Main Attractions: Canals, Houseboats & Mughal Gardens
How to spend time/Attractions: Golf, Fishing, Shikara ride, Long walks, Handicrafts Shopping, Photography, Sightseeing, etc.
Significance: Capital of J&K.
Hotels: Hotel Silver Star, Hotel New Green View, Hotel ShahAbbas , Hotel Zahgeer Continental , Centaur Lake View , Hotel Grand Palace.
Places to Visit: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Wular Lake, Hazratbal Shrine, Shankaracharya Temple, Khanqah-e-Molla, Kheer Bhawani, Tulip Garden, Jama Masjid.
Best Time To Visit: June To Early November, December To February
Srinagar is the largest city of Kashmir which is also the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and due to its qualities its also a center of attraction for tourists. Srinagar is spread over an area of 103.93 sq kms. and its height above sea level is 1730 meters. This is a beautiful tourist place with mixture of various castes, cultures and languages. The main specialty about this city are its waterfalls and gardens made by Mughal emperors which represent the beauty of 4th and 5th century. Various historians have different views about the establishment of Srinagar but to days truth is that Srinagar is surrounded on both the sides of Jhelum river. Mountains covered with snow, beautiful trees of Chinar, beautiful valleys ,world famous lakes like Nagina and Dull represents the view of this city. Due to its nice climate Srinagar attracts tourist throughout the year
Tourist attractions In Srinagar
Mughal Gardens
The landscaped Mughal Gardens, developed by the rulers of the Mughal dynasty, make you fall in love with their beauty. They consist of mainly the following three gardens:* Chashmashahi Garden
* Nishat Garden
* Shalimar Garden
Dal Lake
Srinagar sightseeing loses its meaning if you have not visited the Dal Lake. With the backdrop of mountains on three sides, the view of the Dal Lake looks as if you are watching a photograph. This lake counts amongst the most splendid lakes in the country. One of the major attractions of the Dal Lake is the houseboats that stand lining its edges.Nagin Lake
Another popular tourist attraction of Srinagar is the Nagin Lake. Placid water of the lake, surrounded with manicured flowerbeds and groves of chinar, poplar and willow, is enough to capture your heart.Shankaracharya Temple
Perched on the Takht-e-Suleiman hill, the Shankaracharya Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is supposed to be the oldest shrine of the Kashmir valley.Hazratbal Shrine
Situated opposite the Nishat Bagh on the banks of Dal Lake, the Hazratbal Shrine houses the Moi-e-Muqqadus (preserved sacred hair) of Prophet Mohammad. It is one of the most popular shrines in Srinagar, revered by Hindus as well as Muslims.Srinagar - What to Buy
Srinagar is famous for its traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. The Handicraft items make excellent souvenirs from Srinagar. Besides the number of utilitarian items of daily use, Woolen and silk carpets from Srinagar are a specialty. The carpets are not only known for their highly intricate decorations and patterns, which show a strong Islamic/Persian influence, they are also renowned for their durability and subtle colors. Chain-stitch carpets from Srinagar are also popular craft items.
Exquisite papier-mâché items such as boxes, vases, replicas of samovar (metal container used for heating water for tea), houseboat models, etc., in all shapes and having bright colors and designs also attract the tourists.
The handicrafts repertoire of Kashmir is incomplete without woolen shawls and woodcarving. You may purchase richly embroidered woolen shawls in all colors and intricate designs in Srinagar. Apart from regular woolen shawls, you can also buy Pashmina shawls (made from the hair of ibex), which is a highly valued shawl made in Kashmir. As Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow, craftsmen here create intricate carvings on walnut wood to make items like tables, chairs, stools, fruit bowls, partitions, etc., that have rich floral and trellis patterns carved on them. All these handicraft items make options for gift items from Srinagar.
Srinagar - Adventure Sports
The adventure seekers and the animal lovers may plan a safari to the Dachigam National Park. The wildlife reserve is just twenty-two km from Srinagar. You may check out the unique Himalayan flora and fauna at Dachigam. Dachigam is home to Leopards, cinnamon sparrows, black and yellow grosbeak, black bulbuls, pheasant and the Himalayan gray langur.
You may even travel to Pahalgam, 95 km east of Srinagar. Pahalgam is located in the quiet Liddar valley, at a height of 2130 m. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath
Srinagar - How to Reach
The hill resort of Srinagar is easily accessible. In terms of air transport Srinagar is linked with Delhi through Jammu. You may fly further to Leh from Srinagar. The Jammu Tawi railway station is the nearest to Srinagar at a distance of 305 km. Srinagar boasts of excellent road traffic owing to the well developed network. Srinagar is linked with other important places like Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, through road. The main bus station of Srinagar is at city center of Lal Chowk. For transportation in and around auto-rickshaws and mini-buses are easily available.
Srinagar - Best Time to Visit
Srinagar experiences alpine weather. There is heavy snowfall in the winter months from December to February. The hill resort enjoys mild climate in the summer months from April to June.
Srinagar - Where to Stay
There are several accommodation options available in Srinagar. You may even plan to stay in the houseboats of Srinagar that have been a part of the aquatic culture for centuries. While in Srinagar you can savor many delicious dishes. There is the traditional wazwan, an elaborate meal consisting of meat dishes, vegetables, rice, and dessert. Gushtaba (meatballs made of mutton), badam pasand (meat with almonds), and Kashmiri pulao with saffron are some of the main Kashmiri dishes. The Kashmiri people are fond of tea. In Srinagar you must sip kahwah, or green tea flavored with spices, to refresh yourself.
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