Pari Mahal: Kashmir’s Enchanting Palace Of Fairies
Imagine a magical garden on top of a mountain, overlooking a beautiful city and a sparkling lake. That is Pari Mahal in Srinagar — a place so lovely that is said to be home to fairies! Hence the best Kashmir Trip Packages often feature Pari Mahal, a true gem, among the popular tourist places.
Picture yourself walking through 7 levels of colourful flowers and fruit trees. As you walk, You can see all of Srinagar and the shimmering Dal Lake below. Isn’t like being on top of the world?
Pari Mahal is an architectural marvel built long ago by the Mughals, who were famous for making amazing gardens. Today, the government owns this place. If you ever visit Srinagar, you absolutely must see Pari Mahal to feel like you’re in a fairy tale as this palace offers a unique blend of history and beauty that will surely leave you spellbound!
History Of Pari Mahal Srinagar Kashmir
The History of Pari Mahal is a captivating tale of royal ambition, learning, and tragedy. It was built in 1650 AD by Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This “Palace of Fairies” was built on the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery in Srinagar, Kashmir. The palace showcases Islamic architecture of Shah Jahan’s era, featuring beautiful arches and terraced gardens that set it apart from other Kashmiri monuments.
- Prince Dara Shikoh used the Pari Mahal as his library, and spiritual centre during his stays in 1640, 1645, and 1654. The palace was also dedicated to his teacher, Mulla Shah, who taught the prince astronomy and astrology there. Its unique location and height made it an ideal observatory.
- Tragically, some believe Pari Mahal is where Dara Shikoh was killed by his younger brother Aurangzeb during their struggle for the Mughal throne.
- The History of Pari Mahal took another turn after India’s independence in 1947 when it became the property of the Jammu and Kashmir Government. Today, it serves as a high-altitude camp for Indian paramilitary forces, while also remaining as a must-see tourist attraction for visitors.
- Pari Mahal is just a short drive from the famous Cheshma Shahi Gardens — another gift from Shah Jahan to his eldest son.
Architecture Of Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal Srinagar Kashmir is the best example of Mughal garden design. It consists of seven terraces spread over an area 122 metres long and 62.5 metres wide. The topmost terrace was where Prince Dara Shikoh took his tuitions. Unlike many Mughal gardens, Pari Mahal doesn’t have waterfalls. Instead, it relies on a system of water tanks and underground pipes to distribute water to each terrace.
The entrance to Pari Mahal is a classic Mughal design, featuring an arched doorway with a dome on top and a chamber in between. Among the seven garden terraces, the third one stands out with its unique architectural style. There are stone steps at the corners of each terrace that allow visitors to move between levels.
On the highest terrace, there’s a large water tank that was once filled by a natural spring (However, both this spring and many of the garden’s water tanks have dried up over time). Even today, Pari Mahal shows how skilled the Mughals were at building beautiful gardens and structures.
Top Things To Do In Pari Mahal
Explore the most popular things to do in Pari Mahal:
- Wander through the elegant Mughal-style buildings and well-kept gardens of Pari Mahal.
- Take in breathtaking views of Srinagar and the nearby Himalayan mountains from the Pari Mahal’s Vantage points.
- Stroll through Boulevard Road, where you can shop and relax in cosy cafes.
- Watch the sunset over the city from Pari Mahal’s viewing areas.
- Take guided tours to learn about the palace’s history.
Suggested Read: Discover the 10 Best Things to Do in Srinagar (Updated)
Best Time To Visit Pari Mahal
The best time to visit Pari Mahal is between April and June. During these summer months, the weather is nice. You can also see the gardens in full bloom, with lots of beautiful flowers everywhere.
Pari Mahal Location
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir-190001
How To Reach Pari Mahal Kashmir
- Railway Station:
The Srinagar railway station is only 19 km away from Pari Mahal. You can reach the garden in about 25 minutes from the station.
