The spring pavilion
Where the water rises. Bring a bottle — it is free and locals swear by it.
The royal spring
Chashme Shahi
The smallest of the Mughal gardens, built in 1632 around a natural spring whose water locals still bottle and drink. A short, pretty stop on the way up to Pari Mahal.
Srinagar districtAbout 9 km from Lal Chowk · 20–25 min from Srinagar
Chashme Shahi — the Royal Spring — was built in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan, governor under Shah Jahan, around a freshwater spring on the hillside above Dal Lake. At roughly an acre it is the smallest of Srinagar’s Mughal gardens, and the most intimate.
The spring is the point. It rises inside a small stone pavilion at the top of the garden, then runs down through three terraces in channels and fountains. Many visitors fill a bottle: the water has long been believed to aid digestion, and Kashmiris will tell you it is the best drinking water in the city.
Planning around it
Thirty to forty minutes is plenty here. The road continues uphill to Pari Mahal, and the two are always visited together. The garden lies close to the Raj Bhavan area, so expect a security check at the gate and keep your ID handy.
Most travellers see Chashme Shahi as part of a garden half day with Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. It is included in the Srinagar sightseeing day on all our packages.
Things to do
What to see in Chashme Shahi
The three terraces
Compact and well kept, with views down to the lake between the trees.
Best time to visit
April to October. Spring flowers peak in April and May. Open daily from morning until sunset; there is a small entry ticket.
How to reach
- From Lal Chowk or Dalgate — about 9 km via the Boulevard and a short climb, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Then — continue 2 km uphill to Pari Mahal, or down to Nishat Bagh.
Tour packages
All packagesAdd Chashme Shahi to a Kashmir package
Best Seller4N / 5D
Kashmir 4N/5D — Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg & Pahalgam
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · Pahalgam
The complete valley circuit with deluxe stays on MAP plan, a private vehicle throughout and an hour on Dal Lake by shikara.
- Dal Lake Shikara
- Gulmarg
- Sonamarg
- Pahalgam
Starting from₹27,200total, all inclusive
Houseboat Stay5N / 6D
Kashmir 5N/6D with Pahalgam Stay & Deluxe Houseboat
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · Pahalgam · Dal Lake
Adds a night in Pahalgam and a night aboard a deluxe Dal Lake houseboat to the classic valley circuit.
- Deluxe Houseboat
- Pahalgam Stay
- Shikara Ride
- Private Sedan
Starting from₹29,700total, all inclusive
Budget Romance4N / 5D
Glimpse of Kashmir — 4N/5D Honeymoon
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · Pahalgam
Deluxe houseboat, shikara ride, candlelight dinner and cake across the four main valley stops.
- Deluxe Houseboat
- Shikara Ride
- Candle Dinner
- Cake
Starting from₹36,645total, all inclusive
Questions
Visiting Chashme Shahi
Kashmir is beautiful all year round. Spring (March–May) is ideal for tulip gardens and blossoming orchards. Summer (June–August) offers lush green valleys perfect for sightseeing. Autumn (September–November) brings stunning golden foliage. Winter (December–February) is magical for snowfall and skiing in Gulmarg.
Absolutely. Every Kashmir tour package we offer can be customised to match your preferences, group size, budget and travel dates. Simply contact us with your requirements and we will design the perfect Kashmir itinerary for you.
Srinagar district
All destinationsMore places to visit in Srinagar
- SrinagarThe summer capital
- Dal LakeJewel in the crown of Kashmir
- Shalimar BaghJahangir’s garden for Nur Jahan
- Nishat BaghThe garden of delight
- Pari MahalThe palace of fairies
- Tulip GardenAsia’s largest tulip garden
- Shankaracharya TempleThe hilltop Shiva temple
- Hazratbal ShrineThe white marble shrine on Dal Lake
- Jamia MasjidThe great mosque of the old city
- Nigeen LakeThe quiet side of Dal
- Dachigam National ParkHome of the Kashmir stag
- BadamwariThe almond garden in spring
- Zero BridgeThe old wooden bridge on the Jhelum
- BurzahomKashmir’s Neolithic village
- HarwanGarden, reservoir and Buddhist ruins
- Hari ParbatThe fort hill of the old city
- Khanqah-e-MoulaThe papier-mâché shrine on the Jhelum
- Pathar MasjidNur Jahan’s stone mosque
- SPS MuseumKashmir’s oldest museum
- Hokersar WetlandWinter home of migratory birds
- Badshah TombA 15th-century royal tomb
Nearby
Other places in the valley
The palace of fairies
Pari Mahal
The garden of delight
Nishat Bagh
Jahangir’s garden for Nur Jahan
Shalimar Bagh
Jewel in the crown of Kashmir