Nishat Bagh, built by Asif Khan in 1633 on the east bank of Dal Lake: its twelve terraces, central water channel and chinars, the story of Shah Jahan and the water, the best time to visit, and Nishat vs Shalimar.
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Quick Answer: Nishat Bagh is a Mughal garden on the east bank of Dal Lake in Srinagar, built in 1633 by Asif Khan, Nur Jahan's elder brother. It climbs to the Zabarwan hills in twelve terraces, with a central water channel, fountains and old chinars. It is Kashmir's second-largest Mughal garden; visit from April to October.
Last updated: 3 November 2026. By Kashmir Pulse Editorial. Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel, written by locals.
From a shikara on Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh looks like a staircase of green climbing straight into the mountains. Up close it is all water and stone: a channel running down the middle, spilling over carved cascades from terrace to terrace, under chinars that turn copper in autumn. Many Kashmiris will tell you Nishat is the most beautiful of the Mughal gardens, and on a clear October afternoon it is hard to argue.
This guide covers its history, layout, best times and how it compares with Shalimar Bagh. For a round-up of all the gardens, see our Mughal gardens guide.
Nishat Bagh at a glance
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | 1633, by Asif Khan, elder brother of Empress Nur Jahan |
| Location | East bank of Dal Lake, below the Zabarwan hills |
| Layout | Twelve terraces, said to represent the twelve signs of the zodiac |
| Size | About 548 by 338 metres; the second-largest Mughal garden in Kashmir |
| Best time | April to October; tulips in spring, chinar colour in late October and November |
| Time needed | 1 to 1.5 hours |
What is the history of Nishat Bagh?
Nishat means joy or delight. Asif Khan, Nur Jahan's elder brother and a leading noble of the Mughal court, laid out the garden in 1633. A well-known story says Emperor Shah Jahan admired it so much that he hoped it would be offered to him; when it was not, the water supply was cut off. A servant later turned the water back on, and the emperor, the story goes, approved and restored the supply.
Today the garden is run by the Jammu and Kashmir government and is open to the public daily, usually with a small entry ticket.
Related reading: Pathar Masjid, Srinagar: Nur Jahan's Stone Mosque on the Jhelum
What should you look for in Nishat Bagh?
- ✓The central channel. About 4 metres wide and shallow, it runs down the whole garden with fountains and stepped cascades.
- ✓The twelve terraces. Each level is a little higher than the last, and the view back over Dal Lake grows with every step.
- ✓The niches. The second terrace has 23 niches behind a cascade, where lamps were once placed at night.
- ✓The chinars and cypresses lining the walks, magnificent in autumn.
- ✓The view from the top terraces, across Dal Lake to the city and Hari Parbat.
When is the best time to visit Nishat Bagh?
| Season | What you see |
|---|---|
| Spring (April to May) | Tulips and flower beds, fresh green lawns |
| Summer (June to August) | Full green, fountains running, busy |
| Autumn (late October to November) | Chinars turning red and gold, soft light, fewer people |
| Winter (December to February) | Bare trees, sometimes snow, very quiet |
Local tip: go at opening time or in the last hour before closing. The light on the terraces is gentler and the garden is half empty.
The terraces involve a steady climb with steps between levels, so older visitors should take it slowly and use the side paths. Benches under the chinars on the upper terraces make good resting points with the best views back over the lake.
Related reading: Khanqah-e-Moula, Srinagar: The Painted Wooden Shrine on the Jhelum
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Nishat Bagh vs Shalimar Bagh: which is better?
| Nishat Bagh | Shalimar Bagh | |
|---|---|---|
| Built | 1633, Asif Khan | 1619, Emperor Jahangir |
| Terraces | Twelve, steep, climbing to the hills | Three, gentler |
| Feel | Dramatic views over Dal Lake | Royal, enclosed, with pavilions |
| Highlight | The terraced cascade and lake view | The black marble pavilion |
Nishat is the view; Shalimar is the palace garden. They are close together, so most visitors see both in one afternoon, along with Pari Mahal.
How do you reach Nishat Bagh?
Nishat Bagh is on the Boulevard road along the east of Dal Lake, roughly 25 to 35 minutes by cab from Dal Gate depending on traffic. You can also arrive by shikara across Dal Lake; see our shikara ride guide. For stays close by, see hotels near Nishat and Shalimar.
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Frequently asked questions
Who built Nishat Bagh?
Asif Khan, the elder brother of Empress Nur Jahan, built Nishat Bagh in 1633.
How many terraces does Nishat Bagh have?
Twelve, traditionally said to represent the twelve signs of the zodiac.
What is the best time to visit Nishat Bagh?
April to October. Spring brings flowers and late October brings autumn chinar colour. Early morning and late afternoon are the calmest times of day.
Is Nishat Bagh better than Shalimar Bagh?
They are different. Nishat has the more dramatic terraces and lake views; Shalimar is a royal garden with pavilions. Most people visit both.
How far is Nishat Bagh from Dal Gate?
About 25 to 35 minutes by cab along the Boulevard, depending on traffic, or a longer shikara ride across Dal Lake.
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