Spring in Kashmir doesn’t tiptoe in—it arrives with a soft pink explosion at Badamwari Garden. Nestled at the foot of Hari Parbat in Srinagar, this hidden gem isn’t just a garden—it’s a celebration of life’s gentle return after a long, cold winter.

I visited Badamwari on a crisp March morning, and the sight stopped me in my tracks. Almond trees in full bloom, their branches heavy with soft white and blush-pink flowers, danced in the breeze like they had waited all year just for this moment. The scent in the air was light and sweet, and the ground was speckled with fallen petals—like spring itself had made a quiet entrance, barefoot and smiling.

Locals wandered between the trees, many of them carrying thermoses of kehwa or cups of tea, chatting under the blossoms as if they were visiting old friends. Kids ran across the lawns, families sat in circles sharing snacks, and laughter floated through the air like pollen. It felt less like a tourist spot and more like Kashmir’s backyard, where people come to breathe again after months of snow.

But even in its buzz, Badamwari holds moments of quiet. I found a bench under a blooming tree, sat back, and just listened—to the birds, the breeze, and the soft murmur of happiness all around. It wasn’t loud joy. It was gentle, rooted, and deeply human.

Badamwari doesn’t stay in bloom for long, and maybe that’s why it feels so special. It's fleeting, like all beautiful things. But for a few short weeks, it reminds everyone—locals and visitors alike—that even the coldest winters give way to blossoms.

If you ever find yourself in Kashmir as winter fades, don’t miss Badamwari. Come for the flowers, stay for the feeling.