Badamwari Garden, Srinagar: The Almond Blossom Haven of Springtime Beauty

Introduction

Badamwari Garden is a hidden gem tucked away in the middle of Srinagar which can serve an answer to your pursuit for peace amidst so much chaos around. Celebrated for its mystical almond groves, this ancient garden is an amalgamation of natural intrigue with a historical legacy. Read on to discover the history, architecture, major attractions and more about Badamwari Garden in Kashmir through my post that forms a comprehensive Badam Weri garden travel guide.

Overview of Badamwari Garden

The Badamwari Garden, commonly known as the Almond Garden or Bada Wari covers a large portion of land in Srinagar city and is associated with Mughal horticulture. With its lovely almond groves and open spaces, this 20-acre garden is a serene oasis where you can wander free from stress while also appreciating the panoramic views of several distant mountains. The garden is quiet and hasn’t as much visitors compared to other Mughal gardens of Srinagar Badamwari Garden.

Key Features:

Place: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Size: Approximately 20 acres.

Layout: The same design in the traditional Mughal garden design with almond orchards.

Historical Background

BADAMWARI GARDEN: This garden was established by the Mughal era, in 16th century when jahangir and his wife visited this city. The property was intended to be the goslow retreat of Mughal princes and princesses. The almond trees in the garden were especially selected for their look and sweet smell of their cut blossoms. The name Badamwari stands for Almond Garden given the garden has abundance of almond trees.

Historical Significance:

Date: 16th century (Mughal Empire, era).

UNDER THE EMPEROR JAHANGIR

Function: Private Retreat, Almond Production

In terms of historical characterization, you should think about any architectural features and some natural aspects.

Combining the traditional Mughal garden elements with almond orchards, Badamwari Garden creates a very distinctive landscape that is complete in itself. The layout of the garden has some prominent features that are characteristic to Mughal horticulture.

Highlights of Architecture & Nature:

Terraced Garden: The garden is laid in several terraces with different perspective vistas to mountans and Srinagar city. The Mughal gardens are known for their terraced design which adds to the aesthetics of the garden.

Almond Orchards: The orchard is famous for the flowering almond trees first bloom in February. The lovely pink and white flowers cover all the garden, offering a wonderful view making it an ideal place to enjoy the most beautiful views of your surroundings.

Water FeaturesThough much simpler than elements found in other Mughal gardens, Badamwari has basics like water channels and pools that enhance the calming ambiance of this garden.

Stone pathways:- There are beautifully kept stone pathways which guide the visitors singnature walks through those almond gardens.

Attractions and Highlights

1. Almond Blossom Season

Formerly, a major trend in carried forward into early springs were the blooming almond trees here. These beautiful almond blossoms are to be seen against the breathtaking Himalayas.

2. Scenic Views

The garden having a terraced lawns at different levels from top to bottom as you descend has unique charm which provides marvelous and panoramic view of the valley with snowy peaks in backdrop, over the lake itself that offers great treat for your eyes — lush green plantation, neat clean walks etc. Awesome views for photography and rest.

3. Peaceful Environment

The Badamwari Garden has a more calm and serene backdrop as compared to other popular Mughal gardens. It is perfect for meditation, slow walks and passing some time in the lap of nature.

4. Historical Significance

The garden has a long history and is of interest to other cultures, historically. By visiting Badamwari, one can imagine the ways Mughals use to landscape there gardens and lifestyles in which only royal or richer communities used to have bed rooms for their sleeps.

How to Reach Badamwari Garden

By Air

The closest airport from Badamwari Garden is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar Airport) which lies at a distance about 15 km. You can hire a taxi or simply book private transport from the airport to Badamwari Garden.

By Train

The nearest major railway station to Srinagar is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, about 300 kilometers from here. Badamwari Garden is easily accessible from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

By Road

Air: Srinagar has excellent road connectivity with major cities in India. You can drive down to Srinagar from nearby cities or catch a bus including one form Delhi and Jammu. After reaching Srinagar, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Badamwari Garden.

Local Transport

To reach Badamwari Garden in Srinagar you can hire a private taxi, auto rickshaw or any other public transport available. It is a city park. so not difficult to reach the garden with in the city

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May)

You can witness the almond trees in full bloom during spring and that is when Badamwari garden looks a treat to the eyes. The nice weather and the gorgeous blooms make it a perfect time to wander around the garden.

Summer (June to August)

Warm-weather of the summer is perfect to go and see Garden. It is busy, but it opens early so get there while the tourists are still at their breakfast!

Fall (September – November)

You get cool temperature and a quite ambience in the autumn. It still all looks nice but flowers wise it is not quite up to the same standard as in spring.

Winter (December to February)

The winters in Srinagar are cold and it snows only once or twice. Badamwari Garden is one of the rare calming places to visit in Kashmir during winter, where you will hardly see any crowd.

Nearby Attractions

1. Shalimar Garden

Shalimar Garden is a popular Mughal garden in Srinagar that has been reknowned for its elegant beauty and artistic design. A short distance from Badamwari Garden, it is a must visit.

2. Nishat Garden

Founded around the same time as Shalimar, Nishat is another important Mughal garden in the vicinity of Srinagar with cascading terraces and views over Dal Lake. This place is famous for colourful flower beds and a peaceful atmosphere.

3. Chashme Shahi

10) Chashme Shahi: ­Flush with a natural stream which springs from the Himalayan range, this historical garden adjacent to Badamwari Garden is known for its medicinal values. It provides the perfect getaway amidst tranquillity and breathtaking views of nature.

4. Dal Lake

It is one of the popular spots in Srinagar, you cannot miss Dal Lake offering shikara rides along with a picturesque view. This event is a must-experience if you are headed to visit Badamwari Garden.

Travel news and tips

1. Dress Comfortably

Dress in loose, casual clothes and shoes that are fit for walking. Wrap up warm during the winter months, it can get quite cold.

2. Photography

Do remember to carry your camera as Badamwari Garden is worth a photo. You can make nearly all the photos you want, but also take account of local norms: refrain from flashing in certain places.

3. Local Cuisine

Enjoy local Kashmiri food at the restaurants around. Make sure to get a taste of the simple Rogan Josh, Yakhni and saffron tea.

4. Health and Safety

Bring medications with you and keep waterWritableDatabase. At high elevations, and check you have travel insurance.

5. Respect Local Customs

Refer local cultures and traditions In general, appropriate clothing and always asking for permission when you want to shoot a person with your camera.

Conclusion

Gone are the days of Mughal horticultural heritage, so if you want its streak then walk straight to Badamwari Garden in Srinagar. Filled with the charm of almond blossoms, serenity, and scenic vistas around makes it quite a nature escape in Srinagar away from all those crowded tourist spots. BADAMWARI: Whether you are a Nature lover or that of History, and even whoever is wishing to spend some free time in full relaxation Badamwari Garden will never leave any person not mesmerized with the beauty at this place.

Visit this spring to enjoy the vistas & know more about the Highlights of Srinagar and around. That is, your trip to one of Kashmir’s forgotten valleys!