Nishat Bagh - The Garden of Joy in Srinagar

Nishat Bagh, which translates to "Garden of Joy," is a beautiful terraced Mughal garden located on the eastern bank of Dal Lake. Built in 1633, it is the second-largest garden of its kind in the Kashmir Valley. The garden is designed with twelve terraces, said to represent the twelve signs of the zodiac, which rise from the edge of the lake up towards the Zabarwan mountain range in the background. A central water channel flows through the middle of the garden, connecting the terraces with a series of pools and fountains, creating a cooling and pleasant sound. Visitors walk up through the terraces, flanked by flowerbeds, manicured lawns, and rows of chinar and cypress trees. Each level offers a different and progressively better view of the garden below and the expansive Dal Lake beyond. The top terrace contains a baradari (a pavilion with twelve doors), providing a shaded spot to appreciate the complete panoramic view. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, ideal for a leisurely stroll and photography.