The Shalimar Bagh, one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Srinagar during Kashmir Trip. It is situated on the shores of the pristine Dal Lake and is the largest Mughal Garden in the Kashmir valley. This garden, which is 31 acres in size, used to be Emperor Jahangir and his court’s go-to summer resort. A wonderfully constructed canal also flows through the middle of the garden, adding to its allure.
History of Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh’s history dates back to the reign of King Pravarsena II of the Vakataka Dynasty in the second century. The city of Srinagar was founded by King Pravarsena II, who constructed the “Shalimar” home, which is bordered by a park and is located adjacent to Dal Lake. The name Shalimar stuck to the village that was given the same name, even though the home was destroyed owing to improper upkeep.
Emperor Jahangir made the decision to construct a garden beside Shalimar in order to appease his wife. The old garden was repaired, and he gave it the name “Farah Baksh,” which means “the pleasant.”On Shah Jahan’s instruction, the garden was further expanded in 1630, and Zafar Khan, the governor of Kashmir, gave it the name “Faiz Baksh,” which means “the Bountiful.” In addition, the garden underwent periodic change under many different monarchs, enhancing its attractiveness.
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Layout of Shalimar Bagh
The garden’s design is a modification of the Persian gardens, another style of Islamic garden. This garden has a square layout on level land with four radiating arms that branch out from the centre, which serves as the water supply. It required to be changed to accommodate the mountainous terrain and the presence of a well that could be switched to the intended gardens from a higher elevation.
The primary waterway that passes axially through the garden from highest point to lowest point underwent modifications. The Shah Nahar, the garden’s main axis, is this center watercourse. Through three terraces it passes. Instead of the Chahar Bagh’s square plan, this arrangement omitted the radial arms and changed the shape to a rectangle.
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The garden, as it is now designed, is 12.4 hectares (31 acres) in size, with a main axis channel that is 587 metres (1,926 ft) long and a total width of 251 metres (823 ft). Three terraces in the garden feature sycamore tree-lined panoramas and fountains. The Shahnahar serves as the terraces’ primary feeder canal. Each of the three terraces has a certain purpose.
A canal that went through a muddy bog and was roughly a mile (1.6 km) long and 12 yards (11 m) wide connected the garden to the open Dal Lake water. The margin of the lake was framed by willow forests and rice terraces. Rows of chinar trees lined broad green walkways that surrounded the lake. The garden was set out with avenues of aspen trees spaced 2 feet (0.61 m) apart, lining the walks with trellises.
Architecture of Shalimar Bagh
The Persian “Char Bagh” served as influence for the garden’s design. The Shalimar Bagh is one of the more intriguing sights to view in Srinagar when travel to . It is divided into three terraces, each with a special function.
The inner area of the garden, known as the “Diwan-i-Khas,” was solely reserved for the king and his court while the outside area of the garden, known as the “Diwan-i-Aam,” was open to the general public.
Best season to visit Shalimar Garden
Shalimar Bagh has many native plants and flowerbeds. According to Swastik Holiday Mumbai Travel Agency March through April and September through November are the ideal times to visit, .
The blooming season, which lasts from March through April during the spring, breathes new vitality into the entire Garden. The abundance of vibrant flowers makes us understand the actual meaning of heaven.
From September to November, autumn turns everything yellow and the air is comfortable and misty, giving the impression that it is winter’s twilight before daybreak.
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Shalimar Garden Visiting Timings
The spring or fall seasons are the greatest times to visit Shalimar Bagh (mid-February to mid-April and September-October). It is the season when flowers are in full bloom and Chinar trees’ leaves turn from green to orange and yellow, illuminating the yard with a cosy warmth.
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How to Reach Kashmir to visit Shalimar Bagh
State of Jammu and Kashmir has good rail, road, and air connections to other regions of India. Jammu Tawi, Katra, and Udhampur are close by railway stations for Kashmir. You can take local buses and cabs to Kashmir from any of the stations.
There are connections to other domestic airports in India from the adjacent airport in Srinagar when you go to Kashmir Tour Package from Ahmadabad by Air. Given that both Shalimar Garden locations are in Srinagar, it is the closest one.
Take the NH1 or NH44 Highway, which is one of the most gorgeous routes in India and is well connected to other national highways. To go to Kashmir trip, you can use a car, a bus, or a taxi service.
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