Chashme Shahi is one of the most architecturally beautiful Mughal Garden of Kashmir located around 8 km from Srinagar. The garden was built in 1632 AD around a spring by Ali Mardan Khan, a governor of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. This garden was built on the orders of Shah Jahan as a gift to his eldest son, Prince Dara Shikoh.
Chashme Shahi covers a small distance of only 1.7 acres, being the smallest garden among the other two Mughal gardens of Kashmir, Nishat and Shalimar. Despite its smaller size, it offers a serene and attractive atmosphere.
The garden owes its name to the mountain spring that supplies water to the garden. Chashme Shahi means spring and Shahi means royal origins.
Chashme Shahi is divided into three terraces with water flowing from the uppermost level to the lowermost via a series of pools or aqueducts called Chadars. The garden is famous for its terraced lawns, captivating fountains, and vibrant floral buds all of which enhance its aesthetic beauty.
The Chashme Shahi spring is surrounded by a red-walled bardar, a traditional Mughal pavilion.
History of Chashme Shahi Srinagar
Chashme Shahi is one of the finest Mughal Gardens of Srinagar situated on the southeast side of Dal Lake and to the north side of Pari Mahal. It is named after a spring that rises from a hill into which the garden is built.
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ordered his governor Ali Mardan Khan to construct this garden as a gift for his elder son, Prince Dara Shikoh in 1632 AD. It is said that this date is derived from a verse found on the site: “Guftamash bahr-i chashma tarikhe/ Guft bar go Kausar-i shahi,” which translates to, “I inquired of him regarding the date of the spring/
He replied: Say ‘Kausar-i Shahi’.” The term “Kausar-i Shahi” is synonymous with Chashma-i Shahi. Calculating this term in the ‘abjad’ system yields the hijra year 1042.
The best time to visit Chashme Shahi Srinagar
The garden remains open for tourists from March to November. However, the best time to visit the garden is from April to October when the garden is in full bloom.
How to reach Chashme Shahi Mughal Garden
The Garden is located just 8 km away from Srinagar. The garden is well connected to Boulevard Road and you can reach here via taxi or a tourist bus and enjoy the picturesque beauty of the place.
If you are staying in a houseboat then you can also visit the garden through Dal Lake which is situated on the eastern side of the garden. You can take a Shikara ride and enjoy the views of Dal Lake before reaching the garden.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ticket price of This Mughal Garden?
There is an entry fee for visiting the garden. A sum of Rs. 10 is to be paid at the ticket counter outside the gate of this garden.
What are the opening hours of Chashme Shahi?
The garden remains open throughout the week. From Monday to Saturday, the garden opens from 8 am to 7 pm in the evening. However, on Sundays, the garden opens at 2 pm and closes at 9 pm late evening.
Can visitors explore other attractions near Chashme Shahi?
Yes, Chashme Shahi is located close to other attractions such as Pari Mahal, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Dal Lake. Visitors can plan to explore multiple landmarks in the vicinity during their visit to Srinagar.
Are there any facilities available at Chashme Shahi for visitors?
The Garden provides basic facilities such as parking, restrooms, pathways for visitors to explore the garden comfortably, and scenic viewpoints for photography. Guides may also be available to provide insights into the garden’s history and features.