Overview
Pari Mahal or Peer Mahal, also known as The Palace of Fairies, is a seven-terraced Mughal garden located at the top of Zabarwan mountain range, overlooking the city of Srinagar and the south-west of Dal Lake in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an example of Islamic architecture and patronage of art during the reign of the then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, featuring arched doorways, terraced gardens, and intricate water channels.
Weather
Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures (12°C-25°C) make it ideal for viewing blooming gardens.
Summer (June to August): Warm, pleasant weather (15°C-30°C), perfect for sightseeing.
Autumn (September to November): Cooler with stunning fall colours (10°C-25°C), ideal for photography.
Winter (December to February): Snow-covered landscapes with temperatures as low as -2°C, creating a winter wonderland.
How to reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) in Srinagar. After arriving at the airport, you can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach Pari Mahal, which is approximately 12 kilometres away.
By Road: Pari Mahal is well-connected by road. You can take a taxi or drive from the city centre. The route is scenic, offering beautiful views of Dal Lake and surrounding landscapes.
Public Transport: Local buses and shared taxis are available from various parts of Srinagar to the area near Pari Mahal. Once you arrive at the nearest bus stop, it's a short walk to the garden.
Walking: If you're staying close by, you might enjoy walking to Pari Mahal. The garden is located on the Zabarwan mountain range, and the trek provides a picturesque view of the surroundings.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Pari Mahal is from April to June for lush gardens in bloom, or September to October for vibrant fall colours. Winter (November to February) offers serene, snow-covered views.
The Pari Mahal (Peer Mahal), or Palace of Fairies, was built for Haano and Maano and residence for Haano’s prince Maano in the mid 1600s by Dara Shikoh.Dara Shikoh was said to have lived in this area in the years 1640, 1645, and 1654. It was also used as an observatory, and for teaching astrology and astronomy. The gardens have since become the property of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pari Mahal has also been used as a top-secret interrogation centre and as a base for high-level bureaucrats. In recent times, the location has been used to film several movies including the film Lamhaa.