Nishat Bagh, Srinagar - Timings, Entry Fee, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 10 km from Srinagar Bus Station, Nishat Bagh is a terraced Mughal garden located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Popularly known as the 'Garden of Bliss', it is one of the most beautiful Mughal Gardens in India and among the best Srinagar places to visit.

Nishat Bagh is situated on the eastern shore of the enchanting Dal Lake. It is the second-largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley while Shalimar Bagh is the largest, which is also located on the bank of the Dal Lake. In Urdu, Nishat Bagh means 'Garden of Joy', 'Garden of Gladness', and 'Garden of Delight'. Nishat Bagh is a garden of bliss that commands a magnificent view of the lake beneath the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range that stands far away to the west of the Kashmir Valley.

Nishat Garden was designed and built-in 1633 by Asif Khan, the elder brother of Noor Jahan. The then emperor of Mughal India, Shah Jahan visited this garden and was so impressed by the heavenly beauty of the Nishat Garden that he had wanted the garden to be gifted to him by Asif Khan. When Asif Khan refused to do so, the water supply to the garden was stopped by the emperor. Distraught, Asif Khan was heartbroken and lost interest in everything else. One day, one of his servants was bold enough to turn the water supply from Shalimar Bagh. When Khan got to know about this, he ordered for it to turn off immediately fearing Shah Jahan's livid reaction to the breach of his orders. However, Shah Jahan did not really get annoyed at the situation. Instead, he appreciated the servant for loyal service to his master and then ordered full restoration rights for the supply of water to the garden to Asif Khan.

Covering an area of 46 acres, Nishat Bagh starts from the banks of Dal Lake and extends up to the hill end with polished stone channels. It is largely influenced by Persian architecture like all the Mughal Gardens. It consists of 12 terraces, which represent an equal number of zodiac signs. However, it has only two sections, namely the public garden and the private garden for the Zenana or harem. Tall Chinar trees and colorful flowers adorn the lush green landscape of this garden which also has several beautiful fountains. There is a rectangular pool in its center that has been formed by bringing down a mountain spring called the Gopi Thirst from a 15-feet high slide. Besides, the place also provides a splendid view of the Dal Lake as well as the snowcapped Pir Panjal mountain range which gives a memorable experience.

Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM

Entry: Rs. 20 for Adults & Rs. 10 for Children