Chashma Shahi and Pari Mahal

Kashmir is truly described as the paradise on earth and the makers of this paradise on earth were none other than the Mughals. The exquisite creation of the Mughals is remarkably reflected in the parks and gardens of Srinagar. Of the beautiful parks and gardens of Kashmir, the most significant ones are Chashma Shahi and Pari Mahal.

Chashma Shahi in Srinagar:
Terraced lawns, fascinating fountains and floral beds on the banks of Dal Lake constitute the Mughal Gardens one of which is the Chashma Shahi. Beautifully terraced garden and a colorful flowers make Chashma Shahi beautiful than any other parks and gardens of Kashmir. Originally Shah Jahan’s creation in the year 1632 it has undergone a number of renovations to retain its remarkable beauty. Shah Jahan named the garden after a mountain spring that waters it and so it has the name Chashma Shahi. Get your permits from the information counter to visit this garden in Srinagar.

Pari Mahal in Srinagar:
Pari Mahal in Srinagar is regarded more as an historical monument of Srinagar rather just one of the parks or gardens. Built by Dara Shiko, the son of Aurangzeb, the Pari Mahal was dedicated to Dara’s Sufi teacher Mulla Shah. Decorated with a number of fascinating fountains, the Pari Mahal was at one point of time a beautiful garden. But now with the passage of time the fountains of Pari Mahal have dried up and now it is an important historical monument of Kashmir. Illuminated at night, Pari Mahal is surely worth a visit which makes a splendid sight as an important tourist attraction of Kashmir.

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Chatti Padshahi

The Chatti Padshahi in Srinagar is one of the famous Gurudwara which is not only one of the major tourist attractions of Srinagar but also an important place of worship for the Sikhs. Located in Rainawari in Srinagar this is an important site for the Sikh devotees who assemble here to offer their prayers. It is believed that the sixth Guru of Sikhs traveled throughout Kashmir and wherever he preached a Gurudwara has been built which has resulted in Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara in Srinagar.

Situated on the southern gate of Hari Parbat Fort this is an important Gurudwara of the Sikh community. There are also a number of Sikh Gurudwaras in Jammu and Kashmir but devotees mostly visit Chatti Padshahi.

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Khanqah e Molla

The Khanqah-e-Molla or Shah-e-Hamdan is one of the oldest Muslim shrines located on the banks of the river Jhelum in Srinagar city. An important religious destination in Srinagar, this shrine was originally built in 1395 and later reconstructed in 1732.

Believed to contain "the secret of Allah” – the Khanqah-e-Molla is an excellent example of wood architecture that draws inspiration from Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic styles.

Khanqah-e-Molla was originally constructed by Sultan Sikander (1389-1413 AD) in memory of Sufi saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdan, who stayed in Kashmir and was instrumental in the spread of Islam in Kashmir.

Khanqah-e-Molla was ravaged by fire in 1480, and reconstructed by Sultan Hassan Shah in 1493. Again in 1731, the shrine got damaged, with Abul Barkat Khan reconstructing it in 1731.


Khanqah-e-Molla, as it stands today, has a square plan, erected on irregular walled base made of materials from ancient temples. The two-storied, two-tiered structure of the shrine has gently sloping pyramidal roofs demarcating each tier. The roofs are further accentuated by heavy woodwork adorning the cornices under the eaves.

The first tier features double-arcaded verandahs that run continuously around the building, and the second tier is in the form of an arcaded balcony protruding on all four sides of the main building.

The pyramidal roof of the second tier is topped by an open pavilion for the muezzin, which is further crowned by a pyramidal spire. Parts of the roof have got covered with seasonal vegetation, creating a unique sight of intricate woodwork and terraced flowerbeds.

The shrine of the saint at Khanqah-e-Molla lies in a cloister at the northwest corner of the structure. A date -1384 AD, marking the saint’s death, is carved above the doorway.

We, at indianholiday, invite you to visit the Khanqah-e-Molla – a major tourist attraction in Srinagar, besides being an important religious destination for Muslims.


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