If you have wondered where Islamabad keeps one of its sweet smelling and quiet places, you will find a pleasant surprise. Near Shakarparian and close to the Pakistan Monument, the Rose in addition to Jasmine Garden offers a calm retreat from city sounds. Couples, tourists, joggers along with photographers favor this location. This guide tells what you need to know about this spot – it covers when to visit, what to do as well as problems you could meet there.
We now look at the garden, using plain words for all to read plus enjoy.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary of the Garden
- Location: Near Pakistan Monument Road, next to Shakarparian, Islamabad
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Daily, 8 AM to 9 PM
- Size: About 20,360 square meters
- Flowers: Over 250 types of roses and many jasmine plants
- Activities: Walking, jogging, relaxing, birdwatching, photography, BBQs
A Bit of History
The Rose and Jasmine Garden was established many years ago as part of Islamabad’s initiative to increase the city’s green and open spaces. The Capital Development Authority built it to make the city greener and more friendly to nature. At that time, people took pride in the garden, which had clean paths, cut flower beds along with many visitors.
In the past, the garden held national flower shows, school visits as well as small outdoor concerts. People went there to smell the roses, feel the calm breeze in addition to see the open sky. The garden sits in a good spot between important places such as the Pakistan Monument, Sports Complex next to Shakarparian Park.
This location lets a person move easily from busy city areas to quiet, green spaces that show natural beauty. As you walk on the curving paths, you observe rows of roses, tall bushes along with jasmine vines as they grow up wooden arches.
What You’ll See and Do
The garden’s name shows its central thought – roses and jasmine; they please visitors.
- More than 250 rose types appear here. Some sorts grow large plus bright, such as ‘Mr. Lincoln’. Other types feel soft and colorful, for example, ‘Double Delight’. Rose beds lie in patterns. The beds bloom fully in spring.
- Jasmine plants put a sweet, sharp smell into the garden. Various sorts grow along fences, climb trellises along with cover the arches. In the evening, the air holds their scent.
- Many wide, green lawns invite families. People spread out mats on them. Children play with balls. Groups sit together to eat also talk – these open spots serve well for spending hours with family and friends. A person may read a book or just lie down as well as look at the sky.
- The tracks are wide for walking, running, or pushing a baby stroller. But some parts have cracks or uneven spots. Putting on proper shoes works out well.
- Birds like this garden. You often observe sparrows, mynahs along with parrots that move through the trees or jump near flower beds. Photographers find good scenes in the garden; they see arches, flowers, butterflies as well as golden light early in the morning or just before sunset.
- A small dhaba style café sits near the middle – it sells chai, snacks in addition to bottled drinks. The café is not fancy, and it does not always open. It is good to carry your food and water just in case.
- A plain play area for children has swings plus slides. It is not very large or modern, but it suffices for small kids to enjoy themselves for some time.
Best Time to Visit
- From February to April, during spring, is the best time to visit. The roses fully open, the weather is good along with the garden smells clean. Many butterflies, bees as well as birds appear then.
- In October, blossoms return, but fewer appear. The colder weather helps people relax when they visit.
- A person can walk or jog in the early morning; they can also just like the quiet. The air feels cool, and dew stays on the petals.
- The garden becomes busy in the evening, especially on weekends. Families arrive to grill food, children play in addition to groups sit and talk. This feels enjoyable, but it can be loud.
- Try to not visit on hot summer afternoons or right after rain. The heat is too much, and rain covers the paths in mud.
Real Experience: What Makes It Special
The garden holds attention not only for its flowers but also for the people and the feeling it presents. Older couples walk hand in hand.
- Children chasing butterflies.
- Teenagers taking selfies.
- Photographers lying on the ground to get that perfect shot.
During special days like flower shows, local nurseries build beautiful displays. Schools bring students with drawing pads and picnic lunches. You may even see wedding photographers using the flower beds as backgrounds.
Helpful Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Take water and food. The café could be shut.
- Put on suitable shoes. Certain walking paths are not level.
- Do not arrive by yourself at a late hour. Some parts do not have good light.
- Protect your expensive items. The location is secure, but people do not guard it much.
- Put a leash on your animals. Animals can enter, but they must stay away from the flower beds.
- Do not fly drones. The garden sits close to official buildings, so drones create a hazard.
BBQs and Picnics: What’s Allowed?
- Camping: Not allowed officially. People sometimes set up tents for the day, but overnight stays are not okay.
- Picnics: Very common and allowed. Bring your mats, food, and charcoal if you plan to grill. Just make sure to clean up your trash.
The Not-So-Good Side (Problems)
The garden has some issues. Some benches are broken. The area does not have enough signs or maps. Trash lies in some corners. During the off season, the flower beds appear messy. An open drain along one side smells bad after it rains.
Many visitors and media people have pointed out these problems. The city office often says it will fix things, especially before events. But work is slow.
Still, on a good spring day, the garden looks and feels beautiful.
Photography Tips
- Come in the morning or at sunset.
- Use the jasmine-covered arches as photo frames.
- Look for bees and butterflies around rose beds.
- Take wide shots of the garden and close-ups of the petals.
- Don’t forget to take a picture of the Pakistan Monument in the background.
FAQs
Is there a place to park?
The parking costs nothing. But it often becomes full on Saturdays in addition to Sundays.
Can my dog come in?
Yes. You should put it on a leash and keep it away from the flowers.
Do you know where the toilets are?
A toilet is open. But do not expect it to be very clean.
Is it suitable for wheelchairs?
Some flat areas are acceptable, but there are no special ramps or toilets.
Can I fly a drone?
Not allowed. It’s close to government sites.
Final Thoughts
The Rose in addition to Jasmine Garden displays both beauty and decay. On some days, the garden shows many colors and smells, alongside quiet periods. Other days, one sees broken benches plus messy paths. A person who visits during good weather, when the flowers bloom, finds that it becomes one of the best spots in Islamabad.
The garden offers a good experience, whether a person plans a family picnic, a photo walk, or a quiet morning alone. One can enjoy the roses, the jasmine along with the calm breeze, which helps this garden remain a hidden treasure in the city’s center.