The valley of Kashmir is known for its unparalleled beauty and the panorama of allure that it offers in every season. However, it is the winter season in which its landscape undergoes a fascinating transformation characterized by golden and red foliage, awe-inspiring tranquility, and unforgettable visuals all around.
To explore the beauty of Kashmir to the fullest in the winter, there is nothing better than a visit to the famed Mughal Gardens.
In this season the Kashmir valley undergoes the peak of its autumnal transformation bringing with it a pleasant anticipation of snow-draped peaks, a delightful ambiance, and hues of red, yellow, and golden.
If you are a nature lover, visiting the Mughal Gardens is a must. In this article, we will take you through some of the top destinations to explore in Autumn in Kashmir that you need to add to your bucket list so stay with us till the end.
- Nishat Bagh
Nishat Bagh was built in 1633 by Asaf Khan, the brother-in-law of the emperor Jahangir. Facing the magnificent Dal Lake, this garden is a true masterpiece of architecture.
This garden is divided into 12 terraces and is adorned with Chinar trees, fountains, flowerbeds, and myriads of delightful plants of all kinds. Nishat bagh is beautiful in every sense of the word and that is why it was the most preferred place to visit for many emperors of the Mughal reign.
- Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh is among the most prominent destinations in Srinagar which was built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The upper portions of this garden are believed to be reserved for the emperor and his courtiers and the lower was for the general public.
This garden has beautiful pavilions and fountains on its edges. It also has two of the most amazing structures well preserved even today i.e., the Pink Pavilion or Dewan e Aam and the Black Pavilion or Dewan e Khas. These structures have carved columns, brackets, and railings made of stone, and papier mache ceilings which is a magnificent sight to behold.
- Chashma Shahi
This is another major tourist attraction that was built back in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan under the rule of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This garden was built on the slopes of the Zabarwan Mountains. It is situated around a spring which is still a part of it after centuries.
The spring moves along different terraces of the garden where water from one terrace pours into the next one where it meets a pool with a beautiful fountain in the middle of it.
This Mughal Garden is known for its amazing Persian art and architecture, spellbinding landscape especially in the evenings and afternoons, and narrow hills which give it an amazing ambiance.
- Pari Mahal
This picture-perfect destination in Srinagar was the creation of the eldest son of Shah Jahan. Prince Dara Shikoh laid the foundations of this masterpiece in 1650. This garden is located at the top of the Zabarwan range and quite close to Dal Lake.
This garden follows Persian architecture and the typical Char Bagh concept seen in many Mughal gardens. The name Pari Mahal was given to this garden for its fairytale castle-like architecture.
At the entrance of this garden, there is an arch which is followed by a dome with various rooms and chambers on its sides. This Mughal Garden is segmented into seven terraces each adorned with fountains, flowerbeds, and a mesmerizing mountain backdrop.
- Achabal Bagh
The foundation of this garden was laid by Noor Jahan the wife of a prominent Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1620. This garden is situated at a distance of 50km from Srinagar.
Achabal is an ideal destination for both nature lovers and architect enthusiasts. It has mesmerizing hues, plantations based on Persian gardening style, and tall and lush Chinar trees.
This garden is divided into four terraces and there is a spring that is responsible for connecting a canal, a branch canal, and a pavilion within the boundaries of the garden.
What makes this garden different from its counterparts is its solitary location and the use of its source of water for irrigation of the garden. So, add this garden to your travel destinations in Kashmir to enjoy the natural beauty and aesthetics of this region to the fullest.
- Naseem Bagh
If you are looking to visit some of the most scenic spots in Kashmir then you can consider Naseem Bagh. This garden was built by the Mughal Emperor Akber in 1586. This garden has majestic trees, lovely flowerbeds, and enhancing lawns that are filled with golden and reddish hues in the winter.
This garden is situated at the bank of Dal Lake which blends well with magnificent rows of Chinar trees and a beautiful mountains backdrop.
Naseem Bagh has no match when it comes to its natural beauty, amazing tracks, and the refreshing natural breeze that uplifts your mood and makes you feel calm and collected.
- Verinag
This fascinating Mughal Garden is located at the foothills of the Banihal mountain range in the south of Srinagar. Its construction began in 1619 under the supervision of Mirza Haider who was a prominent engineer in the era of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
The main features of this garden are its octagonal shape, a location that surrounds a spring, mesmerizing fountains and cascades, hot and cold baths, and majestic Deodar Forest hills.
The design of the Verinag has a very fine symmetry to it and its shape and style blend very well with its natural surroundings. This garden was the personal favorite of many Mughal emperors for its peace as well as elegance and grandeur.
Conclusion
The Mughal Gardens of Kashmir are characterized by beautiful, fountains, majestic terraces, natural beauty, and the most captivating surroundings. These gardens are a source of abundant natural beauty as well as artistic inspiration.
Every year, countless tourists visit these gardens in the winter season to have the most uplifting and unforgettable experience of their lives. These gardens are a sight to behold in the winter and we urge you to include these in your travel bucket list.
We assure you that these magical locations will stay fresh in your memory for years to come and you will yearn to visit them again and again every year.
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