In order to protect a large forest area adjacent to the Dal Lake from pressures of urbanization, the Jammu and Kashmir government approached the World Wildlife Fund to set up a deer park. The purpose was to protect endangered species and provide information on the different deer found in the state.

The site is adjacent to Shalimar gardens, built in the Moghul era and has a magnificent view of the lake. The new structure had to be low profile and merge with the countryside. The design was largely a wooden structure with traditional wooden shingles to cover the roof and a large plinth made of local stone.