Shalimar Garden a Historical Tourist Place :
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir often known as " Paradise on Earth" is worldwide famous for its breathing Natural picturesque landscapes & rich cultural heritages. There are countless famous Tourist places to Visit in Kashmir valley and among them is one namely Shalimar Bagh also known as Shalimar Garden located in Srinagar, the summer Capital of Union Terrority of Jammu and Kashmir, India. This Historical Garden was built by famous Mughal Emperor Jehangir in 1619 for His beloved wife Empress Noor Jehan and it is also a testament to the Mughal love for Nature, beauty, and symmetry.
It is important to mention here that during the Mughal period, the Emperor and his wife Nur Jehan were so fascinated with Kashmir that during the Summer season, they used to move to Srinagar with their full court entourage from Delhi more than twelve times and this Garden was their ideal summer residence and the royal court after crossing the snowy passes of Pir Panjal mountain range on elephants to reach Kashmir.
The Marble pavilion of this beautiful Shalimar Bagh was the Guest House for European guests during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. During this rule more beautiful of this Historical garden, and electrification of the premises was done and over the years, this garden was improved and extended by many rulers and called it by various names but the most popular name Shalimar Bagh continues to date.
Shalimar Bagh is adorned with a big network of water channels that run through terraces and water flows in a cascading manner and creates a soothing and tranquil ambiance. There are also a large number of fountains present throughout the Garden which add charm to its natural beauty. Every year lacs of domestic and international tourists visit here specially to enjoy the natural beauty of this amazing garden.
Shalimar Bagh has distinctive features in the shape of Pavillions inside the garden which are known as Chini Khanas. These Pavilions are decorated with beautiful paintings and intricate Tile work.
Shalimar Garden is very famous for Chini Khanas or arched niches, behind garden waterfalls. The niches are lightened during the night with oil lamps that give a fairy appearance to the waterfalls of the entire garden.
There are also three terraces in this Garden and the first one is a public garden or the outer garden ending in the Diwan-e- Aam( Public Audience Hall) in this Hall, a small black marble throne was installed on the waterfalls. Then comes the second Terrace Garden located along the axial canal which is a bit broader.
It has two shallow terraces viz; one is Diwan- e-Khas, the Hall of Private audience that used to be only accessible to the guests or noblemen of the court. It has derelict in its culture and one can still see there carved stone bases and beautiful platforms covered by fountains. Visitors and tourists can also see the royal bathrooms on the North East boundary of this enclosure. There are about 410 fountains in Diwan Khas, Diwan Aam, and Zenana Terrace which adds beauty to it.
Then comes the 3rd terrace of this Historical garden where the axial water channel flows through the Zenana Garden flanked by Chinar trees and Diwan-e- Khas. There are two small Pavillions or Guard rooms at its entrance which are built in Kashmiri Style on a stone plinth. This zone is the restricted and controlled entry zone of the royal harem. Emperor Shahjehan built a black Pavilion in the Zenana Garden which is encircled by a fountain pool that gets its supply from a higher terrace.
It is pertinent to mention here that even in later years, during the Maharaja's rule, the gardens are well maintained and continue to be so even nowadays because it is the most prominent visitor attraction around the world's famous dal lake. This garden is considered to be very beautiful even during the autumn and Spring seasons because of the color change in the leaves of the famous Chinar trees. Every year lacks of tourists from all over the world and India visit here to enjoy its stunning beauty and pleasant weather conditions for which it is quite famous.
Shalimar Bagh Distance :
From Jammu It will take about 6 to 7 hours to reach, From Delhi, it will take 13-14 hours by train, by air it will take 1 and Half hours, and by road, it will take 21-22 hours to reach. Train and airplane will drop you at Srinagar and after that, you need to book a cab or else take a bus. To enjoy the scenic beauty of Shalimar Garden, you need to pay the fees. The fee is following for Different age groups :
1. Adults: Rs. 50
2. Kids: Rs.25
Shalimar Bagh Accomodation :
The Garden is open for all visitors from 10. a.m to 6:00 P.m Shalimar Bagh offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. There are a large number of classy Hotels, restaurants, Houseboats, Guest Houses, and homestays easily available at affordable prices in the heart of Srinagar City for tourists and visitors. Big shopping malls, high-class markets, and shops are available in the entire city for the convenience of visitors.
