The Shalimar Gardens is an iconic Mughal garden complex located in Lahore, Pakistan. These gardens date back to the Mughal Empire’s artistic zenith, and are now a popular tourist destination in the country. The gardens feature beautiful fountains, sculpted water features, and beautiful flowers.
Shalimar Gardens was built during the reign of the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
Built during the reign of the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1642, Shalimar Gardens was a fusion of medieval Islamic and Persian garden traditions. It stands as a testament to Mughal artistic expression, exhibiting elements such as rectilinear paths, intricate fretwork, and expanses of flowing water. The gardens encompass sixteen hectares and are set up in three terraces. They feature beautiful fountains that are dotted throughout the grounds, and thermal engineering was used to keep the surroundings cool in the summer.
The gardens are divided into three main terraces: the Farah Baksh (the highest terrace), the middle terrace, and the lower terrace. The top terrace is a private area used by the emperor, while the middle terrace was used by court noblemen. The lowest terrace was reserved for the court and allowed limited public access at certain times.
In addition to the gardens, Shah Jahan’s rule in the region saw the rise of several cities as large centers for crafts and commerce. He also moved the capital from Agra to Delhi, and built many notable structures in the region. He also built the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid in Delhi. Other notable structures erected during his reign include the Shah Jahan’s mausoleum, a mosque named Shalimar, and the Shalimar Gardens, a garden in Lahore.
The gardens were originally constructed for the enjoyment of Shah Jahan’s royal family and court. The gardens were popular for elephant fights. The gardens were damaged during the Mughal empire, but a restoration was undertaken by a subsequent king.
The gardens were designed in such a way that they could stand alone or be part of another architectural form. They are known as char bagh gardens, and are based on the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Qur’an. The gardens were created with a rectilinear layout, and feature ponds, fountains, canals, and other features.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Shalimar Gardens are an incredible Mughal garden complex located in Lahore, Pakistan. Dating from the height of the Mughal Empire, these gardens have been transformed into one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist attractions. Today, they are one of the world’s most visited sites.
The gardens are surrounded by a high brick wall and are famous for its intricate fretwork. The gardens stretch over 658 meters from north to south and 258 meters from east to west. In 1981, the gardens were included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden has three terraces, each named after a different person or thing in the Mughal Empire. The Farah Baksh terrace is named after a lady who gives pleasure. The Faiz Baksh terrace is named after a man who is good. The Hayat Baksh terrace is named after the god of love and life.
The gardens were built in the 1640s by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Khalilullah Khan, a noble in the Shah Jahan’s court, designed the gardens. He was assisted by Ali Mardan Khan and Mulla Alaul Maulk Tuni.
Despite its impressive size and beauty, the gardens have experienced several setbacks over the years. In 1999, accidental destruction of the hydraulic works of the gardens and the widening of the Grand Trunk Road from Lahore to Mughal resulted in its listing as a World Heritage Site in Danger. In the years since, the Gardens have undergone several restoration projects, but remedial conservation has focused on repairing individual monuments and not on the restoration of the irrigation system.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the grounds of the Shalimar Gardens, which were designed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan during the reign of his father, King Faisal. The gardens were built in three descending terraces and irrigated by a canal called the Shah Nahar. 410 fountains adorn the grounds.
Lahore Fort is located in the northwestern corner of the city. Its main gate is the Alamgiri Gate, which was built in 1673 and faces west towards the Badshahi Mosque. It is a semi-circular structure with boldly fluted shafts and lotus-petaled bases. This gate was designed to be wide enough for an elephant-mounted caravan to pass through.
It is a Muslim city
Shalimar Gardens Lahore is home to many Mughal gardens. The main park is named Shalimar. Shalimar means abode of light or moonlight. This name is common to many Mughal gardens. The name was given to Nur Jahan’s garden by Jahangir.
The gardens are the last of the Mughal era in Pakistan. A trip to the Shalimar Gardens will give you an insight into this rich history. The gardens are a colourful fiesta of colour and feature reflecting pools, pavilions, and more. They showcase the grand ambitions of Mughal architecture.
The garden is home to the Sheesh Mahal, a magnificent palace located in the Shah Burj block of the Lahore Fort. The Sheesh Mahal is ornately carved from white marble with pietra dura inlaid in it. It is part of the Lahore Fort Complex and the Shalimar Gardens, which were constructed during Shah Jahan’s reign.
Shalimar Gardens is a World Heritage Site. The gardens were built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The complex is the only Mughal garden to survive in its entirety. Its unique design was recognized by UNESCO in 1981.
The Shalimar Gardens Lahore is home to many Mughal monuments. Many are unique pieces of art that bear testimony to the Mughal civilization at its apex during the 16th and 17th centuries. This is a unique example of human creative genius in action.
It is an affordable place to visit
If you’re looking for a historical place to visit in Pakistan, Shalimar Gardens Lahore is definitely worth a visit. These UNESCO-listed gardens feature a UNESCO-designated tomb and the Tomb of Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor’s most prestigious tomb. Built in 1637, this mausoleum features intricate pietra dura (pictorial mosaics made of semi-precious stones), carved over ten years. It is the only Mughal tomb in Pakistan and features a beautiful garden.
While these Mughal-era gardens could use some upkeep, they are a pleasant place to wander and observe. Some of them are filled with water and feature tiled archways around their perimeter. The entrance fee for foreigners is only 500 rupees, which almost justifies the small amount of money you’ll spend.
The garden is open from 8:00 AM to 6 PM daily. It is an ideal place for a family picnic. You can enjoy the cool water fountains and the majestic Mughal architecture. If you’re looking for a historical place to visit in Pakistan, Shalimar Gardens is an affordable way to explore it.
The gardens are located in Sheikhupura, which is just outside of Lahore. Emperor Jahangir designed a game reserve there and added a minaret to honor the mansiraj. Later, Mughal ruler Shah Jahan added a pavilion complex and a swimming pool.
While it is not a very big city, you can easily get around the city by taxi or by taking a private transfer. You can also use ride-hailing services to get to tourist destinations. However, you should keep in mind that the metro bus system is overcrowded and does not cover the whole city.
For shopping, the city is well known for its lively markets and bazaars. You can find clothing, jewellery, and handicrafts in these bazaars, which are also affordable. The market also has plenty of places to eat snacks and drink.
The gardens are laid out in a rectangle shape and cover 16 hectares. There are several terraces, each about 4-5 metres higher than the previous level, and each terrace has beautiful fountains. The highest terrace has 105 fountains, while the lowest terrace has 153.
