About Pari Mahal
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, 5 PM to 7 PM
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: Entrance counter
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station, 252 km (approx)
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR), 23 km (approx)
Nearest Bus Stop: TRC bus stand, 9 km (approx)
Pari Mahal, commonly known as the ‘Abode of Fairies’, ‘Palace of Fairies’, ’Qutilon’ or ‘Peer Mahal’, is one of the stand-out Mughal gardens to explore in Srinagar with the help of Kashmir tour packages. Located atop the Zabarwan mountain range in the south-west of Dal Lake, this place is famed for being the smallest Mughal Garden here.
Built by Dara Shikoh (eldest son of Shah Jahan) in the mid-1600s, it served as a Sufi retreat and astronomical as well as astrological observatory. The garden features seven terraces, each supported by arched walls that reflect the brilliance of Mughal architecture. Visitors can explore pavilions (baradaris), domed ceilings, and historic entrance buildings here alongside the manicured gardens. Unlike most Mughal gardens, its water source is a nearby spring which is drawn to the garden using underground pipes, making it one of the Historical places in Jammu & Kashmir worth exploring.
Pari Mahal Highlights
• Explore Pari Mahal, the smallest UNESCO-recognised Mughal Garden in Srinagar, and admire its well-maintained terraces, unique flowers, and stunning historical lawns.
• Marvel at the symmetrical and distinguished style of Mughal architecture with domes and arches that give the Pari Mahal such a breathtaking look.
• Soak in the panoramic views of the picturesque Dal Lake and the Srinagar city around it from the palace that is located on the slopes of the Zabarwan range.
• Learn about the mythological legends and rich historical backstory of the palace while taking a guided tour of Pari Mahal.
• Navigate the ruins of the palace and immerse yourself in the enchanting ambience that holds the true essence of Kashmiri history, culture, and heritage.
How To Reach Pari Mahal
By Road: You can hire a private taxi, drive your own vehicle, or enjoy an auto ride directly to Pari Mahal. If you are coming from areas like Lal Chowk (the city centre of Srinagar), you can reach the attraction in 30 minutes by covering around 10.8 kilometres.
Best Time To Visit Pari Mahal
Peak Season (March to June)
- Weather Insights- Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, lush gardens and lawns, vibrant atmosphere with lots of tourists to interact with.
- Things to do- Guided tour of the attraction and the ornamental gardens, the fresh aroma of the flowers, and clear views of Dal Lake and Srinagar from above.
Moderate Season (July to October)
- Weather Insights- Comfortable temperatures with chances of rain, gardens in full bloom, moderate footfall.
- Things to do- The stunning panoramic sights of Dal Lake and Srinagar, clear views, stroll around the lush gardens, admire the summer blooms.
Low Season (November to February)
- Weather Insights- Snowfall, crisp and cold winds, snow-clad sceneries.
- Things to do- Snow-covered terraces, lawns, and gardens.
Pari Mahal Other Essential Information
Why Visit Pari Mahal?
- Built in the mid-1600s by Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the site of Pari Mahal was originally home to the ruins of a Buddhist monastery.
- Initially, the place served as the residential quarters for Haano’s son, Prince Maano.
- Dara Shikoh transformed this into a Sufi residential school at the will of his spiritual mentor, Mullah Shah Badakhshi.
- Shikoh also dedicated the palace to his wife, Nadira Begum, also known as Pari Begum. She was the daughter of Prince Parviz, a son of Emperor Jahangir.
- Pari Mahal also played a crucial role in astronomical and astrological studies under the Mughals. Dara Shikoh himself spent significant time here, residing at Pari Mahal in 1640, 1645, and 1654.
- Pari Mahal also served as a library for Dara Sikhoh.
- Over the centuries, it has also served as a top-secret interrogation centre and a residence for high-level bureaucrats.
- Local legends also believe that this place is witness to the sightings of spirits, which adds a layer of intrigue to the attraction.
- Today, Pari Mahal offers visitors a glimpse into Mughal history, Sufi traditions, and Kashmiri heritage.
Know Before You Go to Pari Mahal:
- Carry appropriate layers and clothing for protection against the weather.
- Carry a valid identity proof on your visit to this place.
- Be careful while climbing the stairs since the palace is in ruins.
- Wear comfortable shoes from exploring the area, and use sunscreen or hats if visiting during the summer season.
Admire the iconic Mughal Architecture
From symmetrical arches and massive domes to carefully crafted terraces, the architecture of Pari Mahal showcases the brilliance of Mughal and Islamic architecture. The palace has six terraces that are accessible via corner stairs. You can access the garden from the fourth garden which also boasts a pavilion (Baradari), a series of entrance buildings, and hammams.
Explore The historical Mughal gardens
With a diverse and distinct collection of flowers and trees, the char bagh style of this Mughla garden truly mesmerises the visitors. But, unlike most Mughal gardens, Pari Mahal does not have an inland source of water. Instead, the garden receives water via underground channels sourced from a nearby stream.
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Stroll Around the historical ruins of this 17th-century palace
Established during the Mughal era under the reign of Shah Jahan, this 17th-century palace is a combined storehouse of mystery and history. Rebuilt again by Dara Sikoh, this place emerged to be a leading school of Islamic Sufism and astrological observations, combining a library in its structure. Its entrances, outer walls, and arches are worth noting here. It now stands in ruins and is a property maintained by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Marvel at the panoramic views of the Dal Lake and Srinagar city
Since the attraction of Pari Mahal is situated on the Zabarwan mountain ranges, it offers beautiful bird’s-eye views of the Dal Lake and the city of Srinagar surrounding it. So, if you visit this place during the sunset, you can witness the entire region glowing in the fiery hues of yellow, orange, and red. Experiencing this breathtaking view during Srinagar in Winter adds a magical touch to your visit.
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Pari Mahal FAQs
Why is Pari Mahal famous?
A- Pari Mahal is a renowned Mughal Garden in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, that is famous for its Islamic architecture and charbagh gardens that are terraced over six floors. Its historical and cultural significance also adds to its charm, alongside the mesmerising views of the arched doors, domes, and unique flower collection. The Bollywood film ‘Lamhaa’ featured this location, earning it another feather to the hat.
Who built Pari Mahal in Kashmir?
A- Mughal prince Dara Sikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, built the Pari Mahal in Kashmir. The year of establishment of this place is approximately taken to be 1650 AD. It is a seven-storey high monument that has an octagonal base and is known to be the smallest Mughal garden in Srinagar.
Is Pari Mahal Kashmir haunted?
Yes, popular legends and mythological folklore say that there have been sightings of spirits and angels in the Pari Mahal. There is another popular lore that says that there were two princesses who were kept hidden in these places against their will by an evil magician. It is their spirits that still roam the ruins of the palace, so it is forbidden to stay there after sundown.
Which Mughal garden is known as the School of Astrology?
Pari Mahal is the Mughal Garden in Kashmir which is also known to be the school of astrology since astrological studies were conducted at this sight. Dara Sikoh was an enthusiast of astronomical and astrological findings, alongside Sufism. So, he created the Pari Mahal to serve as a centre for all three practices
Which is the smallest Mughal Garden in Kashmir?
Pari Mahal is the smallest Mughal Garden in Kashmir and it is recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage list. Built in the 1650s by Dara Sikoh, this place was originally a leading school of Sufism, besides being an observatory for astronomical and astrological studies
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