Picture yourself walking into a garden where the history of the place is narrated by the sound of the almond trees, and every flower is a story of the past.This is the Badamwari Garden, a must-visit tourist attraction in Srinagar, blooms with almond fragrance in spring. Located at the base of Koh-e-Maraan, this garden has undergone many transformations, the most notable being the story of the Afghan king Warris Shah, whose dome still stands among the flowers. Despite periods of neglect and damage, the garden has seen restoration efforts to preserve its historical essence and botanical diversity.
History Of Badamwari Srinagar
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Badamwari Garden’s origins can be traced back to before the 14th century, but the exact year of its creation is unknown. Located at the base of Koh e Maraan hill, the garden was barren and left to the nomads until it was reclaimed by the Jammu & Kashmir Bank in 2008. The garden’s restoration was a great success, and it became a favourite place for city residents and tourists.
A dome well covered in the garden is named Warris Shah, after an Afghan ruler who gave the garden a historical touch. The garden was designed in the traditional Mughal style, featuring a terraced layout that integrates flowing water channels, intricate flower beds, and lush greenery. Over time, Badamwari became a symbol of Srinagar’s heritage, reflecting the Mughal emphasis on natural beauty and tranquillity.
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Badamwari Garden Srinagar Timings
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Badamwari Garden is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is open for visitors seven days a week.
The best time to visit is during the spring season when the garden is in full bloom, creating a picturesque environment perfect for leisurely strolls and photography. Always check local sources for any changes in timings or special closures before planning your visit.
Badamwari Garden: Nearby Tourist Places To Explore
If you plan to visit this famous attraction in Srinagar, don’t miss the chance to explore nearby attractions like the historic Mughal Gardens, the iconic Dal Lake, and the mesmerising Shankaracharya Temple. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history enthusiast, these spots around the garden promise a delightful and enriching experience.
1. Dal Lake
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Dal Lake is said to be the jewel of Srinagar. This is a large lake with many houseboats and shikaras (local boats) which makes it look like a postcard. Boating in the shikara is a must, as one can closely see the mountains and Mughal gardens around the lake. There are also different birds that can be seen in the lake making it a perfect place for bird watching. The floating gardens further complement the beauty of this calm water body, lively markets and cute houseboats. Dal Lake is a perfect place for leisure and photography.
Distance from Badamwari Garden: Approx. 6 km
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: No entry fee; shikhara rides have separate charges
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2. Mughal Gardens
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Srinagar has many Mughal gardens, which are architectural marvels of its kind. Nishat Bagh is also known as the Garden of Delight, and Shalimar Bagh is known as the Abode of Love. These terraced gardens with a complex system of water fountains and beautiful flower beds look like they were borrowed from the Mughal Empire. These gardens can be visited, and walking through them gives one a feel of the past. They have well-maintained lawns and fountains and overlook Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Hills. The gardens are lovely in spring and summer but stunning all year round.
Distance from Badamwari Garden: Approx. 11 km
Days Needed: 1-2 days
Entry Fee: It costs about INR 20-40 per garden
3. Shankaracharya Temple
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Shankaracharya Temple is located on a hilltop and provides a bird’s eye view of Srinagar and Dal Lake. The temple is one of the most revered religious shrines for the Hindus and is devoted to Lord Shiva. The building is a mix of both the Kashmiri and Hindu architectural styles, which clearly indicates the area’s history. The trek to the temple takes place through a steep set of stairs, but the view and calmness of the place at the top are worth the climb. It is said that the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya had visited the temple.
Distance from Badamwari Garden: Approx. 11 km
Days Needed: Half a day
Entry Fee: There is no fee for entry
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4. Hazratbal Mosque
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The Hazratbal Mosque is another vital mosque in Srinagar that enshrines the hair of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque draws its followers from all over the world and is an excellent example of the craftsmanship of the people of Kashmir. The white marble building with the central dome and two minarets is located on the northern side of the Dal Lake which provides a serene environment. The Friday prayers and the annual Urs are especially significant and are attended by many people for prayers and to visit the shrine.
Distance from Badamwari Garden: Approx. 5 km
Days Needed: Half a day
Entry Fee: No entry fee
5. Tulip Garden
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The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, the most extensive tulip garden in Asia, is a beauty to behold, especially during the spring season. Here, millions of tulips of different colours grow, and during their blossoming, the territory looks like a colourful rug. The garden provides beautiful views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains, which makes it an ideal place for photography. This garden is open only for a short time in March and April and it presents more than fifty types of tulips. The flower beds are well arranged and well-grown and of different colours making it a perfect place for nature lovers and photographers.
Distance from Badamwari Garden: Approx. 11 km
Days Needed: Half a day
Entry Fee: It is estimated to be around INR 50-60
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Badamwari Garden Location & How To Reach
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Badamwari Garden is located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It’s a beautiful garden on the banks of the Jhelum River and is known for its lush greenery and historical significance. Here’s how you can reach Badamwari Garden:
By Road: Badamwari Garden is well connected by road transport. It is approximately 5 km away from the Srinagar Bus Station. One can hire a taxi or board a local bus in order to get to the garden.
By Air: The nearest airport to this place is Srinagar International Airport which is about 15 km from the garden. To get to the garden, one can hire a taxi or even board a bus from the airport.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi which is about 300 km away from Srinagar. To get to Badamwari Garden, one has to travel from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar either by taxi or bus.
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Badamwari Garden is both a historical and a natural site offering tourists a more serene experience amidst this part of Srinagar. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Jammu and Kashmir which is perfect for flower lovers or for those who wish to be surrounded by lush green grass and beautiful flowers. If one wants to see the beauty and have a good time at the Badamwari Garden then plan a trip to Srinagar now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Badamwari Garden
When is the most auspicious time to pay a visit to Badamwari Garden?
One of the best times to visit Badamwari Garden is during the spring season when the almond trees blossom the most.
Is there any fee that one has to pay to visit Badamwari Garden?
Yes, there is a small entry fee of INR 24 for adults and INR 12 for children below 12 years. Do check the charges with the local residents or garden officials for any changes.
Can one arrange a picnic at the Badamwari Garden?
Yes, Badamwari Garden is a good place for a picnic with family and friends because there is almost no disturbance and it has a beautiful ambiance.
Is it possible to get a guided tour of the Badamwari Garden?
Yes, tour guides are available if you are interested in learning more about the garden and its history.
What other activities can be done near Badamwari Garden?
Apart from visiting the garden, the tourists can go for a shikara ride on the Dal Lake, visit the Mughal gardens or go shopping in markets of Srinagar.
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