From Shalimar to Agdal: 10 Heavenly Gardens Every Muslim Traveller Should Visit

Close your eyes and picture yourself strolling down a shaded path rich with the scent of roses and lilies. Walk a little further and you’ll find yourself in a place that looks nothing less than a painter’s colour palette — a landscape adorned with flowerbeds and birds of every kind. Yet, no matter what we claim, gardens are more than just quiet escapes — they are your heaven on earth. As perfect blends of beauty, culture, faith, and history, these green havens whisper tales of their own, earnestly waiting to be heard.

So, without further ado, let’s read on to take a walk through some of the world’s most heavenly gardens with Halalzilla.

1. Shalimar Bagh

Image credits: Sayan Samanta | Pexels

This Mughal masterpiece is more than just an artistic statement — it’s an epitome of love and devotion lying in the heart of Kashmir. Widely recognised as the “Crown of Srinagar”, this gem dates back to the 17th century as a timeless testament to art. The presence of poets, scholars, and kings who once sought inspiration here can still be felt across its terraced lawns, exquisite fountains, and towering chinar trees. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Dal Lake sweeps in with its shimmer to prove you wrong.

Address: Northeast of Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Timings: 9am–7pm

2. Eram Garden

Image credits: Alberto Sanchez | Canva Pro

Ask me what Eram Garden is, and I’ll tell you it’s a painter’s masterpiece. And no, that’s not an exaggeration — your senses will back me up. Walk through, and you’ll find the garden greeting every sense like a perfect host. Its Persian roots, meanwhile, reveal themselves in the rustling of 3,000-year-old cypress trees and fragrant flowerbeds. Add to this the dazzling Qajar-era mansion, intricate tilework, and flowing water channels, and Eram becomes more than a garden — it’s a lens of serenity.

Address: Shiraz, Eram Blvd, Iran

Timings: 8am–6.30pm

3. Bagh-e Fin

Image credits: Carsten Brink | Flickr

If Eram Garden is poetry, then Bagh-e Fin is the oldest page of a history book. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built during the Safavid era and stands as one of the oldest Persian gardens. In addition to this, the presence of turquoise pools, a marble pavilion, and centuries-old cypress trees frames its layout with precision. Oh, and this garden holds a little secret of its own — its reliance on the Persian qanat system to run its fountains and water channels. Interesting, no?

Address: Isfahan Province, Kashan, Amir Kabir St, Iran

Timings: 9am–7.30pm

4. Chehel Sotoun Gardens

Image credits: Stargazer | Flickr

I’ll give it to you straight: if you’re looking for a place with the potential to leave you starstruck, then Chehel Sotoun would be your best bet. Originally built by Shah Abbas II, this royal ceremonial site is often famed as the “Palace of Forty Columns”. It lives up to that title because of the twenty wooden columns of the central pavilion, which reflect perfectly in the long pool, creating the illusion of forty. Utterly spellbinding, if you ask me.

Address: Sepah St, Imam Hosein Sq, Isfahan, Iran

Timings: 9am–8.30pm

5. Jardin Majorelle

Image credits: Terry Pridemore | Flickr

Next up is the one that is best known for its cobalt blue walls and peaceful pathways. Nestled in the very heart of Marrakech, the creation of Jardin Majorelle involved a popular French painter, Jacques Majorelle. Today, serving as an oasis of delight, the garden is rich with blooming flowers, shady corners, and water fountains, offering travellers a slice of calm.

Address: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40090, Morocco

Timings: 8am–6.30pm

6. Topkapi Palace Gardens

Image credits: Xristos Bablis | Flickr

The gardens of Topkapi Palace used to be home to the mighty Ottoman Empire. Visit the gardens today and you’ll hear whispers from every corner about the elegance and power of the empire. With its vibrant flowerbeds, peaceful courtyards, and terraces with a spectacular view of the bustling city, you’ll feel yourself tasting history. The gardens are what remains of the empire today, serving as a striking reminder for Muslim travellers about the essence of both beauty and balance in life.

Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Timings: 9am–5pm

7. Andalusian Gardens

Image credits: Mariano | Flickr

The Andalusian Gardens exude an unparalleled sense of intimacy. As a matter of fact, their charm bursts through the fragrance of lemon and orange trees filling the air. To simply call it beautiful would be an understatement. But here’s the only advice I could give you: when you visit, find yourself a shady spot, close your eyes, and let the birdsong carry you away. Thank me later.

Address: 25J7+2VF, Rabat, Morocco

Timings: 10am–6pm

8. Madeira Botanical Garden

Image credits: Sokleine | Flickr

Simply a treat for the eyes — that’s Madeira Botanical Garden. With its sheer variety of plants and rainbow of colours arranged in near-perfect geometric patterns, it’s nature’s gallery. Perched on the hills of Funchal, its mild climate nurtures tropical palms, orchids, and vibrant flowers. It feels like entering a new world of wonder, with expansive views of the ocean at every turn along its cactus-lined paths and orchids.

Address: 9060-345 Funchal, Portugal

Timings: 9am–6pm

9. Shazdeh Garden

Image credits: Irun2Iran official website

With its symbolic layout, Shazdeh Garden is simply a miracle sitting in the heart of the desert. Built during the Qajar dynasty, this global wonder holds significant historical value. Moreover, this lush oasis is fed by a natural spring, where water cascades down a series of stepped pools and fountains — making it nothing short of a utopian vision for visitors.

Address: Mahan, Kerman Province, Iran

Timings: 8am–9pm

10. Agdal Gardens

Image credits: Hg2 | Flickr

Among the oldest surviving gardens, the Agdal Gardens stretch across hundreds of hectares. However, unlike other ornamental gardens, the Almohad dynasty designed them as orchards, filled with orange and olive trees. Walking through its groves makes you realise just how vast Agdal is, making it a living space that feeds both mind and soul.

Address: Routes des remparts, Marrakesh, Morocco

Timings: Open 24 hours

And there you have it! But tell me, if you had the chance, which one of the heavenly gardens would make it onto your bucket list first?