Shalimar Gardens, Lahore

Name: Shalimar Gardens
Address: Lahore, Pakistan

#5 among attractions in Lahore

Unesco, Park, Relax in park, Top attraction

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Muhammad Ashar / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Aunzee / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ibnazhar / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Muh.Ashar / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Muh.Ashar / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Ali imran se / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Aunzee / URL

Facts and practical information

The Shalimar Gardens, a historic park located in the bustling city of Lahore, Pakistan, stand as a testament to the grandeur of the Mughal era. This magnificent garden, constructed in 1641 under the patronage of Emperor Shah Jahan, is known for its intricate design and historical significance. Spread over approximately 80 acres, the gardens reflect the epitome of Mughal garden design with its elaborate water features, terraces, and a variety of flora.

The layout of the Shalimar Gardens is based on the Persian gardens concept, which aims to create a representation of an earthly utopia in which humans coexist in perfect harmony with all elements of nature. Central to the garden's design are the three descending terraces named Farah Baksh (Bestower of Pleasure), Faiz Baksh (Bestower of Goodness), and Hayat Baksh (Bestower of Life), which are adorned with a collection of fountains, waterfalls, and canals. These terraces were meant to symbolize the three levels of paradise and are lined with a variety of trees and flowers, creating a tranquil escape from the urban sprawl of Lahore.

The Shalimar Gardens are renowned for their elaborate marble structures and romanticized ambiance. The pavilions, which are spread throughout the garden, exhibit the fine craftsmanship of Mughal architects and artisans. The gardens also feature a large number of fountains, over 400 by some counts, which were once fed by the waters of the nearby Ravi River through a complex system of canals. This feature is especially captivating during the evening light and sound show when the fountains are illuminated, and the water dances to the rhythm of music.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the Shalimar Gardens are a precious relic of Lahore's cultural and historical legacy. They not only illustrate the sophistication of Mughal horticulture but also serve as a social and cultural hub for the citizens of Lahore. Visitors flock to the gardens to enjoy picnics, casual strolls, or to simply sit and admire the beauty of the surroundings.

Local name: شالامار باغ Unesco: from 1981Elevation: 705 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 31°35'14"N, 74°22'55"E

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Lahore Pakistan

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Day trips

Shalimar Gardens – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan, Tomb of Dai Anga, Tomb of Anarkali, Tomb of Jani Khan.

1.4 miSW
Tomb
Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan, Lahore
37 min walk • The Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan is a Mughal era tomb in the city of Lahore, Pakistan that was built in the 1630s.
1.2 miSW
Mosque
Tomb of Dai Anga, Lahore
32 min walk • The Tomb of Dai Anga, also known as the Gulabi Bagh, is a 17th-century Mughal tomb complex located in the Mughal-era suburb of Begampura, outside the Walled City of Lahore, Pakistan.
1.2 miSW
Mausoleum
Tomb of Anarkali, Lahore
32 min walk • The Tomb of Anarkali is an octagonal 16th century Mughal monument in Lahore, capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab.
0.8 miSW
Memorial
Tomb of Jani Khan, Lahore
20 min walk • Tomb of Jani Khan, or Khan-i-Khanan, is a historical tomb of Jani Khan. It is situated in Baghbanpura, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. The tomb was constructed during the Mughal rule in South Asia. Jani Khan was the father-in-law of Moin-ul-Mulk, the Mughal governor, who died in 1778. There are three graves inside the tomb.