. Prince Dara Shikoh constructed a mosque on the site during the late Mughal dynasty. The garden deteriorated after that, and it wasn't restored and renovated until the 19th century, under Ranjit Singh's rule.
How to reach Achabal Garden

Take another bus to Achabal from the Anantnag bus station. Alternatively, you can also hire direct cabs to reach the garden.

Best time to visit Achabal Garden:

April to November

Badamwari Garden

Badamwari, in the Rainawari region of Srinagar, is located on the foothills of Koh-e-Maran, just 4 kilometres from the city center. Badamwari Garden Srinagar, which stretches over 300 kanal (8 kanal = 1 acre) of land, is known for its almond trees.

With snow-clad pyramid peaks on one side and the impressive Hari Parbat fort on the other, Badamwari is delicately framed. Badamwari is a sight to behold, with lush grass carpeting the ground and green willows casting lacework shadows over well-kept beds of pansies, irises, and daisies. When the garden's stars, the almond flowers, fully bloom their pale pink petals, the entire garden appears to be under a large light pink canopy, the scene becomes even more magnificent. The additional decorative trees, such as quince, bloom in rich reddish-pink, adding a burst of color to the herbage and creating the garden fairy-tale-like.

Badamwari Garden of Srinagar is as beautiful as it is rich in heritage and culture. In the past, it was the site of the major secular spring festival, which was enthusiastically celebrated by Hindus and Muslims alike. These celebrations have been going on for centuries, according to the residents. Surprisingly, no official record survives of when or by whom it was constructed. Historians, on the other hand, argue that it predates Sultan Zain-ul-14th-century Abidin's reign.

In the latter half of the twentieth century, the charm of Badamwari was steadily eroded by expansion and poor planning. It was resurrected in 2008 and has since drawn throngs of visitors. Take a walk along the flower-lined paths, inhale the fragrant air, and look into the depths of Waris Shah's well (after an Afghan ruler). This garden is a must-see destination due to its beauty, history, and array of entertaining activities.
How to reach Badamwari Garden

From Srinagar's Lal Chowk, take an auto or a sumo to Rainawari. From Lal Chowk, you can take a public bus to go here.

Best time to visit Badamwari Garden:

March and April.

Bagh-e-Bahu

Bagh-e-Bahu is located on the banks of the Tawi River, adjacent to the renowned Bahu Fort, about 4 kilometers from Jammu's city center. Bagh-e-Bahu, which translates to "Garden of Bahu," was built in the early 1980s by the then-government of Jammu and Kashmir to complement the Bahu Fort.

Extensive lawns, fabulous fountains, lovely stone statues, well-maintained flower beds, and carefully constructed walkways characterize Jammu's only terraced garden in Mughal style architecture, perched atop a mountain. At night, the fountains on different floors were illuminated. A large artificial lake, surrounded by broad lawns, stone walks, and vibrant flower beds, can be found on the garden's highest level. Green lawns contrast beautifully with faint brick red sidewalks.

The landscape is enthralling, with a central water canal and roaring waterfalls running through it. The garden's star attraction is a fish-shaped underground aquarium, India's largest, with over 400 diverse aquatic species. It has freshwater and marine fish in 24 aquarium caverns and 13 tiny caves. Apart from that, the aquarium also boasts a museum, state-of-the-art equipment, a multi-media centre, a public gallery, a laboratory and more. Another highlight of the garden is the 3000-year-old Bahu fort in its vicinity. With its fusion of ancient and modern, this is a must-visit place.
How to reach Bagh-e-Bahu

When you arrive in Jammu, book an auto-rickshaw or cab directly to Bagh-e-Bahu from the Railway Station or Airport.

Best time to visit Bagh-e-Bahu:

Throughout the year.

Chashma-e-shahi

Chashma-e-shahi, which means royal spring and is named after a natural spring that forms here, is one of the most charismatic Mughal gardens. The spring which is said to have therapeutic abilities was discovered by Rupa Bawani, a prominent Kashmiri female saint. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan instructed his governor, Ali Mardan, to construct a garden for his oldest son, Dara Shikoh, around the spring in 1632 AD.

