Shalimar Gardens Lahore - All You Need to Know

Abdullah Khan

Shalimar Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Punjab, Pakistan. Located on Grand Trunk Road, northeast of the Walled City of Lahore, this majestic garden is renowned for its unique landscaping and vibrant floral displays. Visitors can explore the lush green lawns, elegant fountains, and pavilions that were once part of the royal Mughal gardens. Shalimar Gardens remains a popular destination for tourists looking to experience a slice of Mughal culture and appreciate nature's beauty.

Shalimar Gardens is an impressive example of Mughal architecture built by the Shah Jahan. The construction of the garden began in 1641 and was completed within a year. It was used as the Royal Pleasure Garden from the 16th to the 19th century and was gifted by the Main family to the emperor. The stunning design of the garden has made it one of the most visited sites in Lahore, reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

History of Shalimar Gardens

The Shalimar Gardens is a historically significant site that was gifted to the Arain Mian family of Baghbanpura by Shah Jahan for their services and contribution to the Mughal Empire. The location was attractive to the Royal engineers due to its ideal positioning and quality of soil, prompting Mian Muhammad Yusuf to surrender the property. In return for their loyalty, the Mian family was given governance over the garden for 350 years, making it a long-term home for the family.

Architecture of Shalimar Gardens

Shalimar Gardens is a beautiful, historical site known for its high brick walls with intricate fretwork. Built in the style of a traditional Char Bagh, the garden measures 658 meters from north to south and 258 meters from east to west, covering an area of roughly 80 acres.

Fountains of Shalimar Gardens

There are a total of 410 fountains spread throughout the gardens, each one constructed to provide a calming atmosphere for the Mughal families. The fountains are made of white marble and are engineered to maximize the flow of the water, creating a mesmerizing effect. Many visitors find the sight of these fountains and the sound of the cascading water very soothing. There is no better way to enjoy the beauty of the Mughal Gardens than to take a stroll through the grounds and admire its many fountains. The distribution of the 410 fountains in the gardens goes as follows:

The upper terrace has a total of 105 fountains.
The mid-level terrace contains 152 fountains.
The lower level terrace has the highest number of fountains at 153

The 3 Level Terraces

The 3 parts on different levels include:

The upper terrace is named Farah Bakes (Bestower of Pleasure)
The middle terrace is named Faiz Baksh (Bestower of Goodness)
The lower terrace is named Hayat Baksh (Bestower of Life)

Buildings of Shalimar Gardens

The Shalimar Gardens is an iconic landmark renowned for its captivating architecture and lush greenery. Its buildings were constructed for different purposes from serving the Royal family to hosting dignitaries. These buildings feature intricate designs that make them a sight to behold. The building structures in the Shalimar Gardens include the following:

Sawan Bhadon Pavilion
Aiwan (The Grand Hall)
Hammam (The Royal Bath)
Naqar Khana
Aramgah (The Resting Place)
Begum Sahib Khawabgah (Bedroom of the Emperor’s wife)
Diwan-e-Khas-o-Aam (Hall for the ordinary and special visitors to the Emperor)
Baradaries (The summer pavilions for enjoying nearby fountain coolness)
2 Gateways
Minarets situated at the corners of the garden

This Garden is an important heritage site and part of Pakistan's cultural legacy. It has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List with the Royal Fort of Lahore due to its historic, cultural, and architectural significance. The site has been listed as Endangered by UNESCO since 2000, with conservation efforts ongoing to preserve the garden for future generations.

Explore Travelpakistani diverse and Best Lahore One Day Trips 2024-25that can take you to Shalimar Gardens and enjoy your time in Shalimar Gardens.

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Shalimar Gardens Timings

You can visit Shalimar Garden in Lahore between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM any day of the week.

Shalimar Gardens Entry Fee

The entrance fee for this Mughal-era garden complex is only PKR 20 for Locals & 400 for foreigners, making it one of the most affordable yet beautiful places to visit in Lahore for a family picnic.

Best time to visit Shalimar Gardens

The best time to visit the Shalimar Gardens is during winter and spring when the weather is pleasant.

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