Situated on the banks of Nigeen Lake in Sher-e-Khas, Kashmir, Badamwari was our chance discovery on our trip to Kashmir in April. It was the most spectacular play of colors that nature danced in front of us in Kashmir. Here is a complete guide on the Badamwari Garden, including timing, entry fee, best time to visit, and why this is a must visit garden in a Kashmir trip.

6 Day Kashmir Itinerary

Why Visit Badamwari Garden

Srinagar is home to many beautiful, popular gardens, so why visit the lesser known Badaamwaari? Unlike the other gardens which showcases the beauty of flowers on shrubs and rhododendrons, Badaamwari Garden’s fame lies in the pink and white blooms of almond trees that line the two sides of the central pathway.

Located on the foothills of Koh e Maraan hill, Badamwari is a beautiful garden stretching across 37 acres. From the steps to Hari Parbat Fort, you can get an immense aerial view of the garden.

Being lesser-known, it is safe from the throngs of over-tourism and so, I see it as a hidden gem and Srinagar’s best kept secret. If you take a stroll here, you would feel like you are in a European country with blooming trees on the sidewalk.

Timing and Entry Fee for Badamwari Garden

Badamwari is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on all seven days of the week. The entry fee for adults is Rs. 24, while for children it is Rs. 12. There are no additional charges for photography. You can carry your camera in for free.

Badamwari Garden History

It is believed that the initial garden where Badamwari stands today was established in the 14^th century. This was before the arrival of the Mughals and when Kashmir was under sultanate rule.

It was revived and maintained in the 16^th century when the Mughals ruled over Kashmir and Emperor Akbar constructed the Hari Parbat not far from the location of Badamwari. However, the Mughals saw their decline and fall in the early 17^th century and the garden was once again abandoned.

Then, in 1876, the Dogra Monarch Ranbir Singh acquired the garden and planted the entire property with almond trees and opened it to the general public. During the 20^th century, the garden doubled as a site for local fairs and exhibitions and was a popular haunt among the local community.

Then in the 1970s, the culture of fairs and local exhibitions declined and once again the garden lost its charm to neglect.

In 2007, the Floriculture Department of Kashmir revived the garden and gave it the shape as we see it today.

Beauty

Nestled within the embrace of nature’s enchantment, Badamwari Garden unveils a symphony of colors and fragrances, inviting visitors into a realm of serene beauty. The air is perfumed with the sweet, delicate scent of blossoming almond trees, their branches adorned with clusters of pale pink and white blooms that dance in the gentle breeze. As the sunlight filters through the verdant canopy above, it casts a warm and golden glow upon the lush carpet of emerald-green grass.

Badamwari is a sanctuary for various songbirds, their melodies forming a natural soundtrack that complements the visual feast. Tall, swaying grasses and ornamental shrubs contribute to the overall tapestry of textures, enhancing the garden’s allure.

Best Time to Visit Badamwari Garden

Booming almond trees being the main attraction, Badamwari Garden is open to tourists only in the spring season in Kashmir. The exact dates when the garden open varies due to the unpredictability of the blooming season.

The best time to visit Badamwari Garden is from late March to late April when the almond trees, apple trees, and peach trees are in full bloom.

How to Reach Badamwari

Badamwari is located just five kilometers from Srinagar. You can hire an auto to reach the park. Alternately, if you are on a day trip of Srinagar, you can visit it on the way to Hari Parbat Fort.

Is Badamwari a Mughal Garden

No, Badamwari is not a Mughal Garden. Although, at some point the Mughals maintained the garden, it existed even before the Mughals arrived. Besides, Badamwari does on have the typical Mughal structure drawn from the Persian royal gardens that we see in all other Mughal Gardens.

Furthermore, the garden as we see it today, with the flowering almond trees as the main attraction was the work of Dogra Monarch Ranbir Singh, who arrived much after the Mughal era in Kashmir.

Conclusion

Badamwari Garden stands as a testament to the sublime beauty that nature can bestow upon us. Nestled in the heart of Kashmir, this enchanting public garden with its blossoming almond trees paints a mesmerizing portrait of seasonal splendor.

As you wander through the garden’s pathways, you are greeted by the delicate fragrance of almond blossoms, the soothing sounds of nature, and the vibrant hues of flowers that weave together to create a tapestry of serenity.

So don’t miss out on visiting Badamwari if you are visiting Kashmir in April. I hope you found my guide useful in planning your trip.