Achabal Garden, Kashmir

1. Opening hours: Open daily 9 AM - 7 PM

2. Prime Day & Hours: Weekends and weekends, 9 AM - 12 PM

3. Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours

4. Tickets: Offline Ticket Counter

5. Nearest Railway Station: Anantnag Railway Station, about 20 kilometres away

6. Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR), approximately 67 kilometres away.

7. Nearest Bus Stop: Anantnag Bus Station, approximately 13 kilometers away.

Achabal Garden is a well-preserved Mughal garden in Kashmir that is situated in the Anantnag district. It was constructed in the early 1600s in the classic chahar bagh style by Empress Nur Jahan. Three terraces make up the park, and water from a natural spring at the top supplies fountains and pools. You can stroll alongside the mainstream here, passing by two pavilions (baradaris) that offer places to rest in the shade. Take in the unique views from each terrace, including the third terrace's zenana garden, which was originally an isolated spot for royal ladies. 

See the garden's several pools, where several fountains create a calm ambiance. Observe how the water is guided through chadars — stone ramps that lend the water flow a unique, elegant look. Majestic chinar trees border the area, adding to its scenic charm. An exquisite example of Mughal architecture, Achabal Garden offers a serene, picturesque setting that’s perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. You can explore this hidden gem as part of many Kashmir tour packages, which often include stops at iconic destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Srinagar, along with visits to such lesser-known yet beautiful spots.

Why Visit Achabal Garden?

• In 1620, the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan ordered the construction of Achabal Garden, which was formerly called Begumabad before being renamed "Sahebabad" during the Mughal era.

• According to tradition, Noor Jahan built a Hammam and pavilions here, and Jahangir spent time there admiring its beauty.

• In ancient Hindu literature, such as the Nilmat Purana, Achabal's spring is referred to as "Achabal-naag," indicating its deep religious value.

• Achabal served as a retreat for the Mughal emperors, who planted poplar and chinar trees there, creating a green Kashmiri paradise.

• As mentioned in Ain-i-Akbari, the garden's fountains were famous for being very cool and pure and thought to have healing powers.

• It is thought that the Bringhi River, which suddenly disappears near Wani Divalgam and resurfaces in Achabal, is the garden's rare source of water.

• Visit the Achabal Garden, a Mughal wonder situated at the base of the Himalayas on terraced terrain with abundant greenery and gushing fountains.
• Explore the garden's three different terraces, dotted with dense Chinar trees, fountain-filled pools, and flowing water.
• Admire the garden's unique chadar system, which uses engraved water ramps to move water between terraces and produce breathtaking visual displays.
• Appreciate the beautiful baradari pavilions on each terrace, particularly the two-story pavilion that extends the pools and adds architectural beauty.
• Explore the Zenana terrace, a private space with a women's pool that is surrounded by lovely water channels and pavilions.