Name: Srinagar
Rating: 4.3

Pari Mahal, Srinagar Overview

Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced garden located above the beautiful Chashme Shahi Gardens near Srinagar. Also called the abode of fairies or the home of angels, the historical monument sits on top of the Zabarwan range overlooking Srinagar and the Dal Lake. The main attraction is the numerous colourful flowers and exotic fruit plantations.

The Palace of Fairies (Pari Mahal) was built by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is believed that the mahal was once a Buddhist monastery. Later on, it served as a school of astrology for prince Dara Shikoh. The architecture of Pari Mahal is traditional Islamic type of architecture while the surrounding gardens are exceptionally well maintained.

History of Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal was built by Dara Shikoh, a Mughal Prince and the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1650 AD. The location initially is said to have been a Buddhist monastery. The Pari Mahal was built by destroying the remains of the monastery and was used as a venue to teach the prince astronomy and astrology. Also, it is said, it was here that the princes' younger brother Prince Aurangazeb killed him to win over the Mughal Reign. Later on, Pari Mahal served as a venue for paramilitary camp.

Architecture of Pari Mahal

The breathtaking structure of Pari Mahal has six terraces in total and is a fabulous illustration of Islamic architecture. The garden expands across a length of 123 metres and is about 63 metres wide. The outer wall has 21 arches built in a series in descending order. The entrance is on the third terrace with two spacious rooms on either side of the hall.

The uppermost terrace mostly consists of the ruins of a reservoir - a structure that the archaeologist think is the Baradari which means a twelve door pavilion usually constructed on the top of certain monuments to allow ventilation. The second terrace has a vast reservoir in the middle. The fourth terrace also consists of ruins of a reservoir while the fifth terrace has a wall with pigeon holes. The sixth terrace has a tank in the middle with an octagonal bastion on each end. Water was supplied to the Mahal from the reservoirs through an underground pipeline which is also in ruins now.

Tips

Tourists need to carry Identity Proof to enter the Mahal Premises
There are provisions to get photographs clicked in the traditional Kashmiri outfits
Most of the structure is in ruins, so watch your step while exploring especially on the staircase

How To Reach Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal is just about 10 minutes drive from the Chashm-E-Shahi. Visitors can rent cabs to reach the breathtaking Mahal via Gupkar Road. From Srinagar, Pari Mahal is about 13 kilometres away.