Shalimar Gardens

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

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Shalimar Gardens in Lahore is a living poem in stone, water, and greenery—a Mughal-era masterpiece that captures the essence of paradise on Earth. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641 and completed in just 18 months, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Persian-style Charbagh design, where symmetry, water, and nature converge in perfect harmony.

The gardens are laid out across three descending terraces:

• Farah Baksh (“Bestower of Pleasure”) – the uppermost level, once reserved for the royal harem.
• Faiz Baksh (“Bestower of Goodness”) – the emperor’s private garden, rich with fountains and marble cascades.
• Hayat Baksh (“Bestower of Life”) – the lowest terrace, open to nobles and occasionally the public.

Each terrace is adorned with pavilions, reflecting pools, and a total of 410 fountains, engineered with such precision that even modern hydrologists marvel at their design. The gardens were irrigated by a canal system stretching over 100 miles, bringing water from the foothills of Kashmir.