Wah Gardens — Attraction in Taxila Tehsil

Nestled amidst the historical charm of Wah village, the Wah Gardens, also known as Mughal Garden Wah, is a true gem that invites you to step back in time while basking in nature's embrace. As an avid traveler and history enthusiast, my recent visit to this enchanting garden-complex left me thoroughly captivated.

Steeped in the legacy of the Mughal era, Wah Gardens transports you to a bygone era when the illustrious Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great reigned. The meticulously preserved architecture and design elements offer a tantalizing glimpse into the past. The intricate carvings, sprawling courtyards, and architectural wonders pay homage to the impeccable craftsmanship of that era.

The heart of this oasis is undoubtedly the picturesque lake that graces the center of the garden. As I gazed upon its tranquil waters, I felt a sense of serenity washing over me. The reflections of the surrounding greenery on the water's surface created a mesmerizing tableau, making it a perfect spot for contemplation and quietude.

The Pakistan Department of Archaeology deserves commendation for its dedicated efforts in restoring this historical treasure. The gradual revival of the garden from its state of disrepair is evident, with careful attention paid to preserving its authenticity. However, like any historical site undergoing restoration, there's room for improvement.

Upon arrival, it's impossible not to notice the lushness and vibrancy of the plant life that adorns the garden. The lush greenery and vibrant blossoms paint a stunning portrait of nature's artistry. While strolling through the garden's pathways, I couldn't help but be charmed by the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves—a true symphony of nature.

It's worth mentioning that the garden isn't just a haven for history enthusiasts; it also offers recreational activities for families. During the summer season, the opportunity to cool off in the inviting waters is a welcomed respite. However, it's disheartening to witness some visitors disregard the rules, such as swimming in the pool when prohibited. Responsible tourism is crucial to preserving the sanctity of such a place.

The presence of a small canteen adds a convenient touch, offering refreshments to visitors. Though the menu is limited, a few snacks and cold drinks suffice to keep energy levels up during exploration.

In terms of management and maintenance, there is room for improvement. Cleanliness, particularly around the ponds, could be enhanced to elevate the overall experience. A dedicated effort towards mosquito control would also enhance the comfort of visitors, ensuring that they can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings.

For those who appreciate history, nature, and the melding of the two, Wah Gardens stands as a must-visit destination. While there are areas that could benefit from more meticulous attention, the allure of the garden's historical significance and natural splendor remains undeniable. With the potential to become a premier tourist destination, I hope to see continued efforts in its preservation and enhancement.

In conclusion, a visit to Wah Gardens is a journey through time and a communion with nature. This living testament to the Mughal legacy is a treasure trove of beauty and history, inviting all who pass through its gates to become a part of...

Mughal Gardens Wah is a classical example of Mughal architecture. It is a garden-complex dating back to the era of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great (1542-1605), located at Wah village, of Hasan Abdal, in Punjab, Pakistan. The site was largely abandoned after Mughal rule, and largely lies in ruins today. The gardens are in the old village of Wah, close to the present garrison town of Wah, located 50 km north west of Islamabad on the main Grand Trunk Road. Raja Man Singh, brother-in-law of Emperor Jahangir, was a court chief of Emperor Akbar, and is credited with construction of the gardens along the old route from Lahore to Srinagar. He was posted at Wah from the year 1581 to 1586 to stop enemy incursions. During his stay he made a pond surrounded by a structure of twelve doors. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir while on his way to Kabul stayed here on 29 April 1607 and went fishing in the pond. Indeed, the present old village of Wah was originally called 'Jalal Sar' after Jalal Khan Khattar but was renamed 'Wah' by Jahangir. He wrote in his autobiography "Stayed at Baba Hasanabdal on 12th Muharram, 1016 A.D. At about two miles on the eastern side of this place there is a waterfall. The water falls with great speed. The center of the pond has the main exiting of the waterfall. Raja Maan Singh has made a very little building. There is a lot of fish in the pond having a length of quarter yard. I stayed at this beautiful place for three days. I put the net in the pond and caught about 10 to 12 fish. These fish were again dropped in the water after sewing pearls in their noses". The Emperor Shah Jahan stayed at Wah while on his way to Kabul in 1639. He called his central construction department and ordered the reconstruction of the buildings. Ahmed Maamar Lahoree, a famous architect of those days, planned out the gardens, palaces and inns. The construction was performed under his supervision and took two years. The garden was made in the Mughal construction style. He made beautiful twelve door structures, canals and waterfalls. He made bathrooms having mixture of cold and hot water at the southern end of these twelve-door structures. The inner portion of the structures has been plastered. The walls of the smaller rooms have been decorated with flowers and petals. Shah Jahan stayed at the gardens on his trips to Kabul four times after their completion: in 1646, 1647, 1649, and 1654. Contemporaries of Shah Jahan, namely Abdul Hameed Lahoree and Muhammad Saleh Kamboh, declared the garden as a trustee of heaven and substitute for heaven's garden on earth. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb stayed at the garden in July 1676. The garden was badly damaged in the era of the Durrani Empire (1747–1826) and later Sikh rule (1826-1849). After the annexation of the Punjab, the British Government handed over the gardens to Nawab Muhammad Hayat Khan,...

Raja Man Singh, brother-in-law of Emperor Jahangir, was a court chief of Emperor Akbar, and is credited with construction of the gardens along the old route from Lahore to Srinagar.He was posted at Wah from the year 1581 to 1586 to stop enemy incursions. During his stay he made a pond surrounded by a structure of twelve doors. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir while on his way to Kabul stayed here on 29 April 1607 and went fishing in the pond. Indeed, the present old village of Wah was originally called 'Jalal Sar' after Jalal Khan Khattar but was renamed 'Wah' by Jahangir.

He wrote in his autobiography (translation): "Stayed at Baba Hasanabdal on 12th Muharram, 1016 A.D. At about two miles on the eastern side of this place there is a waterfall. The water falls with great speed. The center of the pond has the main exiting of the waterfall. Raja Maan Singh has made a very little building. There is a lot of fish in the pond having a length of quarter yard. I stayed at this beautiful place for three days. I put the net in the pond and caught about 10 to 12 fish. These fish were again dropped in the water after sewing pearls in their noses".

The Emperor Shah Jahan stayed at Wah while on his way to Kabul in 1639. He called his central construction department and ordered the reconstruction of the buildings. Ahmed Maamar Lahoree, a famous architect of those days, planned out the gardens, palaces and inns. The construction was performed under his supervision and took two years. The garden was made in the Mughal construction style. He made beautiful twelve door structures, canals and waterfalls. He made bathrooms having mixture of cold and hot water at the southern end of these twelve-door structures. The inner portion of the structures has been plastered. The walls of the smaller rooms have been decorated with flowers and petals.

Shah Jahan stayed at the gardens on his trips to Kabul four times after their completion: in 1646, 1647, 1649, and 1654. Contemporaries of Shah Jahan, namely Abdul Hameed Lahoree and Muhammad Saleh Kamboh, declared the garden as a trustee of heaven and substitute for heaven's garden on earth.

The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb stayed at the garden in July 1676. The garden was badly damaged in the era of the Durrani Empire (1747–1826) and later Sikh rule (1826-1849). After the annexation of the Punjab, the British Government handed over the gardens to Nawab Muhammad Hayat Khan,...