Kashmir is blessed with both abundant water and distinct seasons. Gentle summers and crisp autumns conspire to fill the land with bursts of color twice a year. Punctuated by winter that give the weeks of snowbouild The Mughal rulers of medieval Agra and Delhi had built many oases of shade and green in their marble and sandstone capitals, but it was in Srinagar that emperors and their gardeners were able to let their imaginations flower. The great gardens of Srinagar — known collectively as the Mughal gardens — are arranged around the massive Dal lake and it was here that Mughal kings and nobles would find peace and rest. Today, these form an inextricable part of the lives of Srinagar’s inhabitants.
Overlooking the Dal from the northeast are Shalimar and Nishat Bagh. Shalimar Bagh derives its name from an ancient resting house built by the king Pravarsena II and named Shalimar, or ‘the hall of love’. When the Mughal emperor Jahangir came to Kashmir in the early 17th century, he built a garden here, which was named ‘Farah Baksh’ or ‘delightful’.
Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh was built in three stages — The Diwan-e-Aam, for the emperor’s public audiences; the Diwan-e-Khas, where he would hold more private meetings; and a section walled off especially for the royal zenana. A central canal flowed through spacious lawns leading to pleasant, airy pavilions of which one survives today, together with exquisite decorations of red and gold flowers and geometrical designs on its walls and ceilings.In the warm months, Shalimar Bagh’s flower beds are rich with gorgeous roses, massive dahlias, deep red coxcombs, and the air carries the delicate perfume of magnolia blossoms; while in autumn, the centuries-old chinar trees burst into glorious shades of orange and gold. In winter, the grounds are covered in snow.
Nishat Bagh was the creation of Asaf Khan, Emperor Shahjahan’s prime-minister and uncle. Despite such close bonds, the emperor could not suppress a feeling of envy when he visited Nishat Bagh – in comparison, it seemed, and even the imperial Shalimar was wanting.
Nishat Bagh
Today, Nishat Bagh epitomizes what the National Geographic called the ‘nearly perfect marriage of art and nature’ in Srinagar’s gardens. Water still flows down the central channel, collecting in a large pool near the entrance from which pigeons drink. Flower beds are palettes of purple and red, yellow and pink; but nothing, perhaps, matches Nishat in the autumn, which ‘lights up the poplars in clear gold and the big chinars burn red’ – and all who visit linger on, unconscious of time’s passing.
Two small but enchanting gardens on a hill of the Zabarwan range, alongside the Dal lake, are Pari Mahal and Chashme Shahi. Of these, Pari Mahal is higher and was built as an observatory by Dara Shikoh. The most mystically-inclined of Shahjahan’s sons, Dara Shikoh gave the garden to one of his teachers, Peer Mullah Shah —and much of the prince’s spiritual investigations occurred on these seven terraces.
One can say, without exaggeration, that the view from Pari Mahal is like a painting, vast and yet filled with beautiful detail — the Char Chinar island, for example, floating in the Dal, or sparkling water hazards in the Royal Springs golf course below.
Chashme Shahi, the ‘garden of the royal spring‘, was built by one of Shahjahan’s nobles in 1642. Though not as extensive as either Shalimar or Nishat, Chashme Shahi has its charms — particularly the large pool at its centre, on which rain the waters of a sprightly fountain. There is a small cafeteria in the garden, where visitors may like to sip a cup of tea as the sun sets and coloured lights begin to illuminate the garden paths, creating a cheerfully modern kind of beauty.
Both Pari Mahal and Chashme Shahi, in fact, are best visited in the evening, one for the pleasure of its sunset, the other for these festive, electric colours.
Near the foot of the Chashme Shahi hill are two new additions to Srinagar’s horticultural riches. The first is the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, built over 80 hectares in 1969. Over the years, the garden’s research station has planted over 1.5 lakh plants here. For visitors interested in a more active outing, there is also a small lake with boating facilities.
The 19th-century poet Thomas Moore described Kashmir’s roses as ‘the brightest that earth ever gave’. Today, the youngest of Srinagar’s gardens may well be posing these roses stiff competition. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, conceptualized as recently as 2007 by the then chief minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has become immensely popular in the last five years. Over a million bulbs bloom to magnificent glory every April.
