Kashmir...Part 4:Mughal Gardens-Paradise on Earth

With terraced lawns, fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal's concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions.

Chashma Shahi

The original garden was laid out by Mughal wali Shah Jehan in 1632 AD on hilltop down the Parimahal. It is a wonderful place with scenarist views of Dal Lake and Srinagar city.

Gate of Chashma Shahi:

Garden view:



Lake view from the garden:



A botanical garden down the Chashma Shahi:

Nishat Bagh

Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan, situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop. This 'garden of bliss' commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far away to the west of the valley.

Garden view:

Water flow:



Fountains:



Lake view from the Nishat:

Shalimar Bagh

Built by Mughal Wali Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan, Shalimar, is a beautiful garden with sweeping vistas over gardens and lakes, and shallow terraces. The garden is 539 m by 182 m and has four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal lined with polished stones and supplied with water from Harwan runs through the middle of the garden. The fourth terrace, by far the best, was once reserved for royal ladies.

First terrace of Shalimar:



Fountains on a row:



Second terrace of Shalimar:



Third terrace:







And the waterfall:

Harwan

Harwan is not a Mughal garden but remarkable remains of ancient ornamented tile pavements of the Buddhist period have come to light. It is situated on the hillside, south of the village of Harwan. The tiles depict the dresses of the people, such as loose trousers, Turkoman caps or close fitting turbans and large ear-rings which reveal Central Asian influence.

Harwan Lake and hills view: