Pari Mahal in Srinagar

Pari Mahal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Srinagar city which is sited on top of Zabarwan mountain range which runs close to Dal Lake. This majestic seven terraced Mughal garden on top of the hill overlooks Srinagar city and the Dal Lake. The term Pari Mahal means “The Fairies’ Adobe” and it is also called as “Quntilon”. Pari Mahal stands an outstanding example for the architectural excellence of Mughal and how they excelled in the field of garden architecture during their reign. The garden is very popular for its attractive flowering plants and numerous fruit trees. Currently state government of Jammu and Kashmir owns and manages the garden. 

History of Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal was built by Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh who was the elder son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1650 AD. As per records the venue was initially a ruin of Buddhist Monastery which was destroyed and erected as Pari Mahal by Prince Dara Shikoh. The venue was used for teaching astronomy and astrology to the Prince by his teacher Mulla Shah for whom this fairy palace was dedicated by Prince Dara Shikoh. It is also said Pari Mahal is the actual location where Prince Dara Shikoh was killed by his younger brother Prince Aurangazeb to win the power of Mughal reign. Pari Mahal is also the venue of Indian Paramilitary camp also it is one of the world’s high altitude camps. 

Architecture of Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal is a seven terraced garden with 122 m length and 62.5 m width which is built according to the Mughal garden design. The seventh or the top terrace was used by Prince Dara Shikoh for its teaching. The garden has no water falls to supply water to its terraces so many water tanks with underground water pipeline connection were built to supply water to each terraces through water tanks. 

The entrance of Pari Mahal is a typical Mughal style entrance with an arch followed by a dome with a middle chamber.  On both sides of the entrance follows a row of extensive rooms. Out of the seven garden terraces the third terrace differs in its architectural style when compared to the rest of the garden terraces. From the corner of each terrace its top or lower terrace can be reached through steps. The top terrace has a huge water tank which gets water from a spring. Currently the spring and many water tanks in the garden have dried.  

Visiting Time in Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal on Zabarwan mountain range has a dropping freezing temperature during winters so summers are considered as the best season to visit Pari Mahal. The garden is opened for public visit from 9.30 am till 5.30 pm and the last entry time to the garden is 4.30 pm. The garden remains closed on Fridays.  Tourists are advised to carry their ID cards while touring Pari Mahal. 

How to Reach Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal being the popular and historic tourist destination in Srinagar has a good transport network to facilitate its tourist. The Srinagar railway station is sited at just 19 km far from the garden and from there Pari Mahal can be reached in just 25 minutes. The Srinagar international airport is sited in just 22 km far from Pari Mahal from where it can be reached in just 30 minutes through any local transportation service.

Pari Mahal
Address: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir-190001
Pari Mahal is also very close to Chashme Shahi Mughal garden which is also another popular Mughal garden on the banks of Dal Lake form where Pari Mahal can be reached in just a 5 minutes drive.

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