The Shalimar Bagh was Emperor Jahangir’s dream project. He wished to present this Bagh to his beloved wife Nur Jahan. But not many know how this bagh got its name. The ruler of the Vakataka Dynasty was named King Praversena ll. He was also known as the founder of Srinagar. For himself, he built a beautiful cottage and named it Shalimar. The cottage was close to the Dal lake. Sadly after his demise, the cottage turned to ruins due to the lack of maintenance. All that was left behind other than the ruins of the cottage was the name. 

The Shalimar Bagh was built by Emperor Jahangir in 1619. It is believed that during his rule Emperor Jahangir and his wife were so in love with what Kashmir had to give that they shifted there with their court at least 13 times, during the summers. So basically Kashmir was their home away from home and Shalimar was their summer abode. 

It was enlarged and turned into a huge garden in 1630 according to the commands of Emperor Shah Jahan. The Governor of Kashmir Zafar Khan got the garden extended and named it Faiz Baksh. After this, the garden served as a relaxing place for Pathan and Sikh officials. The lights were set up in the garden during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh. The garden was known by various names in the past but Shalimar Bagh was the one that stayed. 

The Shalimar Bagh covers an area of 31 acres and it has three terraces that have fountains too. Each terrace has its importance. The garden was connected to the unclogged Dal Lake through a canal. The lush green paths and rows of chinar trees along the lake make it look heavenly. 
 
The first terrace is a public garden known as the Diwan-e-Aam. Here stands the black marble throne near the waterfall. The throne may be black but it adds a lot of depth to the area built attractively. The next one is the Diwan-e-Khas. It is a terrace garden that is built along the axial canal and has a pair of shallow terraces. This hall was open only to the King’s Noblemen or special guests. The royal washrooms are also located close to this terrace. The Garden has approx. 410 fountains and a Zenana terrace for the females of the royal family. 
 
At the entrance of the third terrace known as the Zenana garden, are two tiny guardrooms. This area had a guard room because the entry was restricted here. Here one can find a structure made using black marbles with the purpose to let the wind flow easily. This terrace is surrounded by a fountain pool and the baradari has a lovely view of the snow mountains. 
 
The Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar is an arched structure behind the garden waterfall. The arched niches were lit up during the night using the traditional oil lamps. As soon as it got dark and the lamps were lit and the waterfalls looked fascinating. Sadly, now they no more serve the same purpose as they are merely flower pot holders.   
 
Some inscriptions can be seen on the walls of the Shalimar Bagh. One of the well-known inscriptions in the Persian language written by Amir Khusrau can be found here, it says, “ Gar Firdaus bar Roy-e-Zamin ast, hamin ast-o hamin ast-o hamin ast”. It means that if there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.  
 
In the garden complex, the Baradari has four grand doors made of stone pillars. The doors made up of stone were ruins from the old temples that were demolished by Shahjahan. The garden turns even more picturesque during the autumn and spring season. The fallen chinar leaves which are reddish add to the beauty of the Bagh. Whoever visits Dal Lake makes sure to visit the Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar. The architecture of this place is a treat for sore eyes. 

• One can enjoy the view from here. The picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains is worth cherishing.
• Click pictures to your heart’s content.
• Visit the Dal Lake.
• See the lovely flowers add up to the beauty of the garden. 

• Carry along a water bottle.
• If you are going here in summer, apply sunscreen and carry a scarf.

If you plan a trip to Srinagar from April to October, then the timings of the Shalimar Bagh are from 9:00 am- 7:00 pm. Whereas if you visit from November to March, then the timings of Shalimar Bagh Srinagar are 10:00 am- 5:00 pm. 

Though the best time to visit the Bagh is during the Autumn or Spring. The seasons ‌add to the beauty that the garden holds. This is the time when the flowers in the garden and the Chinar trees are lush and the mere sight of them makes you feel instantly refreshed. The Chinar leaves turn orange, giving the garden a very classy and slightly golden glow. 

• Dal Lake
• Shah Kashmir Arts Emporium
• Nigeen Lake
• Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

• Carry along a water bottle.
• If you are going here in summer, apply sunscreen and carry a scarf.
• Make sure you do not slip while walking on the stones surrounded by water.
• Do not ‌pollute the water. Avoid throwing waste like packaged food wrappers around.
• Keep the Shalimar Bagh timings in mind while visiting.
• Visit either during spring or during the autumn season.