Dal Lake Travel: Sergio Gor visited two of Srinagar's most popular tourist destinations: Pari Mahal and Dal Lake. If you're planning a trip to Kashmir, consider including these two places on your trip.
Sergio Gor visited Pari Mahal and Dal Lake
US Ambassador Sergio Gor Srinagar Visit: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor arrived in Srinagar for the first time on Wednesday, August 19. During his visit, he described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India. Pakistan objected to his statement, while many in India saw it as support for New Delhi's long-standing stance on Jammu and Kashmir. This visit was also special because it was said to be the first separate visit to the valley by a sitting US ambassador after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the division of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.
Sergio Gor visited two of Srinagar's most popular tourist destinations: Pari Mahal and Dal Lake. If you're planning a trip to Kashmir, consider including these two places on your trip. While Pari Mahal is renowned for its history and beautiful architecture, Dal Lake is one of Srinagar's most iconic landmarks.
Pari Mahal – Historical place situated on the hill
Sergio Gor visited Srinagar's Pari Mahal. Also known as "The Angels' Abode," Pari Mahal is a historic site with seven terraced gardens perched atop the Zabarwan mountain range. It offers views of the city of Srinagar and Dal Lake. Its architecture reflects Islamic architecture and art patronage during the Mughal period.
Pari Mahal was built by Mughal prince Dara Shikoh in the mid-17th century. It served as his residence and library. Dara Shikoh is said to have stayed in the area in 1640, 1645, and 1654. Later, the site also served as an observatory for teaching astrology and astronomy.
It is about a five-minute drive from Chashme Shahi Garden. Pari Mahal, also known as the "House of Fairies," is also known as "Kuntilon." It is about 10 kilometers from Srinagar city center. It features a beautiful lawn with a waterfall in the middle. Before the mid-17th century, the remains of a Buddhist monastery existed at this site. Later, Dara Shikoh built this beautiful building on the same site.
How to reach Pari Mahal?
For travelers arriving by air, Pari Mahal is approximately 24 kilometers from Srinagar's Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport. It is approximately 22 kilometers from Srinagar Railway Station. If you are traveling from Lal Chowk, you will have to travel approximately 10 kilometers by road. Taxis and cabs can be taken from the airport, railway station, or Lal Chowk to Pari Mahal. Before traveling by local transport, be sure to confirm the fare. The cost will depend on your departure and the type of vehicle. You can visit here even on a budget.
Dal Lake: The Icon of Srinagar
Sergio Gor visited Dal Lake. Dal, meaning lake in Kashmiri, is an urban lake in Srinagar and a vital part of Kashmir's tourism and recreational landscape. It is also known as the "Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir" and the "Jewel of Srinagar." Dal Lake stretches approximately 15.5 kilometers along its shores, lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels. Beautiful views of Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh can be seen from the lake's shores. A cruise around the lake in a colorful Shikara is considered a special experience for visitors.
