The arresting Pari Mahal in Srinagar is among the most spectacular tourist places the city is home to. Translated to mean The Angels’ Abode, this beautiful seven-terraced garden is positioned right on top of the mesmerizing Zabarwan mountain range. A brilliant example of Islamic architecture, the garden overlooks Srinagar city and west side of Dal Lake. Situated at about a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi Mughal garden, Pari Mahal in Srinagar is owned and managed by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. If you love gardens surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, then this place is an absolute must-visit for you.
Pari Mahal Srinagar History:
Wondering who Pari Mahal was built by? The credit for building this spectacular garden goes entirely to Dara Shikoh, a Mughal Prince and the son of legendary Emperor Shah Jahan. Built sometime in the 1600’s, the place served an abode and library for Dara Shikoh. The Pari Mahal in Srinagar was also the venue where Shikoh was taught important lessons by Mullah Shah, his beloved Sufi teacher. It is said that Shikoh dedicated this magnificent garden to him.
Reportedly, Pari Mahal in Srinagar is where Dara Shikoh was slain by Aurangzeb, his younger brother who wished to take over the powerful Mughal Empire. One of the most fascinating places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir on cheap last minute flights, the garden also serves as the venue for the Indian paramilitary camp. If you look, you will easily find stunning Pari Mahal Srinagar images online. Look at stunning pictures of vivid varieties of flowers housed at the garden.
The architecture of Pari Mahal Srinagar Garden:
Built in the Mughal design, the Pari Mahal garden is about 122 m in length with a width of about 62.5 m. The garden has a typical Mughal-style arch entrance following which is a spectacular dome along with a middle chamber. After the entrance, you will find on each side a seemingly endless row of extensive rooms.
The third terrace of Pari Mahal in Srinagar displays a bit of difference in architectural style when compared to the other terraces. The top of the terraces can be reached via a flight of stairs located in the corner of each terrace. There is a water tank on the top terrace which supplies water to the garden from a spring.
The seventh terrace, which is also the topmost one, was used for astrology and astronomy classes. Instead of waterfalls, there were several tanks built with underground pipes which supplied water to all of the terraces. Grab a few deals on business class flights to come and explore this remarkable place.
Best time to visit Pari Mahal in Srinagar:
Srinagar witnesses extremely cold winters and hence, this is not the ideal time to visit Pari Mahal. Summers are a better choice but they prove to be a bit too harsh for tourists who aren’t used to that kind of weather. So to avoid both extremes, visit Pari Mahal in Srinagar anytime between September and mid-November. It is highly advised that tourists carry their ID proofs when visiting the Pari Mahal garden. Visit and add remarkable Pari Mahal photos to your travel album.
Timings: Pari Mahal remains closed on Fridays. On the other days, it stays open to the public from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. You will not be allowed entry into the garden after 4:30 PM.
Nearby Attractions:
Pari Mahal is undoubtedly among the most offbeat vacation destinations in India. However, once you are done exploring the astounding Pari Mahal in Srinagar, there are certain nearby attractions you can enjoy as well. Take a bit of time to leisurely explore nearby attractions such as the placid Dal Lake, Tulip Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Anchar Lake, Zoji La Pass, Cheshmashahi Garden, Pandrethan Temple, Nehru Garden, and Shankaracharya Hill Forest among other places. Awesome and beautiful to explore, these are ideal places for a family vacation.
How to reach Pari Mahal in Srinagar:
You need to first book cheap flights and arrive at the Srinagar International Airport (SXR). From the airport, you can hire a cab or take some other local transport to Pari Mahal. The airport is situated 22 km away from the majestic garden and it will take you just about 30 minutes to get there. Alternatively, the Srinagar Railway Station is located approximately 19 km from Pari Mahal. It will take you an estimated 25 minutes via this route to reach the garden. Easily reached and awesome to explore, Pari Mahal in Srinagar is the best place to visit this vacation.
