Shalimar Bagh - The Royal Mughal Garden of Srinagar

Shalimar Bagh is the largest Mughal garden in Kashmir, located on the northeast bank of Dal Lake. Built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan in 1619, the garden is a remarkable example of Mughal horticulture. It is laid out in three terraces, each with a distinct purpose and rising one above the other. A central water channel, known as the Shah Nahar, runs through the entire garden, connecting the terraces with pools and fountains. The first terrace is the public garden (Diwan-i-Aam), leading to the second, more private Emperor's garden (Diwan-i-Khas). The topmost terrace was the exclusive Zenana garden for the royal women, featuring the impressive Black Pavilion.