Nishat Bagh

    Nishat Bagh is a terraced garden located on the banks of Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir. It is the second-largest Mughal Garden in the Kashmir Valley. The garden is situated on the eastern side of Dal Lake. In Urdu, Nishat Bagh means, “Garden of Joy” or “Garden of Delight”. It was designed and built by Nur Jahan’s elder brother, Asif Khan in 1633. Nishat Bagh offers breathtaking views of the majestic Zabarwan Mountains.

The garden follows the Persian style of landscaping and is remodeled based on the physical features such as the water source in the area. Nishat Bagh is famous for its twelve terraces, representing the twelve zodiac signs. The terraces are lined with Chinar and cypress trees. The water supply to the gardens is through a spring called the Gopi Thirst, which provides clear water. The water flows from one terrace to the next one through stone ramps. Among all the twelve terraces, the second one stands out the most due to its impressive view of the twenty-three niches nestled in the arched recess behind the cascade. The terrace also boasts an abundance of Persian lilacs and pansies, complemented by sparkling water cascading over the chute, creating a breathtaking view.

The best time to visit the Nishat Bagh is during the spring season (April-June) to witness the flowers in full bloom and enjoy the beautiful weather as well. It is a sought-after picnic spot for locals and a stroll through the lush gardens is sure to make you feel relaxed. Summer is also an ideal time to visit the garden due to the pleasant weather in Kashmir. You can hire a taxi or rent a bike to reach the garden. You can even opt for a Shikara ride to soak in the scenic views of Dal Lake before reaching the Mughal Garden.