- Airport:
Srinagar International Airport is located 22 km from Pari Mahal. The trip takes around 30 minutes from the airport.
- Taxi:
Local transportation services, including taxis, are available from both the railway station and airport. These can easily take you to Pari Mahal, making it convenient for tourists to visit this popular historic site in Srinagar.
Pari Mahal Srinagar Timings
9:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day.
Pari Mahal Entry Fee
Pari Mahal entry fee: INR 10 per head.
5 Best Places To Visit Near Pari Mahal
When planning your itinerary around Pari Mahal for tourist places and landmarks, consider including these popular sites.
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Dal Lake
Dal Lake is famous for its houseboats and floating gardens. Visitors can enjoy boat rides and scenic views. The lake is one of the best tourist places in Pari Mahal vicinity.
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Mughal Gardens
These terraced gardens, including the famous Shalimar Bagh, showcase symmetrical designs and are among the popular tourist attractions in Pari Mahal region.
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Hazratbal Mosque
Hazratbal is an important shrine, known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture. It is another highlight for those exploring tourist places in Pari Mahal surroundings.
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Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya Temple is an ancient hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It offers panoramic views of Srinagar. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Pari Mahal area for the best sunset views.
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Jama Masjid
Located in old Srinagar, this is a large mosque with intricate carvings and beautiful domes. If you are exploring the Pari Mahal for tourist places and historical significance, Jama Masjid is another must-visit location in the area.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Places to Visit in Srinagar In 2024
Top Adventure Activities In Pari Mahal Srinagar
Explore the best adventure activities in Pari Mahal Srinagar surroundings:
- A Shikara ride on Dal Lake or kayaking and canoeing at the Lake.
- If you want a thrilling experience, paragliding from the Pari Mahal is the best choice to enjoy panoramic views of the Dal Lake and the most beautiful Mughal Gardens.
- The hills near Shankaracharya Temple are great for adventure lovers. If you like exciting activities, you can try rock climbing on these hills.
- You can try water skiing on Nigeen Lake too.
Top Hotels Near Pari Mahal
Along with the top hotels near Pari Mahal, also discover the best resorts near Pari Mahal in Kashmir.
- Dal View Resort
- Hotel de Apple
- Walisons Hotel
- Radisson Srinagar
- Hotel Grand Mahal
- Gulab Resort
- Kashmir Royal Resorts
- Sehar The Golden Morning Glory
- The LaLit Grand Palace
- Collection O Rajbagh formerly Lavender
Conclusion
Pari Mahal Srinagar Tourism offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. This Pari Mahal Srinagar Travel Guide has highlighted the palace’s rich heritage and stunning views. From exploring the terraced gardens to witnessing breathtaking sunsets, Pari Mahal provides unforgettable experiences.
Also, the accommodation in Pari Mahal surroundings caters to various preferences. Whether you are a history lover or nature enthusiast, the Pari Mahal Srinagar Travel Guide ensures a memorable visit.
Embrace the magic of this fairy palace and let Pari Mahal Srinagar Tourism captivate you with its timeless charm. Using the Pari Mahal Srinagar Travel Guide, plan your trip carefully, considering accommodation in Pari Mahal vicinity.
What is Pari Mahal famous for?
Pari Mahal is famous for its terraced gardens, Mughal architecture, and stunning views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
Why is Pari Mahal called Palace of Fairies?
Pari Mahal is called the Palace of Fairies because of its enchanting beauty and location. It is situated on top of a hill with beautiful gardens.
What is the best time to visit Pari Mahal Srinagar?
The best time to visit Pari Mahal is between April and June.
What are the accommodation options available in Pari Mahal?
From houseboats, resorts, and hotels there are wide range of accommodation options available near Pari Mahal.
Are there any adventure sports available in Pari Mahal?
From paragliding and Shikara rides to kayaking, skiing, rock climbing, and canoeing there are the best adventure sports you can try near Pari Mahal, Srinagar.