Chashme Shahi Garden, which sits 11 km from the city center and overlooks the Dal Lake and is surrounded by the Zabarwan mountain range, is one of Srinagar's most popular tourist destinations. Chashma-e-Shahi is a three-tiered garden with a spring on the top terrace. Its architecture is heavily influenced by Persian architecture. The cool refreshing spring that irrigates the garden is fed by an elegant double-storey cottage. The smallest of Srinagar's Mughal gardens, Chashma-e-shahi, is high on beauty and tranquility. Its magnificent waterfalls, sculpted fountains, manicured lawns, and vibrant flowers ooze beauty. This lovely garden is a must-see on any trip to Kashmir.
How to reach Chashma Shahi

From Srinagar's city center, Chashma Shahi Garden is about a 30-minute drive away. To get here, you can take a shared taxi or a straight car.

Best time to visit Chashma Shahi:

April to October.

Harwan Garden

Harwan garden, a picturesque picnic spot in Harwan village, lies 15 km from Srinagar. Harwan is not a terraced garden, and it lacks the canal fountains that Mughal gardens feature, yet it stands out for its pure natural charm and unspoiled beauty. It has an angelic charm with its rose-adorned arched gates, concrete walks shaded by a variety of plants, and sprawling vegetation.

Sarband, a canal that runs through the heart of the garden and feeds the lake behind it, is artistically lined with blossoms and tall Chinar trees. The greenery of Harwan looks lovely against the snowy mountainous backdrop, and the entire garden looks like it belongs in a Disney story. Besides being ideal for sightseeing and picnic, the garden is a gateway to Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary and a base point for the Mahadev Mountain trek. Summer and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Harwan garden.
How to reach Harwan Garden

To get to Harwan Garden, take public buses or rent sumos or auto-rickshaws once you've arrived in Srinagar.

Best time to visit Harwan Garden:

April to October.

Nishat Garden

Nishat Bagh in Srinagar is the second biggest Mughal garden in Kashmir, dubbed the "Garden of Gladness," "Garden of Bliss," or "Garden of Joy." Nishat Garden is located on the eastern side of the Dal lake, on its banks, with the Zabarwan mountains as a backdrop. It is a 12 terraced garden, each representing a zodiac sign, with many Chinar and Cypress trees adorned with roses, lilies, and other exotic flowers, built by Asif Khan, the oldest brother of Mughal Empress Nur Jehan, in 1633.

In the heart of the garden, a spectacular water channel flows. Elegant fountains and pools are also featured in the landscape. The Nishant Bagh Garden in Srinagar is divided into two parts by a still water stream. One half served as a public garden in the past, while the other served as the Zanana Garden (garden of women). This garden's water comes from a little spring behind it known as Gopi Truth. Nishan garden bathes in dream-like surroundings with a beautiful view of Dal Lake beneath the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountains, and you may too by visiting this location.
How to reach Nishat Bagh

Nishat Bagh is easily accessible via public transportation, such as buses. The sumo or a privately hired cab are, however, the better ways to get to the garden.

Best time to visit Nishat Bagh:

April to October.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Park is a magnificent garden established to memorialize Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, and is set in the folds of the Zabarwan mountain range at a location known as Mujgund Ghat. It was founded in 1969 to beautify the city and raise awareness about diverse types of flora. Today, it holds over 300 flora species ranging from towering trees to fragrant flowering plants, annual to seasonal herbs, shrubbery to kaleidoscopic flowers. The spectator is drawn to all of the lush foliage.

The green space here is segmented into four divisions: Plant Introduction Centre, Research Section, Recreational Garden, and Botanical Garden. The garden is further enhanced with a greenhouse in the center that houses Himalayan orchid species. 1.5 lakh ornamental plants, as well as a collection of rare Kashmiri tropical plants, are among the other highlights. With so much to do, visitors can relax beneath the shade of willow, cedar, or oak trees, take a stroll through lush greenery, or take a paddle boat trip on the neighboring lake.
How to reach

To get there, take a sumo or a bus to Srinagar's Boulevard Road. Take a Shikara to this location once you arrive at Mujgund Ghat.

Best time to visit:

Throughout the year.

Shalimar Garden

Shalimar Garden, formerly known as Farah Baksh (meaning delightful) and Faiz Baksh (meaning bountiful) is Kashmir's largest Mughal garden and a popular tourist attraction in Srinagar. The name Shalimar is derived from the Sanskrit language and means "Abode of Love," which is appropriate given that the park was established in 1619 by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife, Empress Nur Jahan.

