ABOUT SHALIMAR GARDEN

Emperor Jehangir got the Shalimar Garden built for his wife Nur Jahan in 1616. A second garden Faiz Baksh, (The Bountiful) was added to it later during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658). Covering an area of approximately 539 m by 182 m, the Shalimar garden offers an amazing view over the other gardens, lakes and shallow terraces. Also known as the "garden of loves", the Shalimar Mughal Gardens has four terraces, rising one above the other.

Shalimar Garden or Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar is the largest Mughal garden in Kashmir valley built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in the year 1619 AD for his wife Empress Nur Jahan. The term Shalimar comes from Sanskrit language which means “Adobe of Love”. This famous garden in sited on the right banks of Dal Lake and the garden is also popularly called as Shalamar garden or Bagh, Faiz Baksh and Farah Baksh. This garden is the outstanding example of Mughals in the field of horticultural. The garden is currently owned and managed by Jammu and Kashmir tourism department.

History of Shalimar Garden

The history of Shalimar Garden can be traced back to second century. It is during that time period King Pravarsena II form Vakataka dynasty who ruled Kashmir from 79 AD till 139 AD. King Pravarsena II was the founder of Srinagar city who build a cottage surrounded by a park close to Dal Lak and named it Shalimar. The King often visits Saint Sukarma Swami at Harwan and after his visit the King stays in Shalimar cottage till then the cottage was well maintained. After that the cottage without proper maintenance was ruined and totally was destroyed but the name Shalimar got stick to the village and the village was called Shalimar itself.

Mughal Emperor Jahangir to please his loving wife Nur Jahan decided to build a garden which was his dream project and he chose Shalimar as the garden location. He renovated the old garden built by King Pravarsena II into a royal Mughal garden in 1619 and named it “Farah Baksh” which means “The delightful”. King Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan along with the entire Jahangir’s court used to spend the summers in Shalimar garden which was their royal summer residence. To visit Shalimar they cross snow topped Pir Panjal mountain range near Shalimar using elephants.

Later in 1630 Kashmir Governor Zafar Khan as per Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s order extended the garden and named it “Faiz Baksh” which means “The Bountiful”. The park during Zafar Khan Administration was also used as an entertaining hub for Pathans and Sikh Governors who were friends with Zafar Khan.

Apart from Mughals many other rulers also altered Shalimar at various time intervals. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Sikh Empire built a marble guest house in Shalimar for his European guests. Maharaja Hari Singh the last ruling King of Jammu and Kashmir from Rajput clans electrified Shalimar. All the rulers gave Shalimar many different names but the name Shalimar was mush popular amongst all which stays even today.

ABOUT NISHAT GARDEN

The Garden of bliss laid down by Asif Khan father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. In Nishat commands magnificent view of the Lake and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the west of the valley.

Nishat garden is the largest one of the Mughal gardens in Kashmir. It is situated on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake. Also known as "the garden of bliss", the Nishat gardens have the Zabarwan Mountains forming its backdrop. Asaf Khan, the brother of Nur Jahan, designed the Kashmir Nishat Bagh in 1633 AD. Within the garden are ruins of some of the buildings dating back to the Mughal period. One of them is a double story pavilion enclosed on two sides with latticed windows. There is also a small spring behind the garden, known as Gopi Tirth. It is a source of supply of crystal clear water to the garden.

Nishat Bagh is a Mughal garden built on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, close to the Srinagar city in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the second largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley. The largest in size is the Shalimar Bagh, which is also located on the bank of the Dal Lake. Nishat Bagh is a Hindustani word, which means "Garden of Joy," "Garden of Gladness" and "Garden of Delight. Nishat garden is the largest one of the Mughal gardens in Kashmir. It is situated on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake. Also known as "the garden of bliss", the Nishat gardens have the Zabarwan Mountains forming its backdrop.

Nishat Bagh of Kashmir, India, offers a splendid view of the Dal Lake as well as the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range. The garden has terraces, each representing a different Zodiac sign. There is also a beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle of the garden. Other attractions of the Nishat garden of Kashmir include its blooming flowerbeds, trees, fountains, etc. You can also take a shikara ride at the Nehru Park from the garden. A famous picnic spot, Nishat Bagh also offers shopping facilities to its visitors. There are a number of shopping stalls situated opposite the garden. Nishat Bagh of Kashmir, India, offers a splendid view of the Dal Lake as well as the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range. The garden has terraces, each representing a different Zodiac sign. There is also a beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle of the garden.

The brother of Mughal Empress Nur Jehan, Asif Khan laid the Garden in Srinagar in 1633. Set on the banks of world famous Dal Lake, in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills, this terraced garden offers some magnificent views of the lake. The Garden has a beautiful water channel flowing right through its middle. Not a minute in the garden can be dull with its gorgeous

Shikara rides up to the Nehru Park from here. The favorite picnic spot of the natives, a long walk amidst the lush greenery of this well-planned Garden refreshes oneself. There are also some shopping stalls opposite the garden.

ABOUT CHASHMA SHAHI

Kashmir is truly described as the paradise on earth and the makers of this paradise on earth were none other than the Mughals. The exquisite creation of the Mughals is remarkably reflected in the parks and gardens of Srinagar. Of the beautiful parks and gardens of Kashmir, the most significant ones are Chashma Shahi.

Kashmir is truly described as the paradise on earth and the makers of this paradise on earth were none other than the Mughals. The exquisite creation of the Mughals is remarkably reflected in the parks and gardens of Srinagar. Of the beautiful parks and gardens of Kashmir, the most significant ones are Chashma Shahi.

