The gardens were the inspiration for other gardens of the same name, notably the Shalimar Gardens (Lahore). Upon completion of the gardens, the emperor is said to have recited the Famous Persian expression: "If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this."

The gardens comprise four terraces, containing a canal supplied with water from the Harwan gardens nearby. The top garden, unseen from below, was reserved for the ladies of the court.