Zabarwan Park

Zabarwan Park is a serene public park located along the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It offers picturesque views of the Zabarwan Mountain Range, which serves as a stunning backdrop to the park’s beautifully landscaped gardens. The park features well-maintained lawns, flower beds, and pathways that provide a peaceful environment for visitors. It's a popular spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

The park also offers recreational activities such as boating on Dal Lake and hosts occasional cultural events. Its proximity to major tourist attractions like the Mughal Gardens and Dal Lake makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring Srinagar.

Weather

Summer (June to August)

The temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This season is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities in the park.

Autumn (September to November)

Temperatures begin to cool, averaging 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), with beautiful fall foliage.

Winter (December to February)

It can get quite cold, with temperatures dropping to 0°C (32°F) or below, especially in January. Snowfall is common, creating a stunning winter landscape.

Spring (March to May)

The weather warms up again, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F), as flowers bloom and nature comes alive.

How to reach

By Road

Zabarwan Park is easily accessible via Boulevard Road. It's a popular route, and local taxis or auto-rickshaws are readily available. If you're coming from the city centre, it's about a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic.

Public Transport

Local buses and shared cabs can take you close to the park. However, availability may vary, so it's advisable to check local schedules.

Walking

If you're staying nearby, walking to the park is a pleasant option. The park offers scenic views, making it a great way to enjoy the surroundings.

Best time to visit

Spring (March to May)

This season is known for its pleasant weather, with blooming flowers and lush greenery. The temperatures are comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls through the park.

Autumn (September to November)

The fall foliage adds a beautiful backdrop to the park, with a mix of vibrant colours. The weather remains mild, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery comfortably.Avoid visiting during the winter months (December to February) when temperatures drop significantly, and snowfall may limit accessibility.

History

Zabarwan Park, located on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, was established as part of a broader initiative to develop Srinagar's tourism infrastructure. It was officially opened in 2011 and named after the Zabarwan mountain range, which serves as a scenic backdrop to the park. The park was designed to enhance the natural beauty of the area, offering a peaceful spot for locals and tourists to relax.The park's historical significance lies more in its role as a modern tourist attraction rather than an ancient site. It offers well-maintained gardens, walking paths, and scenic views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a favoured spot for family outings and cultural events.

Explore the tours

The City Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zabarwan Park?

What are the park's opening hours?

Is there an entry fee?

What facilities are available at the park?

Are there any activities to do in the park?

Is the park accessible for people with disabilities?

Can I bring food or drinks into the park?

Are pets allowed in Zabarwan Park?

What is the best time to visit the park?

Scams

Overpriced Shikara Rides

Shikara boat rides on Dal Lake, adjacent to Zabarwan Park, can sometimes be overpriced for tourists. It's advisable to confirm rates with multiple operators and settle on a price before starting the ride.

Street Vendors Overcharging

Some local vendors may charge tourists higher prices for snacks or souvenirs near the park. Always negotiate and compare prices with nearby shops.

Unlicensed Tour Guides

Some individuals posing as guides might approach tourists in the area, offering services at inflated rates without proper credentials. It's best to hire guides through registered travel agencies or the park's official services.

Fake Charities

Tourists may encounter individuals asking for donations for non-existent causes. Always verify any charitable organisation before donating.

Flora Fauna

Chinar Tree

One of the most iconic trees in Kashmir, the Chinar tree is known for its large size and broad leaves. In autumn, the leaves turn bright red, orange, and yellow, making it a key attraction in the region.Symbolises the heritage and beauty of Kashmir.

Deodar Cedar

A tall evergreen tree, native to the Himalayas, known for its fragrant wood. The deodar cedar adds to the majestic landscape of Zabarwan Park.Its wood is used for construction, while its shade provides cool relief for visitors.

Seasonal Flowers (Tulips, Roses, Marigolds)

Zabarwan Park is adorned with vibrant seasonal flowers, which bloom throughout the year. The tulip season, in particular, draws many visitors, as well as the rose gardens that add colour to the park’s pathways.

Himalayan Black Bear

Found in the Zabarwan mountain range surrounding the park, the Himalayan black bear can sometimes be spotted. These bears are known for their thick black fur and distinctive white chest patch.Prefers forested areas, typically staying away from human settlements.

Kingfisher

Known for its striking blue and orange feathers, this bird can be seen near water bodies in and around Zabarwan Park.

Black Kite

A large bird of prey often seen circling above the park, searching for food.

Sparrows

Common in the area, sparrows are small, quick birds that populate the trees and gardens of the park.

Aquatic Life (Fish, Ducks)

Proximity to Dal Lake means that various species of fish and waterfowl, such as ducks, can be spotted around the park’s water features.

