Srinagar is counted among the most beautiful places of India owing to its lush green orchards, free flowing rivers and paradisal locales. Also, 80% of the country's apple supplies are managed from here. So, visit the emerald carpeted meadows full of green trees sprinkled with shiny red apples and let the picture perfect scene be etched in your memory forever.
The Nishat Bagh is a 12 terraced garden located near Srinagar's famous Dal Lake. It is the second-largest Mughal garden in Kashmir after Shalimar Bagh. Popularly known as "Garden of Bliss", it has a splendid Mughal central water channel with several fountains, which is surrounded by tall Chinar trees. Nishat Bagh was designed and built in 1633 by Asif Khan, the elder brother of Nur Jehan.
Timings : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fee : INR 10
Situated at the foothills of Hari Parbat in Srinagar, the Badamwari Gardens are known for their bloom of stunning almond flowers. These flowers bloom around March, marking the arrival of the spring season. Believed to have been built during the 14th century, Badamwari Garden is a piece of heaven tucked away in Srinagar.
Timings : Badamwari Garden is open to the public from 21 March 2022 till the blooms last
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest tulip garden in Asia which is set in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range in Srinagar. Formerly known as Model Floriculture Center, it overlooks the mesmerising Dal Lake. The Tulip Garden is home to flowers like roses, daffodils, hyacinths, iris amongst 48 varieties of tulips. The Tulip Festival held here is the highlight which attracts tourists from the world over.
Timings : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fees : Adult: INR 50
Child: INR 25
Chashme Shahi is one of the three Mughal gardens in Srinagar, located in the Zabarwan range overlooking the Dal Lake. Also known as Chashma-i-Shahi, it was built 1632 AD by Ali Marda Khan on the orders of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his eldest son Dara Shikoh. Chashme Shahi Garden is famous for its natural spring known as Rupa Bhawani. It remains open for tourists from March to November.
Timings : March - November: 8:00 AM - 7:15 PM
Best time to visit : May - June when the garden is in full bloom
Providing the best view of the Dal lake is Nehru Garden, a botanical garden in Srinagar. It was built in 1969 in the memory of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The Nehru Garden is popular for housing a collection of rare Kashmiri tropical plants. Other things to see include 15000 ornamental plants and a collection of oak trees.
Timings: : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Price : INR 12 per person.
The Jhelum View Park is a tourist and local destination located in the Rajbagh area of Srinagar. It is not far from the city center, so many people enjoy taking a morning or evening stroll on the premises. It boasts both natural sceneries and architectural wonders. The park is placed right next to the Jhelum river- so you can enjoy its serenity. You can even find many local cafes and eating spots within a 1-kilometer radius of the park.
Location : Abdullah Bridge, Rajbagh, Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir
Situated on the northwestern side of Dal Lake, a mere 8 km from the heart of Srinagar, Naseem Bagh emerges as an ancient haven, nestled amidst the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir's landscape. Located one kilometer north of Hazratbal Mosque on the western shore of Dal Lake, this Mughal garden is an embodiment of history and natural splendor.
Shalimar Bagh is a beautifully laid out Mughal garden, the largest of the three Mughal gardens in Srinagar (the other two being Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi). This pristine attraction was built in the year 1619 by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan and lies overlooking the scintillating waters of the Dal Lake. It is now a public park and is known as the "crown of Srinagar".
Timings : April to October: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
November to March: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee : INR 10 per head
Nestled at the southeastern end of the enchanting Kashmir Valley, Achabal Gardens, aptly known as "the places of the princess," stands as a testament to Mughal artistry and natural splendor. Located in the town of Achabal, Anantnag district, this small but captivating Mughal garden is steeped in history and adorned with breathtaking features.
Timings : 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
In conclusion, the gardens of Srinagar stand as timeless testaments to the city's cultural and natural richness. Each garden, with its fragrant blooms and intricate design, carries the echoes of Mughal artistry and Kashmir's enduring allure. As visitors wander through these green sanctuaries, they are not merely surrounded by flora but immersed in a living legacy. The gardens of Srinagar, with their vibrant colors, historic resonance, and serene ambiance, beckon travelers to savor the beauty that transcends time and find solace in the embrace of nature's grandeur. This unique blend of culture and landscape ensures that the allure of Srinagar's gardens will continue to captivate hearts for generations to come.