Harwan Garden – Serenity Near Zabarwan Hills
HARWAN GARDEN Photos
INTRODUCTION
Kashmir is famous for its lakes, meadows, and Mughal gardens, but there are also some secret spots to get some peace away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. One of these secret spots is Harwan Garden, a verdant area located near the Zabarwan Hills of Srinagar. Unlike the well-loved Mughal gardens that are filled with tourists, Harwan gives you a peaceful setting where nature can be enjoyed in its raw form.
With the backdrop of mountains, meandering streams, and perfectly manicured lawns, this garden is not simply a picnic site, but a peaceful experience. Harwan is also of historical significance due to its connection with the ancient Buddhist site of Harwan and as a gateway to the famous Dachigam National Park.
This blog will provide you with everything you need to know about Harwan Garden: its history, attractions, best time to visit, nearby places, and travel tips to help you make it an unavoidable stop in your itinerary for Srinagar.
History of Harwan Garden
Harwan is not just a picturesque garden – it is a place with a rich cultural and historical background. Historical evidence suggests an early Buddhist presence in the area, with terracotta tiles discovered that depict figures and symbolism from remnants of early Buddhist art. Harwan became an important Buddhist settlement in the region in the 4th to 5th centuries AD. The garden itself was created as a picnic and recreation area for local residents and tourists, with its natural streams adding to its beauty. To this day, Harwan is cherished not only for its scenic attraction but also for its important place in history.
Layout and Design of Harwan Garden
In contrast to the official Mughal gardens, which featured a formal layout of symmetrical fountains and terraces, Harwan Garden finds its beauty in the natural world.
- Lawn: A well-maintained lawn exists in the garden over a large area, perfectly suited for casual picnics and lounging.
- Chinar and Willow Trees: Natural shade and beauty add to the park.
- Streams: Streams of water flows from the nearby mountains into the space.
- Flower Beds: Flower beds in the garden create vibrant colors in the spring and summer months.
- Backdrop: The Zabarwan Hills tower over the garden, adding to the peaceful aura.
Attractions in Harwan Garden
🌿 1. Nature’s Beauty
What Harwan has to offer is its pristine beauty, greenery, fresh air, and nature’s soothing beauty.
🏞 2. Zabarwan Hills
The Zabarwan Hills provide beautiful scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset.
💧 3. Streams and Water Canals
Streams of water in the mountains running through the gardens make the atmosphere quite lively, perfect for slow, meandering walks.
👨👩👧 4. Destination for Picec Latin
People often visit Harwan as families or groups just to sit and relax on the lawns with their own lunch and homemade salt.
🏛 5. Buddhist Ruins of Harwan
The garden is quite close to some Buddhist ruins and motifs; you can see terracotta tiles and ruins of the abstract history of spirituality of Kashmir.
🌲 6. Towards Dachigum National Park
Harwan Garden is quite close to the entrance of Dachigam National Park, with great potential as a stopping point for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Harwan Garden
Harwan Garden is open for visitation throughout the year but provides a different experience in each season.
Spring (March–May): The garden comes to life with flowering plants and vibrant green grass.
Summer (June–August): Summer is perfect for enjoying a picnic underneath the shade of the Chinar trees.
Autumn (September–November): The garden drapes in the golden colors of autumn from the Chinar trees.
Winter (December–February): A light blanket of snow covering the garden captures the quiet, mystical beauty of winter.
👉 The best time to experience Harwan Garden is in the spring and summer, when the lawns and flowers are equally at their most beautiful.
Entry Fee and Timings
Entry Fee: ₹24 per person (approx.), free for children under 5.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (summer), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (winter).
Duration: 1–2 hours is enough to explore.
How to Reach Harwan Garden
Harwan Garden is situated around 15 km from the center of Srinagar city.
By Air: Srinagar International Airport is 22 km away.
By Road: Easily reachable by taking taxis, cabs, or local buses.
By Car: Approximately 30–40 mins drive away from Dal Lake.
Things to Do in Harwan Garden
- Stroll along the streams and pathways.
- Unwind with a family picnic beneath Chinar trees.
- Snap images of the Zabarwan Hills backdrop.
- Visit the local Buddhist archaeological site.
- Consider a day trip to Dachigam National Park.
Nearby Attractions
- Dachigam National Park: A sanctuary for the critically endangered Hangul deer.
- Shalimar Bagh: A Mughal landscaped garden with fountains and graded lawns.
- Nishat Bagh: A beautiful garden located on the northen shore of Dal Lake.
- Dal Lake: A picturesque lake famous for its Shikara rides and houseboats.
- Tulip Garden: The largest tulip garden in Asia that is open every spring.
- Hazratbal Shrine: A historic religious monument overlooking Nigeen Lake.
Travel Tips for Visiting Harwan Garden
- For a tranquil experience, plan your visit to the Morris Arboretum either in the morning, or late afternoon.
- When visiting with family and if you would like to picnic, bring picnic food.
- Wear proper walking shoes for exploring lawns and walking the paths.
- Please be respectful to the user’s natural environment by not littering in the garden.
- Combine your visit to Morris Arboretum with a trip to Dachigam National Park for a day trip.
Harwan Garden in Kashmir Tour Packages
Harwan Garden is typically included in any Srinagar tour package. It is common for travel companies to combine Harwan with other locations, such as the Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake, and Dachigam National Park, for a good mix of culture, natural, and downtime experiences.
-Srinagar family vacation packages with children typically include picnics or day outings.
-Srinagar honeymoon packages for couples typically include romantic walks in and around the garden, and/or great photo backdrops.
-Srinagar nature tours typically involve the gardens and/or Dachigam.
Conclusion
Harwan Garden is undeniably one of the most peaceful getaways in Srinagar and is an ideal respite to escape from the city attractions and bustle of activity. Harwan is not only a garden; it is the perfect place to embrace the aesthetics of nature and culture, surrounded by landscaped lawns, flowing streams, and the beauty of the Zabarwan Hills.
For couples, families, and lovers of nature, Harwan is an idyllic location to enjoy a calm weekend, explore the nearby heritage, and embrace Kashmir’s simple nature.
All in all, if you are going to Srinagar with a trusted travel operator like Kashmir Traveler, the experience of Harwan Garden will no doubt be included with your itinerary to experience this serene side of Kashmir.
FAQs – Harwan Garden Srinagar
1. Where is Harwan Garden located?
It is located 15 km from Srinagar city center, near the foothills of Zabarwan Hills.
2. What is Harwan Garden famous for?
It is known for its natural beauty, streams, picnic spots, and proximity to Dachigam National Park.
3. What is the history of Harwan Garden?
The area has Buddhist origins, with archaeological remains dating back to the 4th–5th century AD.
4. What is the entry fee for Harwan Garden?
The entry fee is nominal, around ₹10–₹20 per person.
5. What are the timings of Harwan Garden?
The garden remains open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily.
6. What is the best time to visit Harwan Garden?
Spring and summer are the best times, though it can be visited year-round.
7. What attractions are near Harwan Garden?
Dachigam National Park, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Dal Lake, and Tulip Garden.
8. How to reach Harwan Garden from Srinagar?
It can be reached by taxi, cab, or local transport in about 30–40 minutes.
9. Can we have a picnic at Harwan Garden?
Yes, it is one of the most popular picnic spots in Srinagar.
10. Is Harwan Garden included in Kashmir tour packages?
Yes, many packages by operators like Kashmir Traveler include it in Srinagar day tours.