Chashme Shahi

Chashme Shahi is a historic Mughal garden located on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Built in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the smallest of Srinagar's Mughal gardens. The terraced garden is centered around a natural spring believed to have medicinal properties and is known for its Persian-style layout, flowing water channels, and panoramic views.

Visitors can expect a terraced Mughal garden built on three levels with Persian-style water channels, fountains and pavilions fed by the natural Chashme Shahi spring. The garden offers manicured flower beds, chinar and fruit trees, stone pavilions and viewpoints overlooking Dal Lake and the Zabarwan hills. Visitors can walk along paved paths and steps between terraces, view the spring source in the upper pavilion, and enjoy photography and leisurely sightseeing in a relatively quiet setting compared to larger Mughal gardens.

Built in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan, Governor of Kashmir under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The garden was gifted to Shah Jahan's eldest son Dara Shikoh and was associated with Princess Jahanara. The spring was discovered by the female saint Rupa Bhawani. It represents the Persian-influenced Mughal garden tradition introduced in Kashmir in the 17th century.

An example of Mughal garden architecture in Kashmir featuring Persian charbagh principles, terraced design and water engineering. The spring water is traditionally regarded by locals as having healing properties. The garden is part of Srinagar's ensemble of Mughal gardens that reflect the region's horticultural and architectural heritage.