The breathtaking terrain of Jammu & Kashmir is home to some of the world’s most exquisite gardens, which draw thousands of visitors yearly from all over the world. When planning a journey, those who have read or heard about these magnificent Kashmir gardens make it a point to stop here. These gardens are the best family-friendly holiday places in this territory of India. Even honeymooners like going to these gardens so they may take pictures against the beautiful mountain backdrop. Below is a list of the top gardens of Kashmir that you must include in your following travel list.
1. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, tucked away on the shores of Dal Lake, blooms with vibrant tulips in May and June. It was formerly known as the Model Floriculture Center. It has a space of about 30 hectares and is the largest tulip garden in Asia. Tulip garden is one of Srinagar, Kashmir’s most beautiful and exotic gardens. You can feel inevitable beauty here. You feel fantastic after strolling among seemingly endless fields of beautiful tulips. Everyone who travels to Kashmir must see this beautiful garden. A trip to Srinagar is incomplete without visiting Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden. In addition to tulips, the area is abundant in roses, muscari, irises, daffodils, hyacinths, ranunculus, and other beautiful flowers.
2. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden
The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden Kashmir is ideal for a stroll across Srinagar’s verdant landscape. You may see the lovely Dal Lake and a beautiful vista of mountains and hills from the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range. The garden is large, and the blooming flowers add to its appeal. Its serene surroundings are ideal for enjoying special moments and taking stunning photos. You can make travel arrangements to visit Kashmir gardens and prepare your belongings for a pleasant getaway. Whether you plan a trip with your significant other or with family and friends, Srinagar gardens have to be the best option for you.
3. Badamwari Srinagar
Badamwari Garden is one of the famous gardens in Kashmir. It is located on the hills of Koh-e-Maran. Numerous trees, flowers, and plants fill this garden with their grace. This almond garden in Kashmir is well-known for its profusion of gorgeous almond flowers. When it is in full bloom, the spectacular dome in the middle of the garden appears even lovelier. You can enjoy some quality time in the company of your loved ones and friends amidst nature. This picturesque garden, which sprawls over the hills of Koh-e-Maran, is awash with brightly blossoming plants and vegetation. April is when the almond buds in this garden are in full bloom. So you can schedule your visit for this month.
4. Shalimar Garden
Kashmir is known as the Heaven on Earth, and gardens like Shalimar serve as the cherry on top to highlight the valley’s natural beauty. Shalimar Bagh is an exquisite and famous garden in Kashmir tucked away on the shores of the pristine Dal Lake. Located on the outskirts of Srinagar, it is a representation of love. The emperor Jahangir built this garden for his beloved queen. You can see beautiful flowers, Chinar trees, and pavilions in this well-kept, rich green park. It includes stunning terrace gardens, glistening fountains, and an endless row of flowers in combination with Chinar trees. For everyone visiting the Kashmir Valley for the first time, Shalimar Gardens in Srinagar, Kashmir, is a must-see location.
5. Pari Mahal Garden
The Pari Mahal Garden is also one of the well-known Kashmir Garden names. The natural beauty and serenity of Pari Mahal make it a famous Srinagar garden. The stunning ancient structure known as Pari Mahal is located directly at the peak of the Zabarwan mountain range. Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor, was a proponent of Islamic architecture and art, which is evident in the structure’s design. You can see a variety of flowers and trees in the garden, which provides a peaceful atmosphere.
The garden around the Pari Mahal has seven terraces, built following Persian architectural principles and the Char Bagh concept. Unlike the other Mughal gardens in Kashmir, it lacks water fountains. Because of its captivating fantasy castle-like appearance, the building is known as Pari Mahal, meaning ‘the fairies’ adobe. The garden is a superb illustration of Mughal architecture and landscaping, making it significant.
6. Nishat Garden
Nishat Garden, also known as “the garden of pleasure,” is situated along Dal Lake. The garden provides a beautiful perspective of the Dal Lake’s sunset against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range. At the centre of the garden is a lovely water channel. Asaf Khan, Nur Jahan’s brother, built Nishat Bagh in 1633.
Colourful geraniums, asters, lilies, and roses adorn the terraces. Nishat Garden is one of the best gardens in Srinagar. People come from all over the world to see the beauty of the place. Tourists not only get to enjoy the scenic view of the gardens but also can enjoy Shikara rides at Nehru Park. In addition, there are many shopping stalls outside the garden where tourists can shop for different items.
7. Harwan Garden
The Kashmir garden, known as Harwan, is around 18 miles from Srinagar and has become a popular destination for picnics. A canal traverses the garden from the nearby dam. The dam has Chinar trees on one side. This lawn includes arch gates and a concrete sidewalk. The fragrant blooms across the entire garden make it a famous Srinagar garden.
In addition, there is a stunning Harwan Lake beyond the garden, with imposing mountains encircling it. You can stay on a nearby houseboat for a distinctive experience. The Dachi Gam Wildlife refuge also has its entrance at the Harwan Garden. Also, trekkers starting from this location can access the Mahadev Mountain peak.
8. Chashme Shahi Garden
Chashme Shahi is a famous Kashmir garden name known for its natural spring. It is a component of the Mughal Gardens. The garden draws tourist attention to the natural spring at this site. The spring, previously known as “Chashme Sahibi,” is thought to have been found by the revered Kashmiri saint Rupa Bhawani.
According to the locals, spring water has therapeutic effects, so tourists travel to this site in large numbers. The water from the spring is constantly chilly, even during the hottest part of the summer. The spring-fed water from Chashme Shahi flows through a three-tier garden. A two-story cottage built on the garden’s upper terrace represents the water’s source. The well-kept gardens that depict Persian and Iranian designs provide tourists with a visual treat.
9. Achabal Garden
The teeny-tiny Achabal Garden, also known as “the place of the princess,” is located in the Indian village of Achabal in the Anantnag district. It is about 8 kilometres from Anantnag and about 60 kilometres from the capital city of Srinagar. It is one of the best gardens in Srinagar Kashmir in Mughal-style architecture. A terrace garden encircles its historical spring, which is famous worldwide.
The historical importance of this place leaves the visitor speechless. This exquisite Kashmir Garden was a retreat for leisure for the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan. It has a special allure and charm. It’s not easy to express the mesmerizing splendour of this Mughal-style garden in words. The upper portion of this garden, known as “Bag-e-Begum Abad,” was built by Malika Noor Jehan Begum in 1620.
10. Kokarnag Garden
This health resort lies about 25 kilometres to the southeast of the district Anantnag. The foot of a nearby hill covered in evergreen pine trees is where the well-known spring “Kokernag” gushes out. The spring makes it one of the most famous gardens in Kashmir.
It has a terraced-garden and botanical garden with fine flower beds of all sorts and colours. Well-groomed evergreen bushes cover and shelter these gardens. The presence of tall and majestic chinars is a captivating sight. The divine touch of the gardens fascinates and mesmerizes you, thanks to the music of the stream’s health-giving, reviving, and tasty flowing waters. You can also notice Asia’s largest trout breeding farm located on the western side of this garden while taking in the reviving and energizing feast.
Bottom-line
It’s interesting to observe how much opportunity there is for floriculture operations in Jammu and Kashmir and how the authorities are utilizing this. So you can expect to see Srinagar in pink hues shortly. The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are already planning to open a Kashmir garden with a cherry blossom theme. We hope the cherry garden in Kashmir soon finds its place on your travel bucket list. Would you go as far as Kashmir for this?
