Originally, the gardens were spread over seven ascending terraces, but only three remain now which cover an area of about 42 acres. The brick-work of the floors of the three terraces have been repaired according to their original designs which differ on all three terraces. There is a marble pavilion under which water flows and cascades down over a carved marble slab creating a water-fall effect. Across the water-fall is a marble throne. At the end of the second terrace is a beautiful structure called Sawan Bhadon, a sunken tank with niches on its three sides.
Water cascades down from it in sheets in front of the niches, producing the sound of falling rain.
In the olden times, small oil lamps were placed in the niches which reflected myriad colours, through the water. Shalimar gardens have the proud privilege of being the stage of all important state receptions. Outside its walls the annual festival of Mela Chiraghan is held every year during the year of March. The Minaret is a blend of Mughal and modern architecture and has been very boldly designed. The Minar is about 60 metres tall.