Mar 22, 2017

Pari Mahal (The Angels Abode), Dal Lake, Zabarwan mountain Range, near Cheshmashahi, Srinagar

Pari Mahal or The Angels' Abode is a seven terraced garden located at the top of Zabarwan mountain range over-looking city of Srinagar and south-west of Dal Lake. The architecture depicts an example of Islamic architecture and patronage of art during the reign of the then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is five-minute drive from Cheshma shahi, Srinagar.

There is a belief among the locals that during the night of one concentrates deeply then voice of angles songs can be heard here.

Pari Mahal is a seven layer garden and a fort which has a clear view of Srinagar and the Dal lake. The architecture clearly points out the Islamic style architecture and art. Prince Dara Shikoh who was the son of Shah Jahan is the man behind this brilliant idea of the creation of the garden. The garden was built in the year 1600 over a destroyed Buddhist monastery and known to be opened in 1650 AD. after that this was used as an observatory where they taught astronomy and astrology.


















The overall length and breadth of this garden is 122 m and 62.5 m respectively.Located in the southwest of the Dal Lake, this garden has six terraces. Unlike other Mughal gardens, the gardens of Pari Mahal do not have water cascades. Its water tanks are located separately on the terraces and are filled with the help of underground pipes. The garden has a spring and a lawn with a variety of flowers and fruit trees growing in it.

The architecture of the garden includes a small spring, surrounded by outlandish flowers and ornamental plants arranged out in terraces vanquished by the remains of the exquisite building. The monument is lightened during the night and the magnificent view of the illumined building at the top of the hill can be viewed from most of the places in Srinagar. This splendid monument reveals the grandeur of the taste of the Mughal emperors. The ruins of the building still showcase the rich history of the Mughal period. Nonetheless it is one of the most to visit places in Srinagar.

The sight had some ruins of a Buddhist Monastery before mid-1600s. Later the Mughal prince Prince Dara Shikoh had established this beautiful architecture at the same sight.

Architecturally, the third terrace of the garden has been constructed in a very interesting manner. The garden has a typical Mughal style entrance that has an arch in its front followed by a dome and a central chamber. The entrance of the garden is located amidst the east wall. It is finely coated with the beautiful paint and plaster. There is a series of large expansive rooms on either side of the entrance. One room towards the north of the entrance is considered to be the hammam or the royal bathing space. Pieces of water pipes can be seen coming out from the domed ceiling of this room and it has a very well decorated interior. There are two chambers towards the south of the entrance. But the purpose of these chambers could not be depicted. Pipes are inserted in the ceilings of these chambers. There is a possibility that the second chamber might have been used as a kitchen as it has two pipes inserted at the ceiling.

Srinagar witnesses a large number of tourists throughout the year. From all over the world travelers consider this beautiful valley as a paradise. The sightseeing in the Srinagar is an incredible experience. There are beautiful lakes, charming scene, ancient monuments that add to the beauty of this place. Out of all the monuments in Srinagar, Pari mahal which was a royal observatory in the former times has a special significance among the tourists. Pari Mahal is located at 5 minutes’ drive from Cheshma Shahi, the smallest Mughal Garden in Srinagar.
 
Best Time to Visit Pari Mahal is Summer season is considered to be the best time for sight-seeing. The temperature is mild and cool ranging between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius during the summers. Winter season lasts from the month of November to February and it is very cold and chilling during this season as temperature drops below zero degree. Heavy rainfall is experience during the winters. To enjoy the lush green sight of the Pari Mahal, the best time is between April to October.

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