What more do eyes seek, than colored blossoms springing from the forlorn trees, a sign of life coming forth, after a long spell of deadly sleep! It is colors everywhere after the winter grays; the heart leaps out in joy to welcome the fresh spring breeze. Kashmir! The lovely land of charm is all set in a captivating stage to charm the hearts in its cheer of multi colored flowers and lush meadows of green.
Kashmir is beautiful throughout the year, however, Spring is the time wherein comes forth the colorful glory that lays deep in the winter sleep.There are many places to visit in Kashmir, but you really must visit a few places in spring for their heart captivating and rejuvenating beauty.
Tulip Garden
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, formerly known as Siraj Bagh is located at the foothills of Zabarwan range with an overview of the beautiful Dal Lake. Being Asia's largest Tulip Garden with over a two million colorful tulips embellishing an area of over 20 acres, it is a must visit place in spring. Open every year in spring for about a month's time, the life of tulip bulbs being 20-25 days, you must go if you wish to see the colorful smiles of mother earth. Go with your friends and family to make a colorful fragrant memory of Spring in Kashmir.
Chashma Shahi
The Royal Spring, also called Chashma Shahi, is one of the Mughal gardens built around a spring by Ali Mardan, a governor of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in 1632. The garden is located in the Zabarwan Range, near Raj Bhawan (Governor‘s house) overlooking the Dal Lake. Witness the glory of spring in the beautiful garden flowers of Kashmir. There is a beautiful spring of water which flows through each step of this terraced garden. A perfect place for family lunch :)
Badamwari
Kashmiri almonds are famous for their sweet taste and you love to munch on a handful every day. Even prettier is the blossom of an almond tree in its pure white sheen smiling in your face, bringing glad tidings of a beautiful spring! The Badamwari (Almond Orchard) in March and April is a breath taking view of scores of beautiful almond blossoms and other cascaded flowers of Kashmir. Rejuvenate your souls in the eye soothing view of the Badamwaer. Traditionally, the onset of spring was announced in this beautiful garden with folk songs and dance. Badamwari rests in the foothills of Koh-e-Maraan spread over 300 acres, which only means a vast area of beautiful flowers blooming in fragrance spread only to heal your souls.
Shalimar
Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden linked through a channel to the northeast of Dal Lake, on its right bank located near Srinagar. Its other names are Shalimar Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Farah Baksh and Faiz Baksh. The Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan, in 1619. The Bagh is considered the high point of Mughal horticulture. In Spring, this garden is a sight of colorful flowers springing out of their buds and the lush green lawns that are closing on the barren winter earth.
Nishat
Nishat Bagh is a terraced Mughal garden built on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, close to Srinagar. It is the second largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley. The largest in size is the Shalimar Bagh. ‘Nishat Bagh’ literally means the "Garden of Joy," the "Garden of Gladness" and the "Garden of Delight."The best time to visit Nishat Bagh is in Summer, though the Spring breathes in new life to every corner of it, which is an absolute delight, you wish not to miss.
Mustard Fields
The yellow flowers of happiness stretched over many patches of earth, caress your soul and spirit in the warmest hug as the sun shines on them, these are the spring mustard fields of Kashmir. Found on the way to Pahalgam and many other areas of Kashmir, the sun gold mustard fields offer you the fresh treat of Spring in its happy yellow and lively green. Believe me when I say, they are truly in essence breath taking and you wont be able to just pass them on your way without stopping and inspiring their view in your heart. Locally known as Teeli Gogul, you must visit Kashmir in Spring to witness their charismatic effect on you!
Do let us know how interesting you found the places, share with us your thoughts and comments if you have already been to these places or if you feel there are some more to add to the Spring Must See in Kashmir :) :)
Ending on a few lines of the famous poem of Mehjoor, Walo Bagwaano