Nishat garden, the garden of Delight, the largest Mughal Garden on Dal-Lake was laid out by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir,in the year 1632 A.D.
It is located on Dal-Lake about 2.5 Kilometers to the south of Shalimar and commands a magnificent view in the west and has a panoramic back drop of mountains in the East. The garden had originally 12 terraces. Enchanting central water channel, rippling fountains in large tanks and channels and sparkling cascades amidst bountiful colours, lush lawns and mighty chinars are principal features of this pleasure garden. The garden is spread over an area of about 20 ha.
This garden of the royal spring was built in 1642 A.D.by Ali Mardan Khan,the Governor of Kashmir during the reign of Emperor Shah ]ahan. It is a terraced garden situated 9 Km away from Srinagar and about 2 Km up from the main road in a mountain side over-looking Dal-Lake. Fountains play in the central water channel starting from the famed spring located in the upper most terrace.
It is famous for its pure, sparkling and cool mineral water. To cope up with the ever-increasing tourist traffic the garden has been extended in recent years. It has also been lit recently with multicolored garden lights. This has proved an added attraction for tourists as well as 1ocals. The garden extends over an area of 6.20 ha.