Where is Srinagar?
Srinagar
is located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley in the northern Indian state
of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the capital of the state and stands on the banks
of river Jhelum.
How will you gain access?
There are regular flight services connecting Srinagar to places like Delhi,
Chandigarh, Amritsar and Jammu. Jammu is the capital's railhead and is
linked with Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai and Kanyakumari. There are bus
services from Delhi but it is better for people, taking a road-trip, to take
up the route via Chandigarh, Amritsar or Himachal Pradesh hill stations.
What magnetises people?
» Dal Lake
The Dal Lake is a major attraction for the tourists. It gives an insight
into the unique form of life that sustains on it. One can find doctors,
tailors, florists and vegetable-sellers in tiny wood shops on the lake. The
houseboats and Shikaras are available on hire.
» Nagin Lake
Divided
from the Dal Lake only by a causeway, the Nagin Lake is yet another
attraction of the place. One can walk or cycle down the causeway to enjoy
the beauty of the lake.
» Mughal Gardens
The Mughal emperors created some of the most beautiful gardens namely the
Chashmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar gardens. These gardens are the priceless
treasures of the region and are known all across the globe. To enter the
Chashmashahi Gardens, you need a permit (for free) that can be had at the
TRC office.
» Hazratbal Mosque
The Hazratbal Mosque houses a hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad. It
stands on the banks of the Dal Lake and is a high security area. The sacred
hair is on display a few times a year. Built in white marble, the mosque is
one of its kind in the area.
» Shankaracharya Temple
Devoted to Lord Shiva, the Sankaracharya Temple is perched on the highest
part of the city. It's a stiff climb up a steep hill. The history of the
site dates back to 2,500 BC. The area is always bristling with security.
What are the adventures in store?
Kashmir has a number of lakes like the Dal, the Nagin, the Mansbal and the
Wular. There are good options of canoeing and water skiing. Water trekking,
as it is locally called, is an interesting sport of the region. One can take
a three to four day trip along the river Jhelum to various lakes in a
Shikara. Lovely spots can be found for camping at night. Water skiing is yet
another fabulous option. The Dal Lake makes an interesting site for canoeing
and kayaking.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Surrounded by the internationally renowned Dal Lake is the Centaur Lake
View Hotel (11 km from airport). It provides all the 5-star facilities,
striving to provide you with the best of services. Hotel Broadway (12 km
from airport) is another popular 5-star. Hotel Grand Palace
Inter-Continental (15 km from airport) is a 3-star, offering rooms with
large view windows, indoor heated swimming pool, fitness centre, salon,
tennis courts, walking lawns, jogging trail etc.
What is the best time?
If you are planning a trip during the summer season, then you should pay a
visit between the months of June and November. However, during winters you
can visit between December and February.