Terraced lawns, fascinating fountains and floral beds on the banks of Dal Lake constitute the Mughal Gardens one of which is the Chashma Shahi. Beautifully terraced garden and a colorful flowers make Chashma Shahi beautiful than any other parks and gardens of Kashmir. Originally Shah Jahan's creation in the year 1632 it has undergone a number of renovations to retain its remarkable beauty. Shah Jahan named the garden after a mountain spring that waters it and so it has the name Chashma Shahi. Get your permits from the information counter to visit this garden in Srinagar. The garden was constructed around the spring by the Mughal Governor Ali Mardan Khan in 1632. It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his eldest son, Dara Sikoh. In the east of Chashma Shahi the Pari Mahal (Fairy Palace) lies where Dara Sikoh used to learn astrology and where he was later killed by his brother Aurengzeb. The garden is 108 m long and 38 m wide and is spread over one acre of land. It is the smallest garden among the three Mughal gardens of Srinagar; the Shalimar garden is the largest and the Nishat garden is the second largest.

Chashma Shahi has tastefully laid garden in terraces, which commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below and surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing and digestive. By the side of Chashma Shahi Gard

ABOUT PARI MAHAL

Pari Mahal, meaning 'house of fairies' in Srinagar is a majestic historic monument that is located above the alluring Chashma Shahi Gardens. A short drive further, along a spur of the Zaberwan Hill, lie the six massive terraces of Pari Mahal (also known as Quntilon), with wonderful views. This age old monument displays the architectural brilliance of the medieval times. A vast and beautiful garden surrounds this structure.

Srinagar witnesses a large number of tourists throughout the year. From all over the world travellers consider this beautiful valley asa paradise. The sightseeing in the Srinagar is an incredible experience. There are beautiful lakes, charming sceneries, ancient monuments that add to the beauty of this place. Out of all the monuments in Srinagar, Parimahalwhich was a royal observatory in the former times has a special significance among thetourists. PariMahal is located at 5 minutes’ drive from CheshmaShahi, the smallest Mughal Garden in Srinagar.

PariMahal, literally meaning The Fairies' Abode is a beautiful seven terraced garden that overlooks the striking city of Srinagar from the top of the Zabarwan mountain range. The garden is located towards the South-west of the famous Dal Lake. PariMahal belongs to the Mughal period hence its architecture portrays the beautiful Islamic architecture that was one of the patronages during the rule of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

The architecture of the garden includes a small spring, surrounded by outlandish flowers and ornamental plants arranged out in terraces vanquished by the remains of the exquisite building. The monument is lightened during the night and the magnificent view of the illumed building at the top of the hill can be viewed from most of the places in Srinagar. This splendid monument reveals the grandeur of the taste of the Mughal emperors. The ruins of the building still showcase the rich history of the Mughal period. Nonetheless it is one of the most to visit places in Srinagar.

Pari Mahal also known as the 'House of Fairies', is also popularly called as 'Quntilon'.Located at a distance of ten kilometers from the city Centre, the building has a beautiful lawn with a spring in between. The sight had some ruins of a Budhhist Monastery before mid-1600s. Later the Mughal prince PrinceDaraShikohhad established this beautiful architecture at the same sight.

History

On the remains of a Buddhist moanastery, this garden was established in the mid-1600s by the DaraShikoh who was the sun of the great Mughal emperor ShahJahan. This garden was built by Dara following the orders Sufi Islam. He built it for his tutor and later it was used as an observatory for teaching astronomy and astrology. The garden is now the property of the Government of Srinagar.

ABOUT TULIP GARDEN

Tulip Garden in Kashmir is Asia's largest tulips garden and there is a likely hood that it can become the world’s second largest too. The tulip garden which is in Srinagar is commonly known as Siraj Bagh and is located on the banks of the famous Dal Lake. When viewing the garden you are able to see the large variety of colors of the flowers, and there are over 60 varieties of early, mid and late blooming tulips.

Tulip Garden in Kashmir is Asia's largest tulips garden and there is a likely hood that it can become the world’s second largest too. The tulip garden which is in Srinagar is commonly known as Siraj Bagh and is located on the banks of the famous Dal Lake. When viewing the garden you are able to see the large variety of colors of the flowers, and there are over 60 varieties of early, mid and late blooming tulips.

The tourism authorities in the state said they are using the festival to promote the state as a preferred destination. "ot of Indians go to Holland just to see tulips, but now this place is near and more affordable for the domestic tourists. We feel we will get more tourists. We have come to know that about 12, 00 tourists and mostly outsiders have come here," said Tanveer Jahan, a secretary of tourism department. The garden at the foothills of Zabarwan overlooking the famed Dal Lake has about 60 varieties of multi-colored tulips. The festival that also showcased, the state's traditional art and culture, was an instant hit with the foreigners. "You cannot find any of these products in other parts of India. I have not seen something like this," said Peter Mathew, a tourist from Chile. Lot of domestic tourists also visited the festival.

"The variety and the colour are very good. The art collection, the shawls and also the climate is very good," said Minakshi, an Indian tourist. 'Siraj Bagh', which has become home to tulips in Kashmir, has a unique and feasible topography that suits different varieties of flowers. It has slopes suited for different varieties of fruit plants and wilderness suitable for wild flora and bushes.

Tulip, which has its origin in Persia (Iran), was introduced in Europe in 17th century, where it had been developed in different varieties. Holland is the largest producer of tulips, which inhabits the mountain areas extending from Europe to Central Asia. The plantation of tulips begins from September, before the start of winter season.

Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains which are present on the banks of the Dal Lake, Srinagar. This garden is the most spacious one in Srinagar as compared to the other Mughal Gardens which I saw earlier. The major attraction here is the large variety of Tulips found in thousands of numbers. The sight is heavenly during the full bloom season with all shades of the rainbow scattered on the fields of this garden.