Tags
1580s, Afghani pulao, Aurangzeb, baara daari pavilion, cafes, canals, Emperor Akbar, fountains, hamaam, Hasan Abdal, Jehangir, karahi gosht –Afghani naan, Mughals, Muhammad Arsalaan, pools, Raja Maan Singh, recreational spots, rest house, roasted chicken, Rohu fish, Shah Jehan, shanwari restaurants, Wah Gardens
One of several ‘swimming pools’ at Wah Gardens
The impressive Wah Gardens were established during the Mughal era; located 47 kilometres from Islamabad they are easily accessible via GT Road, and are one of the most frequented recreational spots during the summer months. The Gardens were inaugurated during the 1580s by Raja Maan Singh, a general stationed at Wah during Emperor Akbar’s reign. Maan Singh and his army stayed in Wah because of the stream that flowed through the area; he also built a swimming pool and a small rest house there.
Water canals meander through the ruins
A royal rest house… In 1639, Shah Jehan stopped at Wah Gardens on his way to Kabul. He was so enthralled by the place that he had an architect transform the picturesque spot into an enclosed garden replete with fountains, canals, warm and hot water pools, a baara daari pavilion (with 12 arched doors), a hamaam, as well as a full-fledged rest house. Wah Gardens continued to serve as a rest stop for the Mughal emperors on the way to Kabul. Continue reading
