Pari Mahal is a terraced garden and palace complex built on a ridge above the Zabarwan hills, overlooking Dal Lake and Srinagar city. At sunset, this is one of the most magical viewpoints in Kashmir – layers of stone arches, lawns and flowerbeds drop down towards a grand balcony facing the lake. The structure has a slightly mysterious feel, with long arched corridors, small rooms and open pavilions that catch the light beautifully in the golden hour. It is a favourite spot for photographers, couples and families who come for the view, the breeze and the romantic name “Palace of Fairies”.
About this place
History & highlights
Pari Mahal dates back to the mid-17th century and is commonly associated with Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It is believed to have been used as a Sufi study centre and observatory, where Dara and scholars studied philosophy, astronomy and Islamic mysticism. The building sits on earlier Buddhist or Hindu ruins according to some scholars, showing how the site was reused across ages. After the Mughal period, the structure slowly declined but its basic terraces and arches survived. Modern restoration has stabilised it, and today Pari Mahal stands as a reminder of the Mughal era’s blend of learning, mysticism and garden architecture.
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