The Mughal gardens of Kashmir are built to a strict Persian plan: terraces stepping down the hillside, a central water channel fed by mountain springs, and chinar trees framing the view across Dal Lake. Shalimar Bagh was laid out by Jahangir for Nur Jahan, Nishat Bagh climbs twelve terraces to the Zabarwan hills, and Pari Mahal sits highest of all. They are at their best in spring, when the tulips and blossom come out, and again in autumn when the chinars turn gold.
