A photo-blog of Jehangir’s paradise…
Besotted with the beauty of Kashmir, the Mughal Emperor Jehangir is said to have proclaimed: “If there is paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this”.Centuries later, Kashmir’s heavenly perfection still envelops you so naturally. It is still Srinagar.
The graceful simplicity of Srinagar shines through in everything you see…the vestiges of Mughal architecture, the sprawling gardens of the emperors, the undying spirit of the locals to survive, and the calmness of the Dal Lake. The city seems to have been caught in a time warp, while the world has moved on!
Explore the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Gardens and Pari Mahal for a first-hand experience of how Jehangir spent his time while at court in Kashmir in the 17th century. Explore these exemplary pieces of Mughal ‘charbagh’ landscaping, with their limpid fountain pools, terraced water channels and exotic flower gardens.
Allow yourself to dream about Jehangir and Noor Jehan taking a leisurely stroll nearby, accompanied by their entire entourage, stopping to smell a delightful rose or sit under a shaded canopy.
Gaze at the tall mountains that stand majestically, witness to the thousands of years of history. Observe the roses of varied colors – red, pink, peach, orange, yellow, clustered in bunches all over. Breathe in the sweet smell of gainda flowers that fills the air. Lose yourself in the glory of nature that surrounds you under the open skies. Walnut trees proudly declare their lineage. Pine and fir trees stand like guards. An eagle flies by, then glides for a while. Dragonflies flutter their wings. Jugnus whirr in the gardens, graceful weeping willows, their long branches dangle and sway in the gentle breeze. Study those crinkled and folds in the mountains. Think about timelessness. Wonder about how tiny you are.
Later, take a shikara ride on the Dal Lake dotted with wooden houseboats and surrounded by mighty mountains. Watch life on the lake, as it been since several decades. Smiling children rowing off to school. Shops on shikaras selling local handicrafts, daily provisions, even small cafes and tea-stalls! Drink in the sights of the clouded skies casting shadows, the silvery water shimmering and rippling in the winds. Observe the circular road, encircling the sparkling diamond that shimmers with the rays of the sun and the tall, thin poplars that surround the lake front. Peace, calm and serenity will engulf you as you sip warm kahwa and listen to the shikara-rower narrate tales of yester-years. In the distance, hear the sounds of the namaaz, soft, musical strains blending with the atmosphere.
And imagine…what if peace made a comeback!
100cobbledroads.com 
These pictures are like a sigh….so peaceful and beautiful. What a fantastic experience. I would love to take the whole family. What airport did you fly into?
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Thanks so much! Srinagar has its own airport, and there are short flights from Delhi.
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This is one of the places in India that i want to visit. I have been to those huge and crowded cities so something like this is really awesome. It looks so relaxing and beautiful.
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It is beautiful…but do check on the local situation before you plan a trip.
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your quote from kashmir is lovely. A place of peacefulness sounds wonderful! Srinagar is a gorgeous place to visit also your photos are lovely!
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Thank you! I am happy that you liked it 🙂
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I love the photo of the kids rowing to school. It was especially interesting to see the photos of life on the water in your post. I also really enjoyed reading about and seeing photos of the Shalimar Gardens.
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Thanks so much!
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Have been to Jammu and Kashmir a lot of times and the beauty of Srinagar is truly unparalleled.A boat ride in the Dal Lake followed by a stroll in Nishat Bagh and finally some authentic kashmiri food at Ahdoos.
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And specially for the first time visitor, it can be enthralling, don’t you think?
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wow this looks really peaceful. I would have never thought of going to a place like this but you have definitely encouraged me to pay it a visit. Great pics as well. Was it expensive to visit or was it somewhat affordable? I find touristic places to be a bit expensive 🙂
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You are a great writer and an excellent photographer! All these places look lovely, and I hope to one day visit Nishat Bagh, after seeing your photos 🙂
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Thank you so much for the generous comment. Deeply deeply appreciated 🙂
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What a beautiful part of the world! Love the photo of the fountains – great movement! I will add Nishat Bagh to my list of places to visit in India.
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You will love it!
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Gosh, this looks so so beautiful. I really enjoy your worrying style. When you write about Srinagar, it feels like we are there with you!
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Thanks so much, Sophie! This kind of genuine appreciation is so encouraging for me as a writer.
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What a fabulous place to spend a day. The fountains in front of Dal Lake look stunning. I’d also want to see Shalimar Gardens.
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It is really one of the most graceful places in India
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Wow! Kashmir is gorgeous. I never thought about visiting, but it looks like I should. I love the kids in the boat going to school.
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Oh yes, its one of the most beautiful places in India.
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I love your introduction, such an evocative and respectful write up. The photos give me a real sense of place, I will definitely add Kashmir to my wish list.
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Thank you so much…that’s exactly what I feel about Srinagar. Yes, you must visit and see for yourself.
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Your writing is beautiful and poetic- transported me to Srinagar, I have never been and hope I get to see it someday.
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Thank you so much! That is a lovely comment. 🙂
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The Shalimar Gardens look like a really peaceful and beautiful spot. I must admit that I really don’t think India’s busy cities are for me, but visiting some place like this peaks my interest.
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India is a fascinating mix of varied and diverse regions, and Kashmir is one such example.
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What a peaceful place. I can see why Mughal Emperor Jehangir called in heaven on earth. Kashmir has their own customs and immigration system, doesn’t it? Is it difficult to get to?
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Yes, it is gorgeous. And no, there are no separate customs and immigration for Kashmir.
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Great images! India is full of incredible places that I even didn’t know about. Those gardens and fountains are so beautiful. Thanks for the introduction. 🙂
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Incredible is right!! That’s India 🙂
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Looking at your amazing photos, it is no surprise that the Mughal Emperor Jehangir is said to have considered this place a paradise. it looks amazing and I hope I’ll visit it one day!
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And I’m sure you will love it too…
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Wow, what a beautiful part of the world! I’d especially love to see all the different colors of roses. Lovely post and photos, thanks for sharing 🙂 Sorry, hit the post comment button too early on my previous comment, feel free to delete!
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The place is so much more beautiful than the pictures. In April, we have a tulip festival and the fall is lovely with the golden colours. But winter is pristine, pure.
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This looks beautiful! I’m hoping to get out to Kashmir next Spring and find my own peace & paradise. My own Srinagar. I quite like that word and the way the history of the area makes this part of your journey more exciting. Thanks for sharing!
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I like that term too 🙂 You will surely savour several lovely moments there.
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Wow… such amazing photos! I haven’t been to this place yet and honestly, it’s the first time I’ve heard of it and surely now, I’m taking note of it for the future! Thank you for sharing this lovely place ❤
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I’m sure you will love it even more when you visit. Thanks for stopping by!
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These are some serene photographs! Brilliant shots.
I’ve had a long love affair with Kashmir, and this year was incredible when I travelled there in the curfew and came back with fabulous stories. Maybe you ‘ll like checking them out.
Shubham
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Thanks for your comment. Its amazing that you went there during the curfew. Will check out that post of yours.
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Sure. 🙂 Hope you have a good time checking that out.
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