Nishat Bagh is a large Mughal garden located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is the second largest Mughal garden in Kashmir, spanning 46 acres along the eastern side of Dal Lake. Founded in 1619 AD by Asif Khan, it has 12 terraces representing the 12 zodiac signs, with fountains, pools, and pathways between the terraces providing scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Nishat Bagh is renowned for its beautiful design elements and integration of water features and vegetation.
2. NISHAT BAGH
• Nishat Bagh, also known
as the garden of joy, is a
terraced Mughal garden
sprawled along the
eastern side of the Dal
Lake, with the towering
Zabarwan hills as its
backdrop, in the city of
Srinagar, Jammu &
Kashmir.
• The second largest
Mughal garden in the
Kashmir Valley.
DAL LAKE
3. TYPE - Mughal Garden
AREA - 46 acres
FOUNDED - 1619 AD
OPENED - 1633 AD
FOUNDER - Asif Khan
ELEMENTS :
Rectilinear layouts
Pools
Fountains , Canals
Raised Hillock
Terraced style
Trees and plants
Pathways
Pavillions
ELEMENTS
4. It has 12 terraces , representing the 12 zodiac
signs .
Had similarities of Shalimar Bagh .
Built in an east-west direction, the top terrace has the Zenana garden while the lowest
terrace is connected to the Dal Lake.
The central canal, which runs through the garden from the top end, is 4 metres (13 ft)
wide and has a water depth of 20 centimetres (7.9 in).
The water flow from one terrace to the next is over stepped stone ramps that provide
the sparkle to the flow.
All the terraces fountains with pools are provided, along the water channel.
5. Every pool has multiple water-fountains lined-up in the centre, outlined by
rows of Chinar trees and walk-ways running in tandem with the pool.
The source of water is the central water-canal ‘Shah Nahar’, fed as it is by a
mile long canal drawing water from the Dal Lake.
FOUNTAIN
Second Terrace
6. The first terrace is a water collection chamber that is also linked to the side flow from
the garden.
The second terrace is accessed through a gate. This terrace has five fountains that is
supplied water from the third terrace, from where it flowed to the lowest terrace.
The third terrace has a different design. The water chute has five arched open niches
in the front and similar niches on the sides. A pavilion Baradari, a two-storied
structure, Stairways .
The fourth terrace has two levels namely, a water channel and a square pool.
Stairways with 7 steps lead to the fifth terrace.
The fifth terrace where a stone bench is provided across the channel to enjoy the
scenic beauty. This also has a square chamber with five fountains.
The sixth terrace is at two levels with five fountains and distinctive paving pattern.
The seventh terrace, where the same pattern continues.
Different Terrace levels
View of sixth , seventh & Eighth Terrace
7. The eighth terrace is only a water channel or chute.
The ninth terrace, at the end of two stairways, there is an octagonal bench.
The pool in this terrace has nine fountains.
The tenth terrace the stairways are along the side retaining walls where
only the water chute with fountains is provided.
Eleventh Terrace - Engraved paths lead to an impressive eleventh terrace,
which has twenty five fountains in a pool. Up from this dramatic terrace is
the last one.
The Zenana chamber, the twelfth terrace, is covered in the front by 5.5
metres (18 ft) high wall with a façade of blind arches. Only one arch in this
blind facade provides an opening to the twelfth terrace.
Slope made of stone , gives a gentle flow
of water between terraces
8. Chinar trees imported
by Mughals from
Persia to India .
Cypress trees main
element of design in the
Garden
Small cascade – passage
for water flow between
terraces.
Fountains and Pathways