The Shalimar Garden: The Last Surviving Garden of Mughal Emperors Shalimar Bagh (Garden) Review

Situated on the northeast side of Lahore, Shalimar Garden is the beautiful garden of the city, about 4km from Railway station. By hiring a rickshaw or carrying bus from Railway Station, you can easily reach this splendid garden which was named after Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. In the 17th century, the garden was created but today, it is the only surviving garden of Lahore, made by Mughal. Though, Shalimar Gardens are now far cry from their former glory and elegance but still, a popular picnic spot among locals. The garden is also enclosed by red sandstone brick wall which is renowned for its complex fretwork. The garden also has many Bara Daris (pavilions) built opposite to each other with long rows of fountains. There would be no wrong if we call it the garden of fountains as it has 410 fountains from basin and canal that discharge water into marble pools. The credit surely goes to Mughal Engineers who envisioned such creativity as even today scientists are unable to comprehend water and thermal system of Shalimar Garden. In the blistering summers of Lahore, you will find relief and solace while sitting near cool fountains. The garden is also loaded with a variety of trees and flower species included almond, peach, apricot, mango, mulberry, cherry, roses, daisy, bell flower and lilies. The architecture of Shalimar Garden has drawn inspiration from Persian structure which usually formed the huge elongated parallelogram that gives you an insight of Persian Paradise Garden. The Shalimar Garden is also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to the sole embodiment of Mughal Gardens design and an eminent testimony of Mughal’s aesthetics zenith and artistic spirit.