Chashma Shahi Garden Srinagar: The Royal Spring
Chashma shahi garden in Srinagar
Chashma Shahi Garden is one of the most beautiful Mughal gardens in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Built in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan on the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan for his son Dara Shikoh, the garden is famous for its ‘Royal Spring,’ whose freshwater is believed to have healing properties. This terraced garden features fountains, cascading pools and colorful floral beds, offering stunning views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountains. Chashma Shahi is a must visit attraction for tourists exploring Srinagar’s Mughal gardens. From chashma shahi you can have a glimpse of Pari Mahal.
Key features of Chashma Shahi garden Srinagar
- Location:
Situated on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, near the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House) in Srinagar. - Natural Spring:
The garden is named after a natural spring known as Chashme Sahibi, believed to have medicinal properties and originally named after the female saint Rupa Bhawani. - Mughal Architecture:
The garden displays classic Persian and Mughal architectural influences, with pavilions, walkways and terraced lawns. The terraced design focuses on a mountain spring that flows down in three sections, forming an aqueduct, waterfall and fountains.
Our Top Services
Book your online cab service in Srinagar with just a few simple steps. Reserve your online cab in Kashmir here
These floating heavens offer an unforgettable accommodation experience in Srinagar Kashmir. Book Houseboat in Srinagar here.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir at your own pace with the freedom of self-drive. Book self drive car in Srinagar.
A shikara ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar is a must-have experience for any visitor to Kashmir. Book your shikara ride here
Explore the beauty of the Kashmir with our best Kashmir tour packages, offering scenic landscapes, houseboat stays, and unforgettable experiences in paradise
Useful Information for visitors
- Best time to visit: The most ideal time to visit is from April to June, when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in full bloom.
- Timings: Generally open from 09:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though hours can vary slightly by season.
- Entry Fee: An entry fee is typically charged for adults and children.
- Accessibility: The garden is easily accessible via the Boulevard Road that runs along Dal Lake.
History of Chashma Shahi garden in Srinagar
Chashma Shahi or Chashme shahi was built by a governor of Mughal empire Ali Mardan Khan by the orders of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. around a natural spring. This garden is the smallest among the other two Mughal gardens in Srinagar, the largest one is Shalimar Garden, and the second largest is Nishat Garden.
Architecture of Chashma Shahi garden
The Chasma Shahi Garden is a three-terraced garden with a central water channel. The main focus of this garden is the natural spring which flows from the top terrace down to the bottom terrace, passing through fountains and waterfalls along the way. There is a hut built at the first terrace which is believed to be the source of the Spring. The water of the spring is believed to have some medicinal values and many people usually fill their bottles to take with them.
Where is Chashma Shahi Srinagar Located
Chashma shahi is located at the Zabarwan mountain range near Raj Bhawan (Governor) house. It is just 9 kilometers from the city center Lal chowk. You can easily hire a cab to reach there and Pari Mahal is also few kilometers from Chashma shahi. The road journey to Chashma shahi Srinagar presents a picturesque view of the famous Dal Lake .There are many hotels and restaurants near the garden where you can stay or taste the delicious food of Kashmir.
Also check : How to book online taxi in Kashmir
How to reach Chashma Shahi garden Srinagar
By Air
The nearest airport is Sheikh ul Alam International Airport Srinagar . From Srinagar airport chashma shahi is around 19 kilometers.
By Train
Srinagar railway station is the nearest railway station to Chashma Shahi with a distance of around 17 kilometers. Hire railway stations cabs here
By Road
The distance from Lal chowk to Chashma shahi is just 9 kilometers . You can either hire a cab or rent a bike in Srinagar to reach chashma shahi.
Best time to visit Chashma shahi garden in Srinagar
The best time to visit Chashma Shahi is during the spring (March to May) and fall season (September to November) when the weather is mild. During these months, the temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the garden. The garden is also in full bloom during the spring, with a variety of vibrant flowers adding to its beauty.
Things to do in Chashma Shahi garden
There are many things to do in Chashma shahi Srinagar.
- Take a walk through the garden and enjoy the scenery: The garden is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Take a break and relax: The garden is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding
- Have a picnic in the garden: You can have a picnic with your loved ones and can also bring your own food and drinks into the garden.
- Visit the Pari Mahal or Fairy Palace: The Pari Mahal is located nearby and offers stunning views of the Chasma Shahi Garden and the Dal Lake.
Tips for visiting Chashma shahi
Chashma Shahi is often visited in combination with other nearby Mughal gardens like Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, as well as the Pari Mahal, which is just a short drive away.
- The best time to visit chashma shahi is in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Be respectful of the garden and its visitors.
- Do not litter or damage the plants and flowers.
Nearby attractions to Chashma Shahi Garden
Chashme Shahi Garden is centrally located in Srinagar, offering visitors easy access to several nearby attractions. Here are some notable sites within a short distance:
- Pari Mahal (Approx. 1 km)
- Nishat Bagh (Approx. 4 km)
- Tulip Garden (Indira Gandhi Memorial Garden) (Approx. 1 km)
- Dal Lake (Approx. 3.6 km)
- Shankaracharya Temple (Approx. 10.3 km)
- Dachigam National Park (Approx. 9.3 km)
Chashma shahi srinagar timings
This Mughal garden in Srinagar opens for the visitors at 9 a.m. and the garden is closed for visitors at around 7 p.m. Timings may vary depending on the season.
Chashma shahi Garden Photos
FAQ's
What is Chashma shahi also known as?
Chashma Shahi Garden is famous for its “Royal Spring”, terraced layout with fountains, cascading pools and floral beds and the stunning views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountains.
What is Chashma shahi also known as?
Chashma shahi is also known as “the royal spring” or “chashme shahi”.
Who built Nishat bagh in Srinagar ?
Chashma shahi was designed and built by Ali Mardan khan. The governor of Mughal empire.
Which is the largest Mughal garden in Kashmir ?
The largest Mughal garden in Kashmir is Shalimar garden and Nishat garden is the second largest Mughal garden in Kashmir.
How far is Chashma shahi from Srinagar?
The chashma shahi is just 9 kilometers from the city center Srinagar.
What is the distance of Pari Mahal from Chashma Shahi.
The Pari Mahal is just 2 kilometers away from chashma Shahi.
What are the entry timings for Chashme Shahi?
Chashme Shahi Garden in Srinagar is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, including Sundays and holidays. Visitors can stay until sunset, but the entry gate closes at 7:00 PM
How does Chashme Shahi get its water?
Chashma Shahi Garden gets its water from a natural spring called the “Royal Spring”, which flows through the garden and feeds its fountains and pools.
Is photography allowed in Chashme Shahi?
Yes, photography is allowed in Chashma Shahi Garden. Visitors can capture the scenic views, fountains and floral terraces.