Srinagar boasts of two of the finest golf courses in India, and attracts both amateurs and professional golfers from across the country. The older Kashmir Golf Club was built in the 19th century, whereas the splendid Royal Springs Golf Course was commissioned in 2001.
Harwan Garden
Harwan Garden, situated on the hillside 3 kms from Shalimar Bagh on the road to Dachigam, makes for a splendid outing. A canal, Sarband, bordered with chinars, flows through the middle of the garden adding to its charm.
Excavations in Harwan village by the ASI have revealed major Buddhist ruins dated to the 3rd century AD, including a stupa, terracotta Buddha figurines and carved tiles, many of which are now on display in the Ram Nagar Palace Museum, Udhampur. Originally known as Shadarahadwan, Harwan hosted the third International Buddhist Conclave in the 4th century AD.
Kashmir, astonishing with charming sight scenes exhibits a genuine treat for sightseers. It is a genuine heaven on earth lying on the lap of Himalayas observing an impressive accumulation of visitor spots. This wonderland encased in the cover of snow is an impeccable decision for your late spring occasion trip. Travel through the fog secured slopes of Kashmir offers you an audacious and exciting background. Wonderful scene with adaptable diversities makes your fantasy excursion genuine. Shanti Stupa, Pahalgam, Ragunath sanctuary and Dal Lake are a portion of the hot traveler places included under the rundown of Kashmir travel manages. Also Visit – Kashmir Paradise Tour
Presently, we should look the subtle elements of fascinating spots in Kashmir snatching the hearts of visitors. Shanti Stupa, worked in the year 1985 to upgrade Buddhism and world peace is one among the acclaimed visitor puts in Kashmir. White domed design of Shanti Stupa situated on the slope beat at Changspa presents an eye satisfying perspective for guests. Pahalgam, well known as a trekking base is a most loved goal for enterprise significant others. This beautiful spot offers distinctive relaxation exercises like boating, golf, skiing and climbing. Pahalgam, secured with thick cedar and pine trees is the base of well known Amarnath give in. Dal Lake is another traveler put situated at the east of Srinagar city.
This charming spot in Kashmir is a structure of a progression of lakes. House vessel riding through charming Dal Lake devotes a colorful perspective of scene for voyagers. Mughal gardens lying on the lake shore add sparkles to the magnificence of Dal Lake. These delightful greenery enclosures were worked amid the decision time of Jahangir, the colossal child of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Kashmir
Grand Bahu Fort encased with enchanting greenery enclosure is an essential vacationer put in Kashmir. Fortress looking Tawi River involves an old sanctuary devoted to Goddess Kali. Development of this memorable building made of rocks was begun by Raja Bahulochan and changed by Dogra rulers. Magnificent Mubarak Mandi Palace in Kashmir is another most loved goal going under the rundown of Kashmir travel direct. Sightseers can watch a superb accumulation of customary Kashmiri sketches and different painstaking work. Incredible creation of royal residence design in Gothic, Mughal and Rajasthani styles catches the eyes of visitors. Popular Sheesh Mahal and noteworthy Dogra Art Museum seen inside Mubarak Mandi Palace delineates the conventional culture and legacy of Kashmir state. Notable Raghunath sanctuary, Shankaracharya sanctuary, Vaishno Devi sanctuary, Peer Baba, Hemis Gompa and Patnitop are other best known traveler puts in Kashmir travel manage. Also Visit – Best of Kashmir Tour
Extravagance house sailing offices, multi food eateries with conventional dishes and charming valleys upgrade Kashmir tourism to a greatest level. Tremendous icy masses, sky blue lakes and snow topped Himalayas highlight the excellence of Kashmir. October to March is considered as the greatest months for going by Kashmir. Kashmir tourism offers wonderful water gaming offices like boating, trout angling, para cruising, para coasting and water skiing. Distinctive preparing establishments given in traveler places helps in advancing Kashmir tourism. For better traveler help, these vacationer spots are furnished with very much experienced visitor guides. Kashmir, favored with awesome scene and uncommon untamed life ensures a remarkable visit trip.
Kashmir
Places of interest
Pahalgam: 95 kilometers east of Srinagar, 2400 meters above ocean level. Prevalent occasion resort it is known as a Shepherds town at the leader of the Lidder valley. Best place for trout angling. Aside from calculating, Pahalgam is otherwise called the beginning stage for trekking. Travelers course to Amarnath Cave.
