Shalimar Bagh
About Shalimar Bagh
Far From City: 10 kms from city center
Cost:
About Shalimar Bagh
Weather:
Time Required:2-3 hours
Open Time:April to October: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM,
November to March: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost:INR 10 per head
History of Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh has its history going back to the second century during the period of King Pravarsena II from Vakataka Dynasty. The king Pravarsena II was the founder of the Srinagar city who built a cottage named "Shalimar" bounded by a park in close proximity to Dal Lake. Although the cottage got ruined due to the lack of proper maintenance, the name Shalimar got stuck to the village which was given the same name. It was Emperor Jahangir who chose to build a garden to please his wife close to Shalimar. He renovated the old garden and named it "Farah Baksh" meaning "the delightful". In 1630, the garden was further extended by Kashmir Governor Zafar Khan on the order of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and named it "Faiz Baksh" meaning "the Bountiful". Apart from that, there were many rulers who altered the garden from time to time further electrifying its beauty.
Architecture of Shalimar Bagh
Spread across a vast area of 31 acres along the Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh is a typical Mughal Garden. It has a Persian Garden layout of three terraces, 31 acres of land with dimensions of 587 m of length and 251 m of depth. Each terrace is comprised of water fountain and pool with water supply in series. There are a total of 410 fountains within the premises of the Shalimar Bagh. The garden is divided into private (second terrace) and public (first cum lower terrace or outer garden) section. The private terrace is known as the Diwan-e-Khas while the public terrace is called the Diwan-e-Aam. Each section leads to Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-Aam respectively. The third terrace of the garden is Zenana Garden with two pavilions made in Kashmiri style.
The first terrace belongs to that of the Diwan-e-Aam and has a small marble throne installed over a waterfall. The second terrace garden lies axially to the canal and comprises of the Diwan-e-Khas. This terrace was accessible only to the nobles and has carved stone bases and a platform surrounded by fountains adorning it. The third and final terrace is the Zenana Garden lies adjacent to the Diwan-e-Khas. A pavilion made out of black marble was built by Shah Jahan here and is known as the Black Pavilion. It is surrounded by a cascade of frothy waters that make up for a splendid spectacle as one looks through the terrace. Overlooking the mountains, the serenity of this place is divine.
One of the unique features of the Shalimar Bagh is its 'Chini Khanas' or ached niches which are situated right behind the garden waterfall. In the olden times, these niches were lighted at night and imparted a magical amber hue to the gardens. Needless to say, the Shalimar Garden is a masterpiece of the Mughal Sultanate.
Best time to visit Shalimar Bagh
The best time to plan a visit to Shalimar Bagh is either during Spring or Autumn Season (mid-February to mid-April and September-October). It is the time when the flowers are in their full bloom and Chinar trees change their colour from green to orange and yellow giving a warm glow to the garden.
How to Reach Shalimar Bagh
You can easily reach Shalimar Garden through various modes of transportation. The Shalimar bus station is only 650 m away and taxis can be availed from anywhere in the city.
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Tips
1. Make sure to dress up according to the season you are visiting in.
2. Also, do not litter around in the garden and follow rules set by authorities.
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