Jammu and Kashmir · 6 destinations & hidden spots
Dal Lake, Boulevard Road, Srinagar, Kashmir
Spanning 18 square kilometers and framed by the Pir Panjal mountains, Dal Lake is Kashmir's defining wonder. Gliding on a colorful canopied cedar Shikara boat at sunset reveals floating vegetable markets, water lilies, Char Chinar island, and century-old royal houseboats.
Shalimar, Northeast of Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
The crown jewel of all Mughal gardens in India, Shalimar Bagh spreads over 31 acres across four ascending terraces linked by an axial water canal (Shah Nahar). Surrounded by massive ancient Chinar trees, it features the black marble pavilion (Baradari) where royal courts met over cascading fountains.
Eastern side of Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
Designed in 1633 by Asif Khan, elder brother of Empress Nur Jahan, Nishat Bagh is the second largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley. Its twelve cascading stone terraces represent the signs of the zodiac, descending toward Dal Lake with uninterrupted views across the water.
Zabarwan Range, above Chashme Shahi, Srinagar, Kashmir
Built in the mid-1600s by Prince Dara Shikoh, eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan, Pari Mahal served as an astronomical observatory and library for Sufi scholars. Perched high on the Zabarwan mountain spur, its six stone terraces deliver the finest elevated panoramas of Dal Lake and Srinagar city.
Takht-i-Sulaiman Hill, Srinagar, Kashmir
Resting on the summit of Gopadari Hill at an elevation of 1,100 feet above the valley floor, this octagonal grey stone temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Associated with the visit of philosopher Adi Shankara in the early 9th century, pilgrims climb 243 stone steps for sweeping 360-degree views of Kashmir Valley.
Cheshma Shahi, Siraj Bagh, Srinagar, Kashmir
Nestled in the foothills of the Zabarwan range overlooking Dal Lake, this breathtaking 75-acre botanical terrace holds the World Book of Records title for Asia's largest tulip garden. Opening every spring from late March to mid-April, it erupts into a sea of 1.7 million tulips in over 70 vibrant varieties.
