Chashma Shahi Srinagar

Chashma Shahi, Srinagar: The Royal Spring & Mughal Elegance! 🏞️🌸💧

Key Details:

• Location: Near Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House), overlooking Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
• Known For: Being one of the three famous Mughal Gardens in Srinagar, its pure and cold natural spring (believed to have medicinal properties), Persian-style terraced architecture, and stunning panoramic views.
• Builder & Year: Built in 1632 AD by Ali Mardan Khan, a governor of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Commissioned by Shah Jahan as a gift for his eldest son, Prince Dara Shikoh.
• Architectural Style: Classic Mughal garden design with Persian (Charbagh) influence, characterized by terraced layouts, central water channels, fountains, and pavilions.
• Timings 🕰️: Generally 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (March to November). Timings may vary slightly in winter (e.g., 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM if open). Closed on Fridays (verify locally as some sources say open all days).
• Entry Fee (Approximate – verify with official J&K Tourism sources for latest):
  • Indian Tourists: ₹20 – ₹25 per person.
  • Foreign Tourists: Around ₹300 per person (some sources cite lower, needs verification).
  • Children below a certain age (e.g., 5 or 12 years) may have free entry.

Srinagar’s Refreshing Jewel: The Chashma Shahi Experience 🌟 Chashma Shahi, meaning “The Royal Spring,” is the smallest but arguably one of the most charming Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. Established in 1632 AD by Ali Mardan Khan under the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan for his son Dara Shikoh, this beautifully terraced garden is built around a natural spring renowned for its cool, fresh, and reportedly medicinal water. The garden’s design is a classic example of Persian-influenced Mughal architecture, featuring three terraces, a central aqueduct with fountains, and lush flowerbeds, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Zabarwan Mountains and overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake. Its intimate scale, serene ambiance, and the allure of its pristine spring make Chashma Shahi a delightful retreat for visitors.

Essential Visitor & Garden Information ℹ️

• Name: Chashma Shahi (also spelt Chashma-i-Shahi or Cheshma Shahi)
• Address: Cheshma Shahi Road, near Raj Bhavan, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – 190001, India.
• How to Reach:
  • Location 📍: Situated in the Zabarwan Range, about 8-9 km east of Srinagar city center (Lal Chowk) and overlooking Dal Lake.
  • Air ✈️: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar (SXR) is approximately 19-20 km away.
  • Rail 🚂: Srinagar Railway Station is about 17-18 km away.
  • Local Transport: Easily accessible by auto-rickshaws or taxis from any part of Srinagar. It’s located along Boulevard Road, which skirts Dal Lake.
• Photography/Videography 📸: Generally permitted for personal use. Professional shoots might require permission.
• Contact Information (For J&K Tourism or local authorities):
  • Phone 📞: Contact numbers for the J&K Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) or local tourism offices can provide information.
• Official Websites (for reliable information):
  • J&K Tourism: jktourism.jk.gov.in
  • Srinagar District: srinagar.nic.in

A Tranquil Mughal Haven: The Ambiance of Chashma Shahi 💧🌸🏞️ A visit to Chashma Shahi offers a serene and picturesque experience:

• Atmosphere: Tranquil, refreshing, and intimate due to its smaller size compared to Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. The sound of flowing water from the spring and fountains adds to its peaceful charm.
• Architectural Layout: The garden is meticulously laid out in three terraces, ascending the hillside, with the natural spring as its focal point.
• Flora: Adorned with well-maintained lawns, vibrant flowerbeds (roses, tulips in season), and majestic Chinar trees.
• Views: Offers splendid views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges.
• Perfect For: Nature lovers, history enthusiasts, those seeking a peaceful retreat, photographers, and anyone wishing to experience Mughal garden artistry.

The Royal Spring and Its Terraced Beauty: Features & Details ⛲️🌲🌼

• The Natural Spring (Chashma) ⭐: The heart of the garden. The spring’s water is believed to have been discovered by the Kashmiri female saint Rupa Bhawani (originally named ‘Chashme Sahibi’). It is prized for its purity and coldness, even in summer, and many believe it has digestive and medicinal properties. Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was reportedly fond of its water.
• Three Terraces:
  • First (Top) Terrace: Features a double-storey hut (pavilion or baradari), which is believed to be the origin of the spring.
  • Second (Middle) Terrace: Water flows down from the top terrace via a water ramp (chadar) into a pool with a central fountain.
  • Third (Lowest) Terrace: Features a square pool with five fountains, located at the entrance.
• Water Channels & Fountains: A central aqueduct carries the spring water through the terraces, feeding the pools and fountains, a hallmark of Mughal garden design.
• Iranian Influence: The garden’s art and architecture reflect strong Iranian (Persian) influences.
• Size: Spread over about one acre, it is 108 meters long and 38 meters wide.

Insider Tips for Your Visit to Chashma Shahi 💡

• Best Time to Visit ⭐:
  • Spring (April-May): The garden is in full bloom with colorful flowers, making it exceptionally beautiful. (The current late May timing is excellent).
  • Autumn (September-October): Pleasant weather and the changing colors of Chinar trees offer a different charm.
• Try the Spring Water: Visitors often drink the fresh, cool water from the spring (ensure it’s permissible and hygienic at the time of visit).
• Combine with Nearby Attractions: Chashma Shahi is close to Pari Mahal (another historic monument with Mughal garden elements) and the Botanical Garden. It can be part of a Mughal Gardens tour including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.
• Morning or Late Afternoon Visits: Ideal for pleasant weather, softer light for photography, and potentially fewer crowds.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Involves walking up and down terraced levels.
• Carry Essentials: While basic amenities are available, carrying water, especially during warmer days, is advisable.

The Enduring Allure of Chashma Shahi: Spring, Scenery, Serenity ❤️🌸💧

• The Sacred Spring: The pure, cool, and reportedly medicinal water of its natural spring is a primary attraction.
• Mughal Architectural Gem: A beautifully preserved example of Mughal landscaping and garden design.
• Intimate & Peaceful: Its smaller scale offers a more tranquil and less crowded experience compared to the larger Mughal gardens.
• Stunning Location: Offers breathtaking views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountains.
• Historical Legacy: Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan, it carries a rich historical narrative.

A Refreshing Glimpse into Kashmir’s Mughal Past 🏞️💧👑 Chashma Shahi stands as a testament to the Mughals’ love for Kashmir and their mastery in creating “paradise on earth” through exquisite gardens. Its natural spring, terraced layout, and stunning vistas make it a must-visit destination in Srinagar.

Planning Your Serene Escape to Chashma Shahi 🗺️

• Best For: Nature lovers, history and architecture enthusiasts, families, couples, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful and picturesque outing.
• What to Expect: A well-maintained, relatively small terraced Mughal garden with a central spring, beautiful flowerbeds, fountains, and lovely views.
• Time to Allocate: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour is usually sufficient to explore the garden at a leisurely pace.
• Facilities: Well-maintained pathways, seating areas, restrooms. Small kiosks selling snacks and refreshments are often found near the entrance.