Srinagar's three Mughal Gardens — built by Mughal emperors who called Kashmir 'paradise on Earth' — are terraced masterpieces of Persian-style landscaping. Nishat Bagh (Garden of Joy, 1633) is the largest, with 12 terraces representing the 12 zodiac signs cascading down to Dal Lake. Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love, 1619) was Emperor Jahangir's gift to Empress Nur Jahan, with black marble pavilions and hundreds of fountains. Chashme Shahi (Royal Spring, 1632) is the smallest and most intimate, built around a natural mountain spring believed to have healing properties. All three offer stunning views of Dal Lake and the snow-capped Zabarwan range.

What makes this place special

Twelve cascading terraces representing the zodiac signs, each planted differently, descending toward Dal Lake with fountains and water channels connecting every level.

The black marble pavilion where Emperor Jahangir held court, surrounded by 410 fountains and a central water channel — built as a love gift for Empress Nur Jahan.

A natural mountain spring flowing through the smallest Mughal garden, believed to have digestive healing properties — visitors queue to fill bottles with its clear, cold water.