About Achabal Garden
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.
Achabal Garden Highlights
• 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.
How To Reach Achabal Garden
By car/taxi: Achabal Garden is located around 9.3 km away from Anantnag and can be reached easily by car within approximately 2 minutes via NH244 and Islamabad-Chatpal Rd.
Best Time To Visit Achabal Garden
1. Peak Season (Spring: March-May, Autumn: September-November)
- Weather Insights: Mild and pleasant temperatures between spring (10°C–25°C).
- Things to Do: Enjoy nature walks, photography, and admiring the seasonal beauty of the Mughal garden.
2. Moderate Season (Summer: June-August)
- Weather Insights: Warm temperatures between 15°C and 30°C.
- Things to Do: Relax under shady Chinar trees, explore the terraced garden, and enjoy the soothing sound of fountains.
3. Low Season (Winter: December-February)
- Weather Insights: Cold temperatures and occasional snowfall.
- Things to Do: Experience the garden’s winter charm, take peaceful walks, and capture misty landscapes.
Achabal Garden Other Essential Information
- Come in the spring and summer to see the garden at its most beautiful.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a considerable amount of walking in the garden.
- Bring water and small snacks with you because there isn't much food nearby.
- While photography is generally permitted, please be mindful of any area-specific regulations.
- Avoid making loud noises and speak quietly to preserve a calm mood.
- Check the weather before you go, because rain could affect your trip.
- Pay attention to visitors who are older or have trouble moving around, as some places may have uneven paths.
Walk Through the Mughal Charbagh Layout
Step into the garden and explore its four terraced levels, each built in an ascending order. Walk along the stone pathways lined with chinar trees and symmetrical flowerbeds. Observe how the garden follows the classic Persian Charbagh style, with water channels dividing the landscape into geometric sections. This is just one of many beautiful places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir that showcases the region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Explore the Mughal-Era Hammam
See the remains of the Hammam from the Mughal dynasty, which was constructed under Noor Jahan's direction. Built of brick and stone, this royal bathhouse once had an advanced water heating system. Imagine how the Mughal royal family used to relax inside this structure as you look at its intricate design.
Tourism Board Alliances
Achabal Garden FAQs
What is the Achabal Garden famous for?
The natural spring that flows through Achabal Garden and supplies water to several fountains is the garden's most well-known feature. The spring water pours out of a small hole and stays cool and refreshing. It's so well-known that Abul Fazl, in Ain-i-Akbari, referred to its strong fountain that shoots water towards the sky.
Who constructed Achabal?
The Mughal Empress Noor Jahan constructed the Achabal Garden around 1620. With terraces, fountains, and a central spring, it was created in the Persian Charbagh style. Maharaja Ranbir Singh later restored the garden, which had served as a royal retreat.
Which district is Achabal in?
Achabal is located in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. It's about 6 km from the town of Anantnag. The region is well-known for its Mughal gardens and natural springs.
What is the history of Achabal Spring?
The Achabal Spring comes from Sonsanwar Hill, and Emperor Jehangir transformed it by changing its location. Its actual source is thought to be the Brengi Nallah, which disappears into limestone fissures in Dewalgam.
What is the Achabal garden in autumn?
In the fall, Achabal Garden is a riot of color as the leaves change to orange, yellow, and red. The walks in the garden are covered with leaves from the tall chinar trees. A picturesque scene is created as the vibrant colors are reflected in the canals and fountains. The cool air makes the yard peaceful and fun to explore.
Which Indian cities offer the smoothest travel experience for Kashmir tour packages?
Cities with direct connectivity to Srinagar, well-managed airport facilities, and frequent flight options offer the most seamless travel to Kashmir. If you're planning a visit, here are some of the top cities in India that make starting your Kashmir tour package easy and hassle-free:
- Starting your Kashmir tour package from Delhi? Delhi is a prime gateway with multiple daily flights to Srinagar and Jammu. Its excellent airport access and short flight duration make it an ideal starting point for a smooth and quick Kashmir getaway.
- Considering Kashmir tour packages from Mumbai? Mumbai offers strong air connectivity with several non-stop flights daily, making it perfect for planning trips during high-demand seasons like winter snowfall or spring tulip bloom.
- Kashmir tour packages from Chennai are well-supported with smooth flight options and trusted service providers, ensuring a comfortable journey into the tranquil landscapes of Kashmir.
Each of these cities also offers flexible Kashmir tour plans — from romantic houseboat stays and snowy adventures in Gulmarg to scenic shikara rides in Dal Lake and peaceful retreats in Pahalgam—making it easy to find a package that suits your travel style.
.jpg)
