The Shalimar Gardens (Shalamar Bagh) on GT Road in Baghbanpura are the Mughal pleasure gardens laid out by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641 to 1642. They have three descending terraces and about 410 fountains, and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Lahore Fort since 1981. Plan 1 to 1.5 hours. The gardens open daily from the morning to early evening, and the entry fee is small for Pakistanis. The Orange Line’s Shalamar Garden station is a short walk away.
شالامار باغ
شالامار باغ جی ٹی روڈ باغبانپورہ میں شاہ جہاں نے 1641 اور 1642 میں بنوایا۔ اس کے تین درجے اور تقریباً 410 فوارے ہیں اور یہ 1981 سے یونیسکو کے عالمی ورثے میں شامل ہے۔ اورنج لائن کا شالامار گارڈن اسٹیشن قریب ہے۔
Quick facts
Where: GT Road, Baghbanpura, about 8 to 9 km north-east of the Walled City.
Built: 1641 to 1642 under Shah Jahan, inspired by Mughal gardens in Kashmir.
Hours: daily, morning to early evening (reported 8 AM to 6 PM; shorter in winter light).
Entry: a small ticket for Pakistanis, higher for foreigners; pay at the gate.
Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours.
The three terraces
| Terrace | Name and meaning | Fountains | اردو |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | Farah Bakhsh, “Bestower of Pleasure”, once the royal harem garden | 105 | فرح بخش |
| Middle | Faiz Bakhsh, “Bestower of Goodness”, reserved for the emperor | 152 | فیض بخش |
| Lower | Hayat Bakhsh, “Bestower of Life”, where nobles and guests entered | 153 | حیات بخش |
Each terrace sits roughly 13 to 15 feet above the next. Water ran down marble cascades (the chadar) and through a central canal, cooling the air in Lahore’s summer. Look for the marble throne platform over the middle tank, the Sawan Bhadon pavilion with its water wall, and the restored brick and tile gateways.
A short history
- Construction began in 1641 under Shah Jahan, with work supervised by his nobles; it took about 18 months.
- For more than 350 years the Arain Mian family of Baghbanpura served as custodians of the gardens.
- After Mughal rule declined, marble and fittings were stripped; Maharaja Ranjit Singh repaired the gardens in the early 1800s.
- The gardens hosted the famous Mela Chiraghan (Festival of Lamps) for Shah Hussain until 1958, when the fair moved to his shrine nearby.
- UNESCO listed the gardens, with Lahore Fort, in 1981.
مختصر تاریخ
شاہ جہاں کے دور میں 1641 میں تعمیر شروع ہوئی۔ باغبانپورہ کا میاں خاندان ساڑھے تین سو سال سے زیادہ اس کا نگران رہا۔ رنجیت سنگھ نے اس کی مرمت کروائی اور 1958 تک یہاں میلہ چراغاں لگتا رہا۔
How to get there
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Orange Line | Get off at Shalamar Garden station on GT Road and walk to the gate. The line also stops at UET and Baghbanpura. |
| Ride hailing or taxi | About 25 to 40 minutes from the Mall, depending on traffic. Set the pin to “Shalimar Gardens main gate, GT Road”. |
| From the Walled City | Combine with Jahangir’s Tomb in Shahdara for a half-day Mughal tour. |
Tips for visitors
- Go in the morning on a weekday. Families crowd in on weekends and public holidays.
- The fountains do not always run; ask at the gate. They are most likely on during holidays and special events.
- Carry cash for the ticket and snacks.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the terraces have steps and uneven paving.
- Respect the heritage: no climbing on cascades or walls.
Shalimar Gardens and Basant
Baghbanpura, the neighbourhood around the gardens, was one of the five licensed kite markets during Basant 2026, along with Mochi Gate, Mozang, Liberty and Shahdara. If you visit the gardens during Basant 2027 (29 January to 7 February), you can buy approved kites and string from licensed sellers nearby. Kite flying is not allowed inside the heritage gardens.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Shalimar Gardens timings?
The gardens open daily from the morning to early evening (reported as 8 AM to 6 PM). In winter they close earlier with the light, so arrive by early afternoon.
سوال: شالامار باغ کے اوقات کیا ہیں؟
باغ روزانہ صبح سے شام تک کھلا رہتا ہے، سردیوں میں جلد بند ہو جاتا ہے، اس لیے دوپہر تک پہنچیں۔
How many fountains are in Shalimar Gardens?
About 410: 105 on the upper terrace, 152 on the middle terrace and 153 on the lower terrace.
Who built the Shalimar Gardens?
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in 1641 to 1642.
سوال: شالامار باغ کس نے بنوایا؟
مغل بادشاہ شاہ جہاں نے 1641 اور 1642 میں۔
How do I get to the Shalimar Gardens by Orange Line?
Take the Orange Line to Shalamar Garden station on GT Road and walk to the main gate.
Can I fly kites at the Shalimar Gardens?
No. Kite flying is not allowed in protected heritage gardens. Use a licensed rooftop or an official kite flying park.
Sources and updates
Last checked: 13 October 2026. Fees and timings are the latest published figures we could find; WCLA and site managers revise them without notice, so confirm at the counter before you go.