The harsh, snowy winters in Kashmir have finally come to an end as spring arrives in the valleys. Thousands of almond trees at the historic Badamwari garden in Srinagar have burst into full bloom. Their delicate pink and white blossoms transform the entire landscape into a gorgeous vista. The lovely Badamwari Almond Blossoms are all set to welcome tourists, and so we thought of bringing you a guide.
All About Badamwari Almond Blossom Festival
Badamwari Almond Blossom
Badam Vaer or Badamwari garden in Srinagar, Kashmir, is a well-known historic spring paradise. It is known for its mesmerizing almond blossoms that cover the entire scenery in pink and white hues.
This garden is nestled at Hari Parbat’s foothills amid the Zabarwan Range. It is a Mughal-era garden that features vast almond orchards. This fragrant blooming is more like a signal that talks about the end of winter against snow-capped peaks. The beautiful lawns, lovely viewpoints, and walking paths have been drawing tourists, photographers, poets, and families for years.
Badamwari Almond Blossom Festival Dates
The garden served as a royal retreat and spiritual spot under Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin from 15th century. Now, the garden hosts the annual Almond Blossom Festival with cultural events. This blooming festival is often compared to the cherry blossom festival in Japan. This garden and its festival are generally praised by tourists and visitors for their tranquility, as compared to Japan and Switzerland.
The department has already completed the installation of decorative planters, developed pathways, and plantation work across the garden. These things have been executed to improve the experience of the visitors.
They have also planted a variety of seasonal flowers to add more color to the garden. Tourists can see flowers such as Pansies, Tulips, and Daffodils along with the beautiful blooming almond trees.
The official dates for the Badamwari almond blossom festival are yet to be announced.
Best Time To See Almond Blossoms In Srinagar
Best month: The blossoming of almond trees generally takes place in mid-March to late March. Hence, it is the best, or rather the right time to visit the garden. Though sometimes this blooming gets delayed and happens in early April, due to warmer conditions.
Best Time of Day: You must visit the garden in the early morning or late afternoon. This is because during this time you can get the best light for photography and also fewer crowds.
Duration: The almond bloom lasts only a couple of weeks.
How To Reach Badamwari Garden
By Air
- The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar Airport).
- So, fly down to the Srinagar airport.
- Hire a pre-paid taxi or a private cab from the airport to the Old City or Hari Parbat area.
- The garden is just 30 to 45 minutes away from the airport.
By Train
- The nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station.
- So, alight at the Srinagar railway station.
- From Srinagar city center (Lal Chowk), the garden is about 6.5 km.
Summing Up
Badamwari almond blossoms are said to be the first sign of spring in Kashmir. It often appears before the more popular tulip season. So if you wish to witness this beauty and enjoy the onset of spring season, do visit!
