Introduction

The Chashm-e-Shahi garden is the smallest of the Mughal-style gardens in Kashmir and is barely a hundred and eight meters long and thirty-eight meters wide. But like a little cameo, this is also one of its prettiest ones. ‘Chashm-e-Shahi’ translates as the royal spring and the perennial spring waters in this garden are believed to have therapeutic powers. The garden is located some eight kilometers from the city and is a couple of kilometers off the road that leads to the Nishat. This commands an excellent view of the Dal lake and surrounding areas – including the verdant hills that surround Srinagar. The garden dates back to the time of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and it is surmised that it was built under the emperor’s personal supervision in 1632-33 CE. The garden is in terraces and has an aqueduct, fountains and waterfalls and is planted with a variety of flowers and fruits.

Some sections of the garden are recent additions but others date back to Mughal times and the cascades, the plinths of the ‘barahdaris’, the water-courses, tanks, and fountains date back to those years. The lowest terrace has a tank in the centre with five fountains. The tank on the second terrace has only one fountain and a small channel passes the water down from the upper sections.

The Chashm-e-Shahi garden is one of the popular tourist attractions of Srinagar. This commands an excellent view of the Dal lake and of surrounding areas – including the verdant hills that surround Srinagar. The slopes flow down towards the valley and past them are high snow covered peaks – if one were to look at the garden the way a jeweler were to look at a ring, then at the centre would be the precious stone, and gradually circle by circle, it would hold the other jewels that nature has so generously given to the Srinagar valley.

Special Attributes

Small but attractive Mughal-style garden

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative but comfortable

Connectivity

Taxis, buses and auto-rickshaws

Enjoyed by

Nature lovers and general interest

Exposure

Mild exposure to sun when outdoors. It is pleasant for the better part of the year.

Avoidable Season

In inclement weather.

Facilities

Restaurants close by

Things Not Allowed

None as such

Tip

Early evenings in spring and early summer are very pleasant here.

Type of site

Park