Enter a hidden oasis from the noisy, dusty streets of a bustling Indian city in the age of the Mughal Empire with the Char Bagh Garden.
Char Bagh gardens are inspired by the four gardens of paradise described in Islam’s holy book, the Quran. These are gardens of the desert, where precious water brings forth carpets of flowers and trickles down channels to cool the air. Our Char Bagh is based on a riverside garden from the north of India during the Mughal Empire. This is a garden to linger in, as if you’ve found refuge from the heat and bustle of a dusty north Indian city in the 17th century.
Paradise
Ticket Required
Best viewed: all seasons
Easily accessible
Colourful blooms
Popular with kids
Highlights Tour available
Audio Guide available
What you'll find in the Indian Char Bagh Garden
Visit the Char Bagh Garden to experience true relaxation.
- A Persian style carpet of many coloured flowers.
- Sacred symmetry and complex symbolism with ancient roots in Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.
- Bubbling or trickling water designed to preserve this precious resource.
Background of the Indian Char Bagh Garden
All is calm here amid burbling water, carpets of flowers, and the sacred symmetry of its design.
Experience a garden that's not just beautiful, but also a symbol of the entire universe. That's the magic of the Char Bagh (four gardens), also known as the "Universal Garden." This incredible style spread across the Muslim world over centuries, leaving its mark on major religions like Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.
Think back to the powerful Mughal emperors, descendants of Genghis Khan. As they expanded their empire eastward, they brought not just their faith, but also the stunning Persian garden design to India. Imagine vibrant gardens built for royalty, filled with refreshing water features to combat the hot, dry climate.
But these gardens weren't just for show. They were secret havens, bursting with the sweet scent of flowers and the calming sounds of trickling water. Picture yourself relaxing in a cool pavilion, watching fluffy clouds drift past white towers, and listening to the gentle splash of fountains. Feeling peaceful already, right?
The best part? You don't have to travel all the way to Asia to experience this magic. And if you ever find yourself near Agra, India, check out Lal Mahal, the hunting palace that served as inspiration for Hamilton's Char Bagh – a true connection across history.