6 Beautiful Mughal Gardens in India

Mughal era’s rich culture and heritage has lived on for years. The forts, tombs, palaces, and gardens the Mughal’s built are of great historical and artistic significance. An important part of their legacy in India are the gardens. These Mughal gardens in India are heavily influenced by Persian architecture and style. Most have fountains, a pool of water, or canals in a rectilinear setting, with various flowers, trees, and plant species. 

Here are some of the most famous Mughal gardens in India.

Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar

The Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar is the largest Mughal garden in India covering 12.4 hectares of land. Jahangir built this garden in the 16th century for his queen Noor Jahan as an act of love. Another one called Faiz Bagh was added years later by Jahangir’s son, Shah Jahan to Shalimar Baug. The lower portion of the garden is called Diwan-i-Aam and has three terraces. The upper area, called Diwan-i-Khaas, was built for the emperors and their royal guests. Since it is one of the most popular Mughal gardens in India, it has been maintained with meticulous care. No wonder it is called the ‘Crown of Srinagar’!

Mughal Garden at Taj Mahal, Agra

One of the seven wonders of the world and a symbol of love, the Taj Mahal has a beautiful Mughal garden too. This Mughal garden was built by Ali Mardan, the same architect who also built the Shalimar Bagh. The Mughal garden has four squares, each with a flowerbed. The four squares represent the four rivers of Paradise. There is a large marble fountain in the center. The Persian architecture, greenery, trees, and colourful flowers sure make it feel like you’re in paradise.

Mughal Garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi

The Mughal garden at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi is the soul of the palace. This garden is unique with a blend of Mughal style and western horticulture. The garden has a mix of Mughal architecture with canals, flowering shrubs, terraces, and European flowerbeds and hedges. The Mughal gardens have beautiful roses, tulips, Asiatic lilies, primulas, and many other seasonal flowers. Out of the 101 bougainvilleas, this Mughal garden is around 60. This garden has 50 different varieties of trees and shrubs. The Mughal garden in Rashtrapati Bhavan is a marvelous tourist spot to visit on your trip to Delhi.

Yadavindra Garden, Pinjore

The Yadavindra Garden was built in the 17th century in the Pinjore city of Haryana. The garden was built by Fidai Khan influenced by Persian and Mughal architecture. Later on, it was renovated by Sikh rulers from the Patiala dynasty. This Mughal Garden served as a summer retreat for Aurangazeb. The garden’s architecture is very similar to that of Shalimar Baug in Kashmir. The first terrace has a Rajasthani-Mughal style palace built called the ‘Shish Mahal’ and adjoined by ‘Hawa Mahal’. The second terrace has ‘Rang Mahal’ and the third one has flower beds and dense trees. The next terrace has a square fountain called ‘Jal Mahal’.

Verinag Mughal Garden, Verinag

Located in the heart of Kashmir, this is one of the most famous Mughal gardens in India. The garden was partly built by Jahangir and then later by his son Shah Jahan. Jahangir was spellbound by a sprig in the area. So, he built a pool, a pavilion, and a garden around it. Later on, his son Shah Jahan expanded the garden. Verinag garden is one of the most famous Mughal gardens in India and a must-visit when you’re in Kashmir. 

Nishat Bagh, Srinagar

Nishat Bagh is the second largest Mughal garden in Srinagar and a complete visual delight! The garden has 12 terraces, each representing a zodiac sign. This Mughal garden has lovely fountains and flowerbeds. The garden is designed with a heavy influence on Persian architecture. The surrounding area is very scenic too. A walk in this lovely garden will surely leave you relaxed. No wonder it’s called the ‘Garden of Delight’!

There are so many picturesque Mughal gardens across the country. Their history, architecture and natural beauty are reasons enough for you to visit them. Plan a visit to any of these Mughal garden soon!