Kashmir is home to lush Mughal Gardens, which are well worth a visit. Brightly coloured flower beds, cascading fountains, and stretches of lawn create a mini paradise, which are influenced by the formal gardens of Central Asia and Persia. The smallest of Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens is Cheshmashahi. Built above the city, it offers spectacular views and features a natural water spring, housed in a stone pavilion.

Nishat, the largest garden, was built by Empress Nur Jahan’s brother and has seven terraces. A series of stone pavilions, Chinar trees, and flower beds form the Shalimar Garden, built by Emporer Jahangir as a garden of love. Constructed around a small spring, in dedication of a Sufi teacher, Pari Mahal Garden features exotic plants and the ruins of a once-charming building. Located on the hillside, it can be seen from Srinagar city, dazzling with lights after dark.