Convenience: Good Hotels/cabins and Tourist Bung lows. Three hours travel by street from Srinagar can be secured by choice transports. Taxi can likewise be employed for the day trip premise. Also Visit – Srinagar Gulmarg Pahalgam Tour
Gulmarg: 56 kilometers from Srinagar, one and a half hour travel, 2690 meters above ocean level. It is known as a Meadow of blooms. In summer best to trek, hitting the fairway and horse rides. One can have delightful stroll around and can find in great climate the high mountains like Naga Parbat (In Gilgit) 7650 meters high, Kolohi and Harmukh which are 5425 and 5124 meters high. Gulmarg has the world most astounding green fairway on the planet. There are link cons that ship the travelers up to the tallness of 3095 meters. Convenience: Plenty of inns/Huts/lodges with sensible costs. Cabs and Deluxe transports are running from Srinagar.
Kashmir
Yusmarg: 50 kilometers southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour travel through pine and fir woodlands. While in transit to Yusmarg is the sanctuary of acclaimed Kashmiri sufi holy person: Sheik Noor-ud-commotion, prominently known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a horse back. There is Tourist cabins accessible.
Sonmarg: 87 kilometers from Srinagar, 3 hours travel, 2800 meters above ocean level. It is called Golden glade at the leader of the stream Sind with excellent mountains and icy masses. Base for the treks to Harmukh extend by means of Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag likewise the Pilgrim course to Amarnath Cave, which should be possible in one day from here.
Mughal Gardens
Mughal Gardens
Nishat Bagh: The Garden of delight set around Asif Khan Father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. In Nishat orders superb perspective of the Lake and the Snow topped Pir Panchal Range toward the west of the valley. Also Visit – Kashmir Summer Package
Shalimar Bagh: The Abode of Love is said to have been a town, worked by Paravarassna. He used to remain here when on a visit to Sukhswami a holy person living close Harwan. In 1619 Jehangir requested a garden to be laid out this spot, calling it, Ferrah Bakkash (Delightful). A senator amid the rule of Shah Jahan made an augmentation of it and called it Faiz Baksh (Bountiful). The garden is set down in four patios, transcending the other. A waterway goes through the garden fixed with cleaned stones and supplies with water from Harwan. Chasma Shahi: East of Srinagar. Worked in 1634 A.D by Shah-Jahan it summons a wonderful perspective of the Dal Lake it has the upside of having a characteristic spring of Pure, Cool and Sparking water known as Chasma-Shahi (Royal Spring). Also Visit – Vaishnodevi Patnitop Package
Harwan Garden: This tremendous garden fixed with bloom quaint little inns trees, is a perfect spot for picnickers. The beautiful Harwan Lake is behind the garden. The channel coursing through the center of the garden is bolstered by the lake.
Cheshma Shahi: Cheshma Shahi is one of the three noteworthy Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. It is found 9km from Srinagar downtown area, and is the main Mughal cultivate that you would visit as you pass the Nehru Park. The name Cheshma Shahi implies Royal Spring (shahi implies illustrious and chashma implies spring).
Mughal Gardens
Cheshma Shahi is little and beguiling. It was laid out by the Mughal Governor Ali Mardan Khan for Emperor Shah Jahan, the ruler well known for building the Taj Mahal, in 1632.
Shah Jahan fabricated a structure and laid out the Mughal plant in three porches, each over the other by 18 feet. Cheshma Shahi is celebrated for the unadulterated and invigorating spring that streams from it. Also Visit – Luxury Kashmir Tours
Worked at tallness over the city, Cheshma Shahi offers an extraordinary perspective of the encompassing territory with the Zabarwan slopes behind it.
Pari Mahal: Once the regal observatory, Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. A Buddhist religious community at one time, it was changed over into a school of crystal gazing by Dara Shikoh, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan’s eldest child. Arranged on the goad of a mountain sitting above the Dal, the antiquated landmark, with a well-laid extensive garden in front, is associated with Cheshmashahi by street. It is lit up during the evening.
Historical Places
Historical Places
Parimahal (The royal residence of Fairies): It was a school of Astrology worked by Dhara Shikua, Shah Jahan eldest child for his coach Muhlah Shah.
