“Agar Firdaus bar roo e zameen
Hameen ast’o Hameen ast’o hameen ast.”
“If there is a paradise on earth,
It is this, it is this, it is this.”
Mughal emperor Jahangir said these words (originally written by Amir Khusrau) after he visited Kashmir. It was the time when the Mughals ruled over the region, between 1586 and 1751 . His reign wasn’t politically eventful, but it is remembered for the eternal legacy that he has left behind—the gardens, the paintings, the arts and crafts. Even today, Kashmir is famous for its Sufi culture. Every single thing about Kashmir has a certain raw charm that cannot be described in words.
The Northern most part of India, it is a tourist’s paradise. For anybody who wants to enjoy some splendid scenic beauty, Kashmir’s the ultimate destination.
Each year, thousands of tourists make their way here in order to get a glimpse of everything on offer. The main development during the reign of Jahangir in Kashmir was the development of the Mughal Gardens.
1. Achabal Bagh
Achabal Bagh was built by Nur Jahan back in 1620 AD. It covers an area of more than 21,000 square feet. The garden is located a few kilometres away from Anantnag. If you wish to witness scenic beauty in its purest form, then you should definitely pay the Achabal Gardens in Kashmir a visit.
2. Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal or the ‘Abode of Angels’ was laid out by Dara Shikhoh, son of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahaan, in the 1600s. It is situated on the Zabarwan ranges. It can be your date with Indian history.
3. Verinag Garden
Verinag Garden is located 78 kilometres away from Srinagar. The Verinag Spring located nearby is the source of the Jhelum river. It was built by Jehangir and was modified by his son Shah Jahaan.
4. Chashme Shahi
Chashme Shahi is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan mountain. Literally, it means ‘The Royal Spring’. These natural springs were discovered by Rupa Bhavani, a mystic poet from the 17th century.
5. Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh or the ‘Abode of Love’ was laid out by Jehangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan in 1617. This is the largest garden in the Kashmir valley. It is situated on the right bank of the mesmerising Dal Lake.
Lakhs of tourists have experienced the state’s breathtaking beauty, rightly called the “Heaven on Earth”.
Ever since India gained independence, the state of Kashmir has witnessed several cases of terrorism. Kashmiris have been engulfed by fear and insecurity. It is really disheartening to see that a place as beautiful as Kashmir struggling to stay peaceful. Ironically, this heaven has been on fire for eternity.