Nishat Bagh is a terraced Mughal garden situated 10 km away from Srinagar city on the eastern side of Dal Lake. Popularly known as the ‘Garden of Bliss’ or Garden of Joy and Garden of Pleasure, Nishat Bagh is the second largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir after Shalimar Garden and is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.
Largest of all Mughal gardens covering an area of 46 acres, Nishat Garden was designed by Asif Khan, the elder brother of Nur Jahan. Nishat Garden is a magnificent garden that ascends from the shores of Dal Lake towards the Himalayan peaks which form a backdrop to the garden.
The architecture of Nishat Bagh is influenced by the Persian Chahar Bagh (four gardens) style with four rivulets of wine, honey, milk, and water symbolizing paradise emerging from a central reservoir.
The garden is rectangular in shape, 544 meters long and 329 meters wide and is divided into two sections namely the Public Pleasure garden and the private Zenana or (harem or women) garden. Within the two sections, the garden has twelve terraces which represent an equal number of zodiac signs.
The first terrace begins from the public street level, which connects the garden’s water stream to Dal Lake, and the twelfth terrace is located in the Zenana garden. There is a rectangular pool nearly 4 meters wide and 20 cm deep, that flows down from the top of the garden through a channel decorated with fountains. This stream is formed by bringing down a mountain spring called the Gopi Thirst from a 15 feet high-altitude slide.
History of Nishat Bagh or Garden Srinagar
Nishat bagh was designed in 1633 AD by Asif Khan, the brother-in-law of emperor Jahangir. The garden was built as a pleasure garden for the royal family. Asif Khan was also the father of Arjumand Banu Begum or Mumtaz Mahal who was the wife of emperor Shah Jahan. When Shah Jahan visited the garden in 1633 AD, he was very much impressed with its beauty and splendor. he told Asif Khan how much he admired the garden and expected the garden to be gifted to him by Asif Khan.
Asif Khan remained silent and refused to do so. In his displeasure, Shah Jahan stopped the water supply to the garden. The garden remained dry and desolate until one day a servant of Asif Khan disobeyed the orders of Shah Jahan and turned on the water supply from Shalimar Garden.
Shah Jahan took this move positively and appreciated the loyalty of the servant to his master and later on, restored the full water supply to the garden.
Meanwhile, Nishat Garden has historically received attention from several provincial governors. During the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh(1830-1885), the garden was restored and today Nishat Bagh is a public park.
The best time to visit Nishat Bagh
Generally, the best time to visit the garden is from spring to summer season. During this period the weather is calm and beautiful allowing visitors to fully enjoy the magnificence of this splendid garden.
Spring (March to May)- this is the most ideal time to visit Nishat Bagh. The garden is lively with beautiful flowers and lush greens in this season. You can enjoy the beauty of Nishat bagh in this season when the weather is mild with a peaceful ambiance.
Summer (June to August)- the garden remains lush and blooming with vibrant flowers during this time. The weather is also favorable for outdoor activities and exploring the beauty of the place.
How to reach Nishat Garden
Once you reach Srinagar. You can reach this Mughal garden via any means such as bus, taxi, private vehicle or water transport.
The garden is situated at a distance of 10 km from Srinagar, Srinagar is well connected to every road of Kashmir. After reaching srinaagr, you can book a taxi or auto rickshaw, or public bus which will take you to Nishat Bagh.
Another way to reach this garden is through a Shikara ride. You can book a Shikara ride and enjoy the enchanting beauty of Dal Lake and then reach the garden which is located on the eastern side of the lake.
Frequently asked questions
What is the entry time to visit Nishat Bagh?
The garden opens at 9 am and closes at 7 pm in the summer season. You can visit the garden anytime between these hours and enjoy its beauty.
is there an entry fee for Nishat Bagh?
Yes, there is an entry fee of Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children for visiting Nishat Bagh. However, The fee may vary for domestic and international tourists, as well as for students and adults. It’s advisable to check the current entry fee and any discounts before planning your visit.
Are there any nearby attractions to visit along with Nishat Garden?
Yes, there are several attractions near Nishat Bagh that visitors can explore, including Shalimar Bagh (another Mughal garden), Dal Lake for boating and houseboat stays, Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, and the old city of Srinagar with its markets and historic buildings.
Who built Nishat Bagh?
Nishat Bagh was built in 1633 AD by Asif Khan, the brother-in-law of Emperor Jahangir and the father of Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Emperor Shah Jahan.