The Timeless Royal Mughal Gardens of Kashmir
Article by Raj Mehta
Termed as a piece of paradise on Earth this beautiful valley of Kashmir lays in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The place is well known for the vast scenic beauty that nature has generously gifted it. The majestic Himalayan range, clear lakes, boathouses, lush green hills, orchards, gardens, ski resorts, monasteries, temples, mosques and coniferous forests contribute to the immense beauty of the place.
Every traveler who has been to this paradise on earth once has always returned at least once to revive the memories and relive beauty. The place is so captivating that you cannot help but stare at the tranquil landscapes in silence because words are not enough to describe the beauty here. Owing to its picturesque landscapes and pristine lakes it was a favorite place of the great mughal rulers. To commemorate and add to the beauty of the place the mughal rulers have constructed a number of beautiful gardens that stand out in the Kashmir Tourism Map. Some of the well known gardens here are:-
Shalimar garden- this garden is said to be built where the cottage for king Pravarsena II was built to rest when he used to go to visit Sukarma Swami who was a local saint. The place was named Shalimar by king Pravarsena II and later emperor Jahangir built this magnificent garden here. The garden was built by the emperor for his lovely wife Nur Jahan. The garden is built in a traditionally Islamic fashion and has three elaborate terraces. The design irrigation system of the garden is truly well engineered showing that even in the olden days devoid of technology man could make things work.
Chashme Shahi- this garden is the smallest of the mughal gardens that is in Kashmir and was laid down by the great mughal emperor Shah Jahan. With digestive mineral water springs feeding the trees and flowers they fruit and blossom wonderfully. The garden also has a large number of fountains and terraced gardens that add to the charm of the place. Walk among the blossomed flowers and fruiting trees taking in the freshness of nature that fills the atmosphere here.
Nishat Garden- with the majestic Zabarwan Mountains painted on the horizon behind this wonderful garden with its fountains and flowers, this garden is a beauty. Set on the banks of the Dal Lake this picturesque garden is the second largest mughal garden in Kashmir. This marvel of horticulture was built and designed in the year of 1663 by Asif Khan.
Pari Mahal- once a royal observatory and now a beautiful garden, Pari mahal is set on top of the Zebanwan Mountain. The garden has a wonderful picturesque view, which is a delight to the photographer’s eye. Here one can enjoy history with beauty as the building itself is has an elaborate architecture to go along with the garden.
Also Kashmir Tour Operators shows you the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden where the flowers here are in full during the months of February to March and April to May. This particular garden is India’s largest tulip garden and the blossoming flowers make a sight so beautiful that words fall short to describe its splendid beauty.
The gardens are just a small ornaments added by men compared to the natural scenic beauty gifted by Mother Earth. A visit to Kashmir will leave you with the sensation that you have discovered heaven on earth, so to feel what heaven may be like visit this beautiful valley.
About the Author
<p align=”justify”>Raj Mehta is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored may books on tour guide Kashmir Tourism and Tourist Places in Kashmir.
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