Pari Mahal

#hellohalloween #naturalwonders #travel Pari Mahal – The Palace of Fairies and Knowledge Overlooking the Dal Lake from the Zabarwan hills, Pari Mahal is not just a beautiful Mughal garden—it’s a symbol of intellectual pluralism, spiritual inquiry, and cross-cultural learning in Kashmir’s history. Originally a Buddhist monastery, the site was later converted into a school of Sufi philosophy and astronomy by Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. A profound scholar and visionary, Dara Shikoh believed in the unity of all spiritual traditions. He translated the Upanishads into Persian and sought to bridge the wisdom of Hinduism and Islam, seeing India as a confluence of cultures rather than a battlefield of religions. Why You Must Visit: • A rare site that reflects India’s composite intellectual heritage • Once a centre for astronomy, philosophy, and mysticism under Dara Shikoh’s patronage • Panoramic views of Dal Lake and Srinagar city • A peaceful retreat for those interested in history, spirituality, and reflection How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Srinagar (approx. 15–20 mins from Dal Gate). Can be combined with a visit to Chashma Shahi and Shankaracharya Temple. Though often seen today as a scenic viewpoint, Pari Mahal deserves recognition as a once-thriving centre of learning, embodying Dara Shikoh’s vision of an inclusive India rooted in wisdom, dialogue, and harmony.