Adventures

Trekking

The Zabarwan Range provides excellent trekking opportunities for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. Trails in the nearby hills offer breathtaking views of Dal Lake and the surrounding landscape.

Shikara Rides

While not as extreme as trekking, a peaceful ride on a traditional Kashmiri Shikara (boat) on Dal Lake, adjacent to the park, offers a scenic and relaxing experience.

Cycling

Cycling paths around the park and nearby areas are popular for visitors looking to explore the landscape on two wheels. The gentle slopes and views of the mountains make for an enjoyable ride.

Photography

Zabarwan Park is a photographer's paradise due to its lush greenery, proximity to Dal Lake, and stunning backdrop of the Zabarwan Range.

Myths

Myth of the Holy Zabarwan Mountains

The Zabarwan range is often regarded as sacred in local Kashmiri folklore. It is believed that saints and spiritual figures used to meditate in the caves and secluded areas of the range. These spiritual retreats have given the mountains a mystical aura, with stories of divine encounters and miracles linked to them.

Stories of Hidden Treasures

There are tales passed down through generations about hidden treasures buried within the Zabarwan hills. These stories, although lacking evidence, add a sense of mystery to the region, with locals sometimes sharing accounts of explorers who sought to uncover these mythical riches.

Mythological Connections to Dal Lake

Since Zabarwan Park is situated near Dal Lake, it is often tied to the local myths surrounding the lake. According to legend, Dal Lake was once a sacred body of water protected by ancient deities, and any disruptions to the natural balance would result in divine retribution.

Videos

Zabarwan Park

Foods

Wazwan

Wazwan is a traditional multi-course Kashmiri meal, often considered a royal feast. It includes up to 36 dishes, many of which are meat-based. Signature dishes include Rogan Josh (spicy lamb curry), Gushtaba(minced mutton cooked in yoghurt), and Tabakh Maaz (fried lamb ribs). Wazwan is traditionally served during Kashmiri weddings and special occasions.

Kashmiri Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is one of the signature dishes of Kashmiri cuisine. It is a slow-cooked lamb dish prepared in a blend of yoghurt, garlic, and aromatic spices like cloves and cardamom. The result is a rich, fragrant, and mildly spicy curry that is tender and flavorful.

Dum Aloo

Dum Aloo is a vegetarian dish made with baby potatoes cooked in a spicy yoghurt-based gravy. The potatoes are fried and then simmered in a sauce made with onions, tomatoes, and a variety of Kashmiri spices. It's a popular comfort food in the region and a favourite among locals.

Modur Pulao

Modur Pulao is a sweet Kashmiri rice dish made with saffron, sugar, dry fruits, and nuts. It is often flavoured with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The saffron gives it a distinctive yellow colour, and the dish is served on special occasions as a dessert or a side dish.

Kahwa (Kashmiri Tea)

Kahwa is a traditional Kashmiri green tea brewed with saffron, cardamom, and almonds. It is typically enjoyed as a warming beverage, particularly during the colder months. Kahwa is served in many tea houses near Dal Lake and is often accompanied by traditional Kashmiri bread.

Nearby Places

Char chinar

Hari Parbat

Dal Lake - Srinagar’s Jewel

Pari Mahal - The Palace of Fairies

Dachigam National Park

Tulip Garden

Get Updates & More

Thoughtful thoughts to your inbox

Zabarwan Park

History

Explore the tours

The City Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zabarwan Park?

What are the park's opening hours?

Is there an entry fee?

What facilities are available at the park?

Are there any activities to do in the park?

Is the park accessible for people with disabilities?

Can I bring food or drinks into the park?

Are pets allowed in Zabarwan Park?

What is the best time to visit the park?

Scams < >

Overpriced Shikara Rides

Street Vendors Overcharging

Unlicensed Tour Guides

Fake Charities

Flora Fauna < >

Chinar Tree

Deodar Cedar

Seasonal Flowers (Tulips, Roses, Marigolds)

Himalayan Black Bear

Kingfisher

Black Kite

Sparrows

Aquatic Life (Fish, Ducks)

Adventures < >

Trekking

Shikara Rides

Cycling

Photography

Myths < >

Myth of the Holy Zabarwan Mountains

Stories of Hidden Treasures

Mythological Connections to Dal Lake

Videos < >

Zabarwan Park

Foods < >

Wazwan

Kashmiri Rogan Josh

Dum Aloo

Modur Pulao

Kahwa (Kashmiri Tea)

Nearby Places < >

Char chinar

Hari Parbat

Dal Lake - Srinagar’s Jewel

Pari Mahal - The Palace of Fairies

Dachigam National Park

Tulip Garden

Get Updates & More

Scams

Flora Fauna

Adventures

Myths

Videos

Foods

Nearby Places