Hari Parbat: The Hill of Hari Parbat delegated by the pathan fortress who his obvious from all aspects of the city. 400 feet over the plain, Legend says the slope developed from a stone dropped by the goddess Paravati to pound an evil presence, as Sharika winged creature (Maina). This is called now Hari Parbat.
Shankaracharya Temple: This Temple is arranged at the stature of 1000ft over the plain. The soonest of the considerable number of Temples inherent 200 BC, By Jalaka the child of the Great Buddhist proselytes Ashoka. The sanctuary was in this manner revamped and committed by Raja Gopadittya in sixth Century. It is said to be that a Takhut-I-Sulaiman (royal position one of the Solomon).
Shah Hamdan: Originally worked in 1953 AD to remember the visit of Mir Syed Ali Hamdan devastated by flame in 1479 and 1731 AD. It was modified in 1732 by Abdul Barket Khan and from that point forward stands as a land stamp in the City. Worked of timber, not a nail or Screw was utilized as a part of the development. Also Visit – Vaishno Devi Srinagar Tour
Lakes of Kashmir
Lakes of Kashmir
Dal Lake: Dal pool of Kashmir is a standout amongst the most excellent and pleasant lakes in India. It has been and keeps on being a piece of the verse by some prestigious artists. This is second biggest pool of Jammu And Kashmir State after Wular Lake. The lake is encompassed by magnificent mountains from three sides and a substantial number of greenery enclosures and plantations have been laid along the shores. The University of Kashmir additionally remains along the shores of the Dal Lake. The several particularly enlivened houseboats which coast on the Dal Lake manage the cost of a chance to sightseers to dwell on the lake in an air of peace and peacefulness.
Nagin Lake: Popular for water sports like water skiing, swimming, jumping and cruising.
Manasbal Lake: This Lake is well known for Lotus blossoms amid summer and Paradise for Bird Watchers, between the waterway and foot of the Mountains goads bring down end of the Sind valley acclaimed for Picnic spot.
Wular Lake: The Largest crisp water Lake in India 26 Km long and 8 Km wide encompassed by the mountains. The waterway Jehlum goes directly through the Lake the most profound part is close to the Hill Called Baba Shakur-ud-Din on the North West side.
Anchar Lake: The Anchar Lake is a swampy zone. The Sind Nullah enters this lake from one side and streams out from the other. It is around 8 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers. wide. Gandarbal is a well known township on its north-west bank. Anchar Lake is winged animal water’s heaven where you will have the capacity to watch and recognize numerous types of fowls, some of them on their approach to elimination. Also Visit – Kashmir Honeymoon Tours Packages
On the banks of this lake is arranged Soura with SKIMS, Buchpora, Ahmad Nagar, Pandach, Nagbal lastly Ganderbal. Toulmul and the Mansbal Lake is more remote north, infact upper east close to the base of the mountains
There are numerous different lakes other than these like Harvan Lake, Konsarnag or Vishno Pad Lake. Gangabal Lake, Sheshnag Lake, Neelang Lake, Tarsar and Marsar lakes, Sokh and Dokh lakes.
Shalimar Gardens
Spring, which stretches out generally from March to early May, is the point at which a million blooms cover the ground. The climate amid this time can be greatly wonderful at 23oC or nippy and breezy at 6o C. This is the season when Srinagar encounters downpours, however the showers are brief.
Summer stretches out from May until the finish of August. Light woolens might be required to destroy of Srinagar. In higher elevations night temperatures drop somewhat. Srinagar as of now encounters day temperatures of in the vicinity of 25oC and 35oC. Right now, the entire valley is a mosaic of changing shades of green – rice fields, glades, trees, and so on and Srinagar with its lakes and conduits is a paradise after the searing warmth of the Indian fields. Also Visit – Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking
The onset of harvest time, maybe Kashmir’s loveliest season, is towards September, when green swings to gold and after that to reddish brown and red. The most astounding day temperatures in September are around 23oC and night temperatures plunge to 10oC by October and further drop by November, when substantial woolens are basic.
Through December, to the start of March is winter time, which presents Srinagar in yet another disposition. Uncovered, snow-shrouded scenes being viewed from alongside the glow of a fire is a delight that can’t be depicted to any individual who has not experienced it. A few houseboats and inns stay open in winter-these are either halfway warmed or warmed with bukharisa, an ordinarily Kashmiri stove kept land with ashes of wood, very viable in the winter.
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