Main Info
Pari Mahal
Overlooking the beautiful Chashme Shahi Gardens is the beautiful Pari Mahal. Also known as the home of angels and the abode of fairies, the Pari Mahal is a six terraced garden that is located on the Zabarwan Mountain range. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens on all sides that are regularly maintained with utmost care. Since the mahal is a rare piece of natural beauty, tourists from India and abroad visit this place to witness its grandeur.
The Pari Mahal is considered an important historical monument in India. Since it built during the Mughal era, the design reminds of the conventional Islamic architecture. The Archaeological Survey of India is responsible for maintaining the place. The monument was built by Dara Shikoh, the eldest child of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor. One can easily see the beautiful city of Srinagar and the serene Dal Lake from Pari Mahal. The Pari Mahal is characterized by six curved porches, and it is a feast for the nature lovers.
Upon visiting the Pari Mahal, you will come across beautiful and colorful flowers of several varieties. There are exotic fruit plantations and the entire garden looks surreal. Some people believe that the Pari Mahal was a Buddhist monastery once and later became the school of astrology for the son of Shah Jahan, Dara Shikoh. Tourists make sure that they visit the top of the mahal and witness the environment around that reminds of the way of living of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty.
History of Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal was built in 1650 AD. It was built by the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and the then Mughal Prince. It is believed that it was previously a Buddhist monastery that was destroyed by the Mughals upon their arrival in India. So, the mahal is considered to be built on the ruins of the monastery. Later, it was made the place of learning for Dara Shikoh where he would study astrology and astronomy. He was murdered here by his younger brother Aurangzeb for the Mughal throne. After that, it was declared as a paramilitary camp.
Architecture of Pari Mahal
The Pari Mahal is a big garden. It spans an area of 123 meters in length and 63 meters in width. It has six arched terraces and reminds of the Mughal architecture. There are 21 arches on the outer wall of the garden. They decrease in size as they progress. The entrance to the mahal is located on the third terrace. It leads to a hall. There are two large rooms on either side.
There is a huge reservoir in the middle of the third terrace.
The top terrace does not have much of anything except the ruins of a reservoir. It is considered to be built as a structure to allow ventilation known as Baradari. The name Baradari translates into a pavilion with twelve doors. A lot of old monuments have such a structure.
The fourth terrace also houses the ruins of a reservoir, the fifth terrace features a wall that is replete with pigeon holes. There is a tank in the middle of the sixth terrace. It has an octagonal bastion at each end.
There is an underground pipeline that is now non-functional. The mahal would receive water from these reservoirs from it.
Best Time To Visit Pari Mahal
Winters, from October to March, is really cold and the temperature can drop to as low as -2 degree Celcius. The place also receives heavy snowfall.
The months from April to September are the best to visit Pari Mahal. The temperature is usually moderate and stays between a maximum of 20-30 degrees Celcius and a minimum of 8-18 degrees Celcius.
Tips For Visiting Pari Mahal
1. Mandatorily carry an Identity Proof to gain access to the Mahal Premises.
2. Your belongings will be frisked at the entrance to ensure the safety of the site. Cooperate with the staff.
3. You can get your pictures clicked in Kashmiri outfits.
4. Stay warm. The place is usually cold. Carry enough warm clothes.
5. The Mahal is old and mostly in ruins. So, watch your steps and be cautious during your visit.
6. Carry extra water bottles.
7. Keep the place clean.
8. Take care of your children. There are no handrails on stairs.
How to Reach Pari Mahal
Only 13 kms away from the beautiful city of Srinagar, Pari Mahal is close to Chashm-E-Shahi. It is located at an only a 10-minute drive from there. You can reach the mahal by private conveyance or even rent a cab that will take you through Gupkar Road.