Here are some suitable options of places to stay in Shalimar Bagh:-
1. Hotel Zaryab:- It is approximately 2km away from dal lake. It costs around 3500 - 4500 per night here.
2. Hotel Grand Mahal:- It is approximately 1.5 km far away from dal lake. It costs around 4800- 5500 per night here.
3. Paisley Palace: It is approximately 1.7 km far away from dal lake. It costs around 3800 -4800 per night. Here are a lot of Games to play and sometimes there is a bonfire also.
4. Musadiq Manzil Homestay: It is 1.9 k.m far away from Dal Lake and It costs around 880 - 950 with a living room, Shared kitchen, Bathroom, 1 Bedroom, etc.
5. The Clover Homestay: It is 2 km Far away from Dal Lake. It costs around 2100 - 2500. There is 1 kitchen, 1 bedroom, etc.
Shalimar Garden Top places to Visit :
Shalimar Garden in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, offers various top tourist places to visit such as -
Dal Lake :
It is a picturesque jewel in Srinagar, Kashmir. Dal Lake is not just a water body; it's an integral part of Srinagar's culture and lifestyle. Many things that can be enjoyed in world famous Dal Lake are as under :
1. Houseboats :
Staying in the traditional houseboats offers visitors a unique and tranquil accommodation experience.
2. Shikara Rides:
tourists and visitors during their visit to Srinagar specifically undertake to Enjoy a Shikara ride, a colorful boat cruise on the serene waters of Dal Lake, passing through floating gardens and markets of the city. The best time to go for a shikhara ride is either in the morning or in the evening when the weather is quite pleasant.
3. Floating Gardens:
The floating garden also known as RAAD in the Kashmiri language always blossoms lotus flowers, especially during July and August. Visitors can also Witness the vibrant floating gardens, where vegetables and flowers are cultivated on floating beds.
4. Mughal Gardens:
The famous Mughal gardens are also the main focus of tourist attractions in Srinagar. One can explore the gardens around Dal Lake, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, showcasing Mughal architectural elegance.
5. Hazratbal Shrine:
Tourists and pilgrims also Admire the white marble beauty of Holy Hazratbal Shrine located on the northern shores of Dal Lake.
6. Char Chinar:
It is also one of the main attractions of tourists who Srinagar. Tourists Visit the island adorned with four ancient Chinar trees, creating a picturesque setting on the lake.
7. Shankaracharya Temple :
Shankaracharya Temple, also known as the Jyeshteshwara Temple, which situated in Srinagar. It is situated on a hill called Takht-e-Suleiman and offers Scenic views of Srinagar. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed to have been visited by Adi Shankaracharya during his travels. It holds historical and religious significance in the Kashmir Valley and Hinduism also.
8. Tulip Garden :
The Srinagar city is also home to Asia's Largest Tulip Garden which remains main focus of tourists and travelers .
There many other tourist and pilgrimage spots in the Vicinity of Srinagar like Manasbal lake, Zeshtyar and Mata Kheerbhawani Shrine etc where people from different parts of India and abroad also visit in huge numbers through out the year.
Conclude :
Every year lacs of tourists from different parts of India and abroad visit Kashmir valley during the Summer season with great enthusiasm and sector to enjoy its ultimate natural beauty and return with indelible memories of these beautiful places. Other nearby splendid tourist places that tourists visit often are Nishat Garden, Dal Lake, Chasma Shahie, Manasbal Lake, etc to enjoy their mesmerizing beauty.
From :
Team Panaromicspots.
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