Nishat Bagh

Nishat Bagh, the 'garden of joy', is the second largest of Srinagar's Mughal gardens, its twelve terraces said to represent the twelve signs of the zodiac, rising directly from the shore of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan hills as a backdrop. Unlike Shalimar Bagh, which sits set back from the water, Nishat Bagh's direct lakefront position gives it some of the most photographed views in Srinagar, framing the lake and distant mountains through the garden's central water channel.

Fountains and cascading water features run the length of the garden's central axis, and the terraced design, planted with roses, chinar trees and manicured lawns, follows the same classical Mughal principles found across the city's garden circuit while benefiting from a particularly dramatic natural setting. A visit here pairs naturally with Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi as part of a single day exploring Srinagar's Mughal-era gardens.

Laid out in 1633 by Asif Khan, brother of empress Nur Jahan, Nishat Bagh was reportedly so admired by Emperor Jahangir that he is said to have desired it for himself, according to popular garden lore.

About 11km from central Srinagar, on the eastern shore of Dal Lake.