GARDEN IN SRINAGAR IN THE ZABARWAN MOUNTAIN

The Mughal imperial heritage park complemented our journey to explore Kashmir

Four days we have explored mountains and valleys in Kashmir. That morning our last day was in Kashmir. Late afternoon our flight to Delhi.

The last day in the city of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, we plan to visit several parks in Srinagar. The location of the park around Dal Lake, where we stayed while staying in Srinagar. We packed our clothes last night. So when returning from visiting the park, we don't need to rush to pack clothes. Relax

Like the previous days, it might be normal in a city that is embraced by mountains from all directions, the morning feels so piercing bones. Make the body reluctant to move from the warmth of a thick blanket. I am the little guy's building. Deg, Najin's body is slightly warm.

I was silent for a moment. Calm the mind while arranging a blanket to cover Najin's body. I rubbed slowly his warm head. He was tired. Three days in a row we explored Kashmir, splitting Dal Lake with shikara accompanied by drizzle and wind, the next day staring at the blooming of the tulips continued to be slapped cold on the cable car in Gulmarg, enjoying the expanse of canola flowers under the clear sky in Sonamarg and yesterday we were riding riding in the cold on the cable car in Gulmarg, enjoying the expanse of yellow canola flowers under the clear sky in Sonamarg Pahalgham.

The aroma of warm chai awaits to be enjoyed on the dining table, feet stepping away from the room, eyes moving to look for Mr. Firdaus, the houseboat guard. Being on the front porch of the houseboat, I told him, we did not visit the park in Srinagar today because Najin was warm.

He listened carefully, then asked what breakfast we wanted. As usual, omelette with chopped onions and thick special Kashmir bread. Waiting for breakfast, Firdaus asked again, is Najin's body very hot or still warm? I told him his body was a little warm.

He encouraged me and Ms. Neha to continue to plan today to visit the parks in Srinagar. And his family will take care of Najin who is still sleeping soundly.

I feel bad, how could I walk while my child is sick. He assured. "Don't worry my sister, God willing, he'll be fine, he just tired and we will take care of him nicely" His niece and son will be at the housebout. Yes, they and Najin knew each other, since the day they came to play together. We do know well. I lived in his houseboat before.

Okay, today I will visit the park in Srinagar which is located close to one another and not far from the houseboat. The weather was a little cloudy when the boat split the lake towards the mainland. A car is ready to wait.

It didn't take long, we arrived at the first park, Nisbhat Garden. The largest Mughal Park in Srinagar was built since the Mughal empire. On average all the parks built by the Mughal empire have something in common. Persian style with a canal and fountain in the center as its center. The canal divides the park into 4 parts. Each garden covers a green garden with colorful flowers. Similar to the park in front of the Taj Mahal and also Humayun's Tomb.

The attraction is that the park, designed by Asif Khan in 1633, is located at the foot of the Zabarwan mountains. Hug her from all directions. Dal Lake at the foot of the Phir Panjal mountain chain with its snow tendrils is a sight that makes you feel at home.

As the name implies which means the park of pleasure or the garden of happiness. Every corner offers flowers, trees, wooden seats accompanied by the sound of water gurgling. Here some people rent out traditional clothes to take pictures.

Eager to sit relaxed while reading a book. Don't think about the time that has passed. Don't worry tomorrow. Not busy with daily activities that seem boring. Picnic with various kinds of fried food, fruit and of course warm chai. But unfortunately I can not linger here because we want to visit the next park. And also, actually my mind is a little uneasy. Thinking about Najin.

Leaving Nisha, we headed for Salimar. Located not far away. It's still around Dal Lake. Entering the park we passed a door that was not too wide.

Like Nisha bagh, Salimar garden or Salimar bagh is a Mughal garden. The emperor Jahangir was built in 1619. The 12.4 hectare park was built by him for his beloved wife, Nur jahan.

Like other Mughal parks, this park has a Persian-style Islamic design. A long water canal beautified with fountains is his trademark. The canal divides the park into two parts, right and left.

Each green lawn shelter various flowers and rows of chinar trees soaring high to form like a fence line. The park, dubbed the Srinagar crown, has 3 terraces. But something is a little different and makes me wonder. Unlike other buildings terrace Mughal relics with Persian architecture.

And sure enough, when I read the references on Wikipedia, according to ancient history, this park was originally built by a Hindu king, Pravarsena II in the 2nd century. And given the name Salimar. In Sanskrit language means "abode of love" where love lives.

Emperor Jahangir rebuilt this park to make the queen happy. When summer greets Delhi they visit Kashmir, passing through the Phir Panjal mountains using elephants.

Don't imagine how long it will take. Overland travel by train and car requires at least 24 hours to reach Kashmir. Especially with elephants. But as far as any journey if accompanied by the idol's heart will certainly feel different.

Just like today, without Najin, this charming garden with a treat to spoil your eyes feels strange. Just to see and want to end. Like a relationship, without love, after enjoying it will immediately end. Leaving the park accompanied by drizzle makes the heart want to cry. Yes, we will soon leave Kashmir, dubbed the paradise of the world. And it is not easy.

We returned to the houseboat. I rushed to the room. Smiling at Najin, he woke up with super random hair and was busy playing with his favorite tablet. His body is still warm but it's better.

There is still time for us before heading to the airport. Mbak Neha spent time trying to row her own boat on the Dal lake. While I chatted with Mr. Firdaus and family as well as goodbye.

Some wedding invitations from his extended family. And illustrate how lively the wedding and lively Dal Lake at the time. He asked me to come. Unfortunately, I could not attend. Not only leaving Srinagar. But I also said goodbye leaving India to return. It's hard but we have to go through it.