Introduction:
Lahore city is the second largest city of Pakistan and is known as a famous tourist attraction due to its culture, history and splendid old architecture showcasing Mughal, Sikh and Colonial era.
Alongside Lahore Fort & Badshahi Mosque, Shaimar Garden is an important landmark in Lahore that is a living testament of its legendary past and remains crowded all through the year. In 1981. Shalimar Garden was included in the list of UNESCO World’s Heritage Sites.
Mesmerizing fountains, breathtaking foliage and exquisitely designed Baradaries and Pavilions make Shalimar Garden a famous tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists. It also serves as a popular recreation spot for the residents of Lahore city.
Historical Background:
The Shalimar Gardens Complex was built as a venue for the entertainment of the Mughal royal family, guests, noblemens and occasionally for the general public. The construction of this splendid Garden complex was started on 12th June, 1641 and it was completed in 1642 at a cost of six hundred thousands.
Much of the marble of the garden complex was pillaged during the Sikh era and it was used to decorate the Golden Temple in Amritsar. In 1806, Shalimar Garden was repaired on the order of Mahraja Ranjit Singh. Shalimar Garden is spread over an area of 40 acres (16 hectares).
This land was in the ownership of the Arian Mian family of Baghbanpura and it was ceded to emperor Shah Jahan for the construction of a garden. After completion,Shah Jahan granted the governance of the garden to the Arian Mian Family, It remained under their custodianship for 350 years until gardens were nationalized in 1962 by General Ayub Khan.
Before 1958, the Annual Mela Chirghan Festival used to take place in Shalimar Garden.
Architecture & Layout:
Shalimar Garden comprises three terraces with lush green grass, beautiful flower beds and fountains and each terrace is elevated 4.5 meters (13-15 feet) above the other.
The design of this stunning gardens is of persian style charbagh and is influenced by the older Shalimar Garden located in Kashmir that was built by the emperor Jahangir (Shah Jahan’s father) in 1620.
All terraces of Shalimar Garden are divided into multiple sections using fountains. The uppermost terrace of the garden is called Farah Bakhsh and it was reserved for female members of the royal family.
The middle level terrace is known as Faiz Bakhsh and it was the emperor’s garden and contains the most elaborate waterworks of any mughal garden.. The lowest terrace called Hayat Bakhsh and main entrance of the Shalimar Garden during Mughal era was through this level.
Water Features:
Shalimar Garden Complex contains 410 fountains. The upper most terrace has 105 fountains, the middle & lower terrace have 152 and 153 fountains respectively. The garden has 5 water cascades that includes Sawan Bhadoon and Great Marble Cascades.
Due to its dense foliage and extensive water features, the garden was a source of relief in the hot summer season for the royal family due to the coolness created by the garden’s fountains.
Buildings of Shalimar Garden:
The buildings of the garden feature the signature art work of Mughal era. Notables structures in the Shalimar Garden includes:
- Aramgah or Resting Area
- Sawan Bhadun Pavilion
- Khawabgah of Begum Sahiba (dream place of emperor’s wife)
- Hammam (Royal Baths)
- Naqar Khana & Its Buildings
- Baradaries (Summer Pavilions to enjoy coolness created by fountains)
- Khawabgah (Sleeping Chambers)
- Diwan – e – Khas – o – Aam (Hall of special and ordinary audience with the emperor)
- The Aiwan (Grand Hall)
- Two Gateways
- Minarets in the corner of the garden
Visiting Information & Travel Tips:
Location:
The Shalimar Garden is located along Grand Trunk Road in Lahore city just 8.7 KM from Lahore Fort. It is just 2 minutes walk from Shalimar Orange Train Metro Station.
Entry Fee & Opening Hours:
As per August 2025, entry fee is Rs. 30/- for local tourists and Rs. 500/- for foreign tourists. It is the most affordable tourist place in Lahore for family picnics. Shalimar Garden can be visited on any day of week between 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. (There may be a slightly difference in opening hours during Winter & Summer)
Parking Facility:
A designated Parking area is available separately for bikes & vehicles. As per August, 2025, parking fee is as under:
Bike: Rs. 30/-
Car/ Pick Up: Rs. 100/-
Van/ Bus/ Coaster: Rs. 200/-
Food Options Nearby:
Small tuckshops are available in Shalimar Garden for snacks. If you are fond of typical Pakistani cousine, I must suggest visiting Lakshmi Chowk or Fort Road Food Street which are located at a distance of 8.5 KM & 9 KM respectively.
Conclusion:
If you have not visited the Shalimar Garden during your visit to Lahore, then i must say your visit is not complete. Do not forget to include Shalimar Garden as a must visit place during your next trip to Lahore.