Introduction

The Nishat Bagh, the ‘Garden of Happiness or Gladness or Bliss’ dates back to around1633 and is believed to have been created by Asaf Khan during the reign of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. This is located about four kilometers from the Chashm-e-Shahi garden and is on the banks of the Dal lake and has the backdrop of the magnificent Zabarwan and the more distant Pir Panjal mountains.

This originally had twelve terraces, but the lowest one has been swallowed up by a road. These terraces, one for each sign of the zodiac, rise dramatically along the hillside from the eastern shore of the Dal lake. The water course cascades down and this, and the water-tanks, are interspersed with fountains. The flowerbeds are packed with mid-altitude flowers and depending on the season, roses, lilies, geraniums, asters, zinnias, and cosmos will be in bloom. In autumn, and in early winter, the trees add dramatic shades as the leaves of the chinars and poplars turn color and add browns, rusts and red to the garden’s palette. It was during the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh, that Wazir Pannu, the area’s governor had these gardens repaired and at least to a substantial extent, restored their original glory.

The second terrace is considered by many to be finest part of the garden and has a high water-cascade behind which lies a recess with niches – and where lamps were once lit behind a transparent wall of water. This level is also famous for its Persian lilacs. Stairs, believed to date back to the time of the original construction of the gardens lead to the next terrace. The ‘barahadari’, garden pavilion here is a double-storied structure and the lower floor also has one of the old stone fountains. The terraces steadily rise higher and higher and the water-tank on the eleventh terrace holds twenty-five fountains. The twelfth terrace held the ‘zenana’ enclosure for ladies.

Special Attributes

Large, charming 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 bad weather

Facilities

Restaurants and parking at hand

Things Not Allowed

None as such

Tip

If you are a good walker, you can walk to the other gardens

Type of site

Park