Built in the early 1600s, the Shalimar Garden is a testament to love, nature and beauty. With several names bestowed on the garden over the centuries, this Mughal garden is also called "Farah Baksh" or delightful. Learn all about this Persian garden found in Srinagar, India, today.
The History
The Shalimar Garden began with Emperor Jahangir's vision of an epic getaway for his beloved queen. Initially, it started as a humble, royal garden. Eventually, the property extended to the current size of 31 acres. During the Emperor's rule, this location became the royal summer residence as the entire court traveled to it annually. Within the garden, visitors can find water features, pavilions and sycamore trees arranged in distinct patterns.
Understanding the Layout
Built on a hillside, the Shalimar Garden includes three terraces. The first terrace is home to the main pavilion. Dividing the terraces lengthwise is the main canal. Here, water flows from the top terrace, through the lower terraces and out to Dal Lake. Surrounding the canal are symmetrical gardens with trees, flowers and pruned lawns. As a Mughal garden, the property is defined by the centralized water feature, rectilinear gardens and distinct pathways.
Exploring the Terraces
The first terrace consists mainly of expansive gardens and a marble throne perched above a waterfall. Next, the second terrace includes more than 400 fountains. Because this terrace is wider than the first section, there's plenty of room for the water features and corresponding gardens.
Lastly, the third terrace offers a view of several buildings. Used as guard rooms, two smaller buildings are focal points as you look at the main structure. Referred to as the Black Pavilion, this baradari is made of marble and has an architectural design allowing air to flow through the building.
Learning About the Garden's Fine Details
As the canal water flows from the top to lower terraces, they create waterfalls where arched niches support these features. In the past, oil lamps lit the waterfalls at these niches during the night. Today, flowerpots overflowing with blossoms enhance each archway. Accenting the canal are many fountains, which contribute to a steady water flow down the hillside. In addition, the marble pavilion has a story of its own. As the legend is told, the structure's four doors were actually temple doors from Shahajahan's time.
Planning a Visit to the Garden
The garden is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ideally, visit when the garden is in bloom between spring and fall. During the autumn, the garden's trees show off their fall colors as the leaves turn from green to yellow and orange. Although the garden is serene all day, arriving early gives you a more intimate time with its natural wonders.
By understanding the garden's history, you can enhance your visit by reflecting at the pavilion, marveling at the centralized canal and walking among the carefully planted trees. Be mindful of the intricate details in the architecture, too. Overall, the Shalimar Garden is a quiet reminder of India's past and rich culture.
