Nishat Bagh

Stretching gracefully up the lower slopes of the Zabarwan range directly from the eastern shore of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Nishat Bagh (the Garden of Gladness) is the second largest terraced Mughal garden in Jammu And Kashmir. Built in 1633 AD by Asif Khan (the elder brother of Empress Nur Jahan and Prime Minister to Emperor Jahangir), this 46 acre landscape marvel represents the zenith of Persian Charbagh garden artistry adapted to Himalayan topography.

Truth is, while Shalimar Bagh is known as the garden of royal seclusion, Nishat Bagh was designed deliberately for open public grandeur. Its twelve descending rectangular terraces (each symbolizing a sign of the zodiac) cascade directly toward the waters of Dal Lake, creating a striking visual axis where gushing mountain water meets tranquil lake reflections.

Centuries old oriental plane trees (Chinars) with massive trunks shade the central stone paved walkways. A rushing central water canal (shahnahar) feeds dozens of polished stone fountains, cascading water chutes (chadars), and square reflection pools. Visiting Nishat pairs smoothly with stops at Pari Mahal and Tulip Garden.

The Twelve Terraces and Water Cascade System

The layout of Nishat Bagh is divided into distinct thematic zones across its twelve stepped levels. The lower terraces near the lakeshore feature wide lawns and square pools originally accessible directly by royal pleasure boats (shikaras).

The middle terraces house stone pavilions (baradaris) decorated with carved Persian niches, where gentle water cascades flow down textured stone ramps to create dancing ripples in the sunlight. The upper level was reserved for royal women (zenana), offering quiet secluded courtyards before heading toward Hazratbal Mosque.

Historic Chinars and Seasonal Floral Palette

The garden is renowned for its centuries old royal Chinar trees, planted by Mughal emperors. In spring, the flowerbeds burst with colorful tulips, daffodils, pansies, and roses, while the summer months bring lush green lawns and fragrant jasmine blossoms.

During late autumn (October to November), the Chinar foliage turns a blazing crimson and fiery orange. Walking over rustling fallen leaves while gazing across Dal Lake toward the snow dusted Pir Panjal range provides unforgettable memories before visiting Shankaracharya Temple.

Visiting Hours, Entry Fees, and Location

Nishat Bagh is open to visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entry tickets cost approximately 25 rupees for adults and 10 rupees for children, available at the automated counter near the main Boulevard entrance.

Located along the scenic Boulevard Road about 11 km from Lal Chowk city center, Nishat is easily accessible via Shikara from Dal Lake ghats, rental taxis, or local buses. Plan for roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to stroll through the terraces and savor a cup of traditional saffron Kahwa tea outside the garden gates.