(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Autumn in Kashmir is when the Valley exhales in gold. It's nature slipping into her regal robe, every leaf a flicker of fire, every breeze a sigh of farewell. Between mid-October and mid-November, Srinagar glows like a dream half-remembered - skies sharp as crystal, air scented with woodsmoke and saffron, and the great chinars blazing like torches against the fading blue.

This is the city's most poetic season, when gardens blush copper, lakes mirror the sky's bronze melancholy, and even silence seems painted in amber light.

In this brief, breathtaking hour before the first snow, Kashmir Observer invites you to wander through the 'Top 5 Spots in Srinagar', where autumn unveils her most enchanting colours - a season of fire, reflection, and fleeting perfection.

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KO File Photo

1. Naseem Bagh (near Srinagar)

The grand dame of autumn in Srinagar. With over 700 ancient chinar trees, this Mughal-era garden becomes a living painting of crimson, amber, and gold.

What to do: Stroll through the leaf-strewn pathways near the university, take photos by Dal Lake, and breathe in that unmistakable scent of falling leaves.

Best time: late October to mid-November.

Bonus: Visit the nearby majestic and architecturally unique Hazratbal Shrine to experience the spiritual solace.

KO File Photo By Abid Bhat

2. Shalimar Bagh – Mughal Elegance in Amber

Commissioned by Emperor Jahangir and Queen Noor Jehan, this garden's terraced lawns and chinar avenues burn with golden light in autumn. Water channels mirror the orange canopy above - it's poetry with fountains.

What to do: Visit near sunset when the garden glows; carry a camera or a sketchbook.

Bonus: Combine it with nearby Nishat Bagh for a double hit of Mughal beauty. In the heart of Srinagar, these iconic Mughal gardens flaunt terraced lawns, fountains, and chinar avenues that blaze in autumn.

KO File Photo

3. Pari Mahal – The Palace of Fairies with a Fiery View

Perched above the city, this terraced garden offers panoramic views of Dal Lake wrapped in a mosaic of autumn hues. The setting sun often turns the chinars below into molten copper.

What to do: Go at golden hour; the view of the lake shimmering through orange haze is unforgettable.

Bonus: Taste the legendary mineral-rich spring water from Royal Spring on the way down at Chashma Shahi garden, a highlight for many visitors seeking refreshment and a unique experience.

KO File Photo By Abid Bhat

4. Boulevard & Zabarwan Foothills – The Drive of Gold

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