Introduction

Unlike the other Mughal gardens of Kashmir, the Shalimar was not just a garden but also served as the summer residence of the Mughals and were created by Jahangir in 1619. And even when the power of the imperial Mughals came to an end and their successors came to Srinagar no more, the garden remained popular with the Pathan rulers and Sikh governors – and later, with European visitors who used the marble pavilion as a residence. Also unlike the others, this has a more somber feeling and the play of water with canals, predominates. And today, the garden still evokes the aesthetic of formal gardens set by the Mughal kings and the Shalimar is considered by many as the culmination of their design of hill-gardens.

Now, as earlier, the garden has three enclosures. The lower one has been affected by a road. The outermost enclosure was used as a public garden, and its pavilion also served as the ‘Diwan-i-Am’, or Hall of Public Audience. The small black marble throne is still there. The second garden is somewhat wider and has two shallow terraces with the Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience in its middle. While much of the buildings are now gone, but the carved stone plinths still stand testimony to what once was.

This is followed by the zenana garden, which was reserved for the ladies of the court and small guard-rooms flank the entrance. This has been rebuilt on the older stone plinths. If one were to compare the garden to an event that led to a grand finale, it would find that in this section. The exquisite marble pavilion still stands amidst fountains and the surround of cypress trees. It is around this jewel of architecture that the garden seems to focus and the shade of the structure and trees are remarkably offset by a background of snow covered peaks.

Special Attributes

Considered by some to be the finest Mughal-style hill 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

Examine the detail of the water-courses

Type of site

Park