10 beautiful Mughal Gardens that still exist in all their beauty and charm

The Mughal Empire, spanning from 1526 to 1857, left an indelible mark on South Asia's landscape through its architectural marvels, grand forts, majestic tombs, and intricate mosques. Yet, it is the gardens, or baghs, that truly embody the emperors' vision of paradise on earth. Inspired by Persian charbagh designs, four quadrants symbolising the four rivers of heaven described in the Quran—these gardens fused Islamic geometry with Indian flora and hydrology. Water channels, fountains, and pavilions created serene oases amid arid plains, serving as retreats for royalty, sites for poetic gatherings, and symbols of imperial power. Here are some of those that you need to bookmark, and visit someday whenever you happen to visit these places.

Located around 5 km northeast of the Taj Mahal in Agra, it's the oldest Mughal garden in India, built by Emperor Babur in 1526, as per Wikipedia. Originally named Bāgh-i-Gul Afshān (“The Flower-Scatterer Garden”), it was later called Aram Bagh or “Garden of Rest.” Babur was briefly buried here before his remains were moved to Kabul. During Maratha rule (1774–1803), the garden was renamed Ram Bagh, the name that it retained till date. Also known as Bagh-i-Nur Afshan (“Light-Scattering Garden”) and Aalsi Bagh (“Lazy Garden”), legend says Emperor Akbar wooed his third wife here by resting idly for six days until she accepted his proposal.

The tomb stands at the heart of a 30-acre Charbagh, a Persian-style garden that set a new architectural standard in South Asia. Designed as a symbol of paradise (jannat), the garden follows a strict geometric plan — four large squares divided by walkways and water channels representing the four rivers of paradise. Each square is further segmented into smaller flowerbeds, creating 32 miniature gardens around the central mausoleum. The water channels flow beneath the tomb and reappear beyond it, evoking the Quranic imagery of rivers flowing beneath the ‘Garden of Paradise.’

Located on the northern banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, Mehtab Bagh—literally meaning “Moonlight Garden”—is a Charbagh-style garden complex laid out directly opposite the Taj Mahal and near the Agra Fort. Set within the river’s floodplains, the garden forms a perfect square, measuring roughly 300 metres on each side (about 980 feet), and aligns precisely with the Taj Mahal across the water, creating a mirror-like symmetry. During the monsoon season, parts of the site are often submerged as the Yamuna overflows its banks, adding to its ethereal, reflective charm.

The complex is centred on a large Charbagh, a Mughal garden divided by two main walkways (khiyabans) into four quadrants, each further split into 16 sunken flowerbeds. A continuous pathway connects all sections of the garden. Midway between the gateway and the tomb stands an elevated marble water tank, known as al Hawd al-Kawthar—a reference to the “Tank of Abundance” in Islamic tradition—with five fountains and a reflecting pool aligned to capture the mausoleum’s image. The surrounding grounds feature tree-lined avenues and fountains, while the north-western quadrant marks the spot where Mumtaz Mahal was first laid to rest before her remains were moved to the main tomb.

Shalimar Bagh, located on the northeastern shore of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the finest examples of Mughal garden design. Also known as Shalimar Garden, Farah Baksh, and Faiz Baksh, it was commissioned by Emperor Jahangir in 1619 as a royal retreat for Empress Nur Jahan. Along with the nearby Nishat Bagh—the “Garden of Delight”—it represents the pinnacle of Mughal horticultural art. Today, Shalimar Bagh serves as a public park, often celebrated as the “Crown of Srinagar.”

Nishat Bagh, meaning “Garden of Joy” in Urdu, lies on the eastern bank of Dal Lake in Srinagar, framed by the Zabarwan Mountains with views of the Pir Panjal range beyond. The terraced Mughal garden was designed and built in 1633 by Asif Khan, the elder brother of Empress Nur Jahan. A popular legend recounts that Emperor Shah Jahan, captivated by the garden’s beauty, subtly hinted that Asif Khan should gift it to him. When no offer came, the Emperor allegedly ordered the garden’s water supply cut off, leading to its temporary abandonment. Later, a loyal servant restored the fountains, and Shah Jahan, moved by his devotion, pardoned the act and reinstated the garden’s water rights.

Pari Mahal (literally “Palace of Fairies”) is a seven-terraced Mughal garden perched atop the Zabarwan range, overlooking Srinagar and the southwestern edge of Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir. Built during Emperor Shah Jahan’s reign, it reflects the elegance of Islamic architecture, with arched doorways, terraced lawns, and water channels. Today, it stands as a popular viewpoint and a testament to Mughal artistry and landscape design.

Achabal Garden, built around 1620 CE by Emperor Jahangir’s wife, Nur Jahan, was later remodeled by Jahanara Begum, daughter of Shah Jahan, between 1634 and 1640. After falling into decay, it was rebuilt on a smaller scale by Gulab Singh and now serves as a public garden. A striking waterfall flowing into a pool forms its central feature. The garden’s famous spring is believed to mark the reappearance of the Bringhi River, whose waters vanish at Wani Divalgam and resurface here, emerging from fissures beneath deodar-covered hills.

Verinag Spring, located in Verinag town at the foot of a pine-covered hill, is regarded as the source of the Jhelum River. Once a shapeless marsh, it was transformed by Emperor Jahangir in 1620 CE into an octagonal stone tank, carved by artisans from Iran, to collect the spring’s clear blue waters. Adjacent to it, Jahangir built a Mughal garden of pre-Islamic significance, later enhanced by Shah Jahan, who added cascades, aqueducts, and baths. The spring still holds crystal-clear water teeming with fish, and Persian inscriptions on its walls recall its royal legacy. Though Jahangir wished to be buried here, the pavilions he once built no longer survive.

Chashme Shahi (meaning Royal Spring) is the smallest of Srinagar’s three famed Mughal gardens, built in 1632 CE by Ali Mardan Khan under the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan as a gift for his son Prince Dara Shikoh. Nestled in the Zabarwan Range near the Raj Bhawan and overlooking Dal Lake, the one-acre garden is laid out around a natural spring. To its east lies Pari Mahal, where Dara Shikoh once studied astrology. With its terraces, fountains, and mountain backdrop, Chashme Shahi remains a serene example of Mughal garden design.