The territory of Jammu and Kashmir is considered the pearl of India, known for its beauty, yet many tourists are only aware of a limited number of places. Recently, one such site in Srinagar has drawn particular attention, which was visited by American Ambassador Sergio Gor.
On August 19, 2026, Sergio Gor visited Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, where he inspected the historical Pari Mahal. He shared his impressions of Srinagar's beauty on social media by posting photographs.
This visit was Sergio Gor's first as the American ambassador to Jammu and Kashmir. During the trip, he thoroughly examined the historical attractions of Kashmir. Although few people know about Pari Mahal, it is worth noting that it is a unique combination of Mughal heritage and the picturesque views of Dal Lake.
Pari Mahal, also known as the Fairy Place, is a historical monument located on a hill of the Jabarwan mountain range in Srinagar. It is near the famous Shahi Garden fountain. Due to its elevated location, Pari Mahal offers a stunning view of Dal Lake, the city of Srinagar itself, and the surrounding hills. This is why the place is valued both for its historical significance and its natural beauty.
The construction of Pari Mahal dates back to the 17th century, during the reign of the Mughals. It is believed to be associated with Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan. It is said that Dara Shikoh developed this place as a center for residence and study, and it was also connected with astronomy and education. Its special position on the hill made it an important center even in that era.
The main feature of Pari Mahal is its seven terraces or stepped roofs. These terraces are designed so that the entire complex looks very beautiful on the hillside. Here, one can see elements of Mughal style, including arches, gardens, and traditional architecture. Although Pari Mahal is smaller in size than other popular Mughal gardens in Kashmir, its height and seven terraces give it a unique appearance.
During his stay, Gor also met with the head of Jammu and Kashmir, Umar Abdullah. Umar Abdullah expressed joy about meeting Sergio Gor in Srinagar in his tweet. He noted that a productive conversation took place regarding opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Jammu and Kashmir and the USA, especially in the fields of tourism, horticulture, and the new economy, and expressed readiness to continue the dialogue.
In addition to Pari Mahal, American Ambassador Sergio Gor visited the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. The high mountains, greenery, and calm atmosphere surrounding the lake emphasize Kashmir's natural appeal.
The distance from Srinagar railway station to Pari Mahal is about 12 kilometers. From the station, one can easily take a local taxi or rickshaw to the entrance of Pari Mahal. If the budget is limited, one can use public buses or taxis from the Red Quarter to Dal Lake or the Botanical Garden. However, after arriving in the area, one will need to use an elevator or climb up to reach Pari Mahal itself. Today, Pari Mahal is among the key historical sites of Kashmir, where Mughal history, architecture, and the natural beauty of Srinagar harmoniously combine.
