Aam Khas Bagh

Aam Khas Bagh translates to the Garden of the Ordinary (Aam) and privileged (Khas). The present-day Aam Khas Bagh comprises of the remnants of a highway inn that was constructed for the use of royals as well as the ordinary people. It is one of the most visible reminders of Sirhind’s glorious past. This Mughal garden, located on Bassi Road of Sirhind, is open to the public and is owned and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. A tourist complex called Maulasari is being run on the grounds of Aam Khas Bagh at present times. The garden and nursery are well maintained, and a light and sound show is also held that depicts stories of bravery from Sirhind. There are various Mughal era monuments in the vicinity of this garden that promote it as a tourist destination. Visitors like to take a walk through the ruins and marvel at the engineering skills of a bygone era.

How to Reach Aam Khas Bagh

Aam Khas Bagh is located in the centre of Sirhind. Local buses and auto rickshaws are available to commute to the Garden. You can also consider hiring a private taxi.

Aam Khas Bagh -Entry and Timings

The entry to the Aam Khas Bagh is free.
Aam Khas Bagh is open from 6 AM to 7 PM on all days except Monday. The park remains closed on all Mondays.

History of Aam Khas Bagh

The Aam Khas Bagh was believed to have been originally constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar as a resting place or holiday inn. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan later rebuilt it. There were numerous palaces nearby, built to make the stay comfortable for Mughal rulers. The walled garden was divided into two parts - Aam for the use of public and Khas for Royalty. The palace compounds had a set of fountains, and the orchard was spread over 11 acres of land.

Major Structures in Aam Khas Bagh

There are several other monuments and attractions in the vicinity of the Aam Khas Bagh, like the Sard Khana, the Sheesh Mahal, Hamam and Tank that are attributed to the Mughal emperor Jahangir. The Daulat Khana E Khas is attributed to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Sard Khana was an air-conditioned chamber of that era that had water channels running through its walls. The Sheesh Mahal, built upon the orders of emperor Jahangir, flaunts domes decorated with glazed tiles, some of which are visible to this day. The Hamam was a bathhouse that employed a unique technique to heat the water by running it through terracotta channels. The Daulat Khana E Khas is a double-storeyed building that was built upon the orders of emperor Shah Jahan as his private quarters. It is often regarded as the most beautiful building of that time. All the rooms and walls were adorned with intricate designs, and the surrounding fountains exemplified the grandeur of this monument.

Other Attractions in Aam Khas Bagh

The light and sound show is another major attraction of Aam Khas Bagh. It is held during the famous Shaheedi Jor Mela. It depicts the history of Sirhind and also talks about the martyrdom of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh. The show is held for visitors at night and is indeed a must-watch.