The architecture of Shalimar Bagh, which is connected to Dal Lake by a waterway, is heavily influenced by the Persian Chahar Bagh style. This well-designed park is separated into three terraced sections, each serving a different purpose: the lowest tier (Diwan-i-Aam) is for the populace, the middle tier (Diwan-i-Khas) is for the Emperor, and the highest tier (Diwan-i-Khas) is for royal women.

The garden is dotted with lovely fountain ponds, glittering water canals, and well-sculpted pavilions and is encircled by towering Chinars and carpeted with brilliant scented flowers (or baradaris). The rushing water from the canals cascades through polished pebbles, making for a beautiful sight. Chini Khanas, artistically carved arched recesses set behind waterfalls, are the garden's main feature. In the past, oil lamps were used to light these nooks, which made for a spectacular picture. Flower pots now adorn the Chini Khanas, creating an aesthetically appealing scene. The majestic Dal Lake is visible from Shalimar Garden. It is a must-see site because of the breathtaking vistas and amazing landscaping.
How to reach

The location is easily reached by car. The garden is only ten minutes away by bus from Shalimar Bus Station. A private or shared cab can be hired for convenience.

Best time to visit:

May to October

Tulip Garden

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Park, Asia's largest, is a seven-tiered garden located in the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, some 13 kilometers from Srinagar's city center. It became a popular tourist destination shortly after it opened in 2007. Tulip garden's seemingly endless green patch is speckled with 20 lakh flowers, including 40 types of tulips. Other flowers in the garden include hyacinths, narcissus, roses, ranunculus, and other ornamental plants in addition to tulips.

The Tulip Garden of Srinagar appears to be a wonderland, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and a tranquil Dal lake. A romantic tint is added to the garden by a water channel that runs through its terraces. The location is a riot of colors, with hundreds of thousands of blooming tulips. As far as the eye goes, one can only see eye-soothing beauty here. An annual tulip festival is held here by the floriculture department during spring. Many cultural programmes and exhibitions of local handicrafts and cuisine are organised during this festival.
How to reach

Take a bus to the Brein market bus station in Srinagar to get to Tulip Garden. From there, one can choose to walk or take a cab.

Best time to visit:

March and April.

Verinag Mughal Garden

The Verinag Mughal Garden is located in district Anantnag, about 61 kilometers south of Srinagar, in the Banihal Mountain Range. It is constructed on a steep ridge a little distance above the main town of Anantnag. Under this mountain, a gushing, highly revered spring is born sourcing from the river Jhelum. On the direction of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the garden was built in 1619 to fence this spring. Carvers from Iran were summoned to construct an octagonal tank of sculpted stones around the spring, arcades to encircle the big deep tank, and a garden to round the entire setup.

These arcades, as well as the garden, are now considered national treasures. The tank and the arcades are both expertly constructed. The tank surrounds the spring in such a way that the crystal clear water appears quiet and calming. The arcade features a wide pathway and wall recesses. Persian writings on stone slabs can be found on the walls. A 24 arched colonnade welcomes visitors to spring. A relaxing pool is surrounded by a colonnade. The main axial water channel contains the water from the pool. An umbrella of Chinars hangs over the canal, which is flanked by manicured lawns and blooms in a variety of aromatic vibrant colors.

The entire garden is a work of art, designed in the Persian Charbagh style and symmetrically. Shah Jahan enlarged this garden after it had been built for a number of years. Cascades, man-made waterways, pavilions, fountains, and hammams were among the features he created (Turkish baths). The majority of these have dried over time, but the natural beauty of the area has survived. The garden is attractive because of its dense coniferous woodlands, emerald lawns, fragrant flower beds, and well-designed colonnade.

To top this all off, the spring on the premises with its Maldivian turquoise waters is the habitat of many fishes, which sometimes spring up in the air to create an exuberant sight. The whole place is a treat to the eyes, seeping into consciousness and making one inherently happy.
How to reach

The budget-friendly way to reach Verinag is to take a bus from Srinagar to Anantnag and then hire a cab to Verinag. However, the comfortable way is to hire a cab directly to Verinag garden.

Best time to visit:

April to November