Situated at an altitude of 1730 m above sea level, in the western part of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is the Summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Thriving on both the sides of River Jhelum, Srinagar is most famous for its numerous sublime lakes that earn it the name 'The land of Lakes'. Every corner of the city is covered with trees but green will not be the only color you will see here. The different trees, pear, apple cherry, peach, all are covered with blossoming pink and white flowers and in summers, you just can't help noticing the wild roses, they seem to spring up everywhere your eyes wander to. Just drive down in any direction, after every few kilometers you will find a fruit stall brimming with shinning fruits like apple, cherry, and oranges.

Srinagar is probably the best place to look for the arts and crafts of entire Jammu and Kashmir. The city is traditionally rich in handicrafts and has number of markets from where you can have the pleasure of buying yourself the best of them all. The most famous article that Srinagar offers is the handwoven silk shawls that over the time has acquired the recognition of being the best in the world. One can also look for the famous Pashmina wool garments, Buddhist masks, traditional wears, antique jewelery, thangka paintings and many more fascinating items. Saffron, honey and walnuts have always been the shopping favorite, but apart from these, do try the distinctive spices of the city. In Srinagar, Lal chowk, Badshah chowk and Polo view are the best places where you go out for shopping.

Srinagar might not have the most challenging treks for trekking and hiking, but they definitely are one of the most scenic ones in the entire country. Srinagar is more famous for adventure in waters. Srinagar is a land full of lakes with flawless charm and serenity. And the quiet waters of these lakes offer the best setting for sports like canoeing and Kayaking. Apart from these fun activities, if you move slightly out of the city, some 56 km to Gulmohar, you will be in India's premiere most Ski resort of winters where you can just skid down the snow topped hills and let all your worries go down the drain. The resort boasts of world-class facilities and is world's one of the highest lift served ski resort. People who are not very familiar with skiing need not to worry, as the resort has trained instructors and good skiing gear.

Srinagar Attractions - Simply Unparallaled Wonders

Srinagar is probably one of the most gifted city in terms of natural wonders. The city is nestling amidst the splendorous mountain range in the Kashmir valley. Starting from stunning Mughal Gardens to serene Dal Lake, tourists will have the best time of their life in the most important part of Paradise on earth.

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is situated in the center of all attractions in Srinagar stretching around 18 sq. km that makes it the second largest lake in the state. The lake is surrounded by gigantic Himalayan ranges and exquisite gardens that make it the most hangout zone for the locals and the tourist from all over the world. The shores of the lake are also as charming as the lake itself. The moment you enter the premises, the first thing that you will notice will be the grand houseboat that are scattered through out the lake. Stay in one of the many houseboats amidst of the lake. The lake offers many more exciting activities that you can indulge in like kayaking, canoeing and water surfing. An excellent location for fishing, you can indulge into after getting a valid license from the tourism department. The most enchanting activity here is a boat ride, explore the magic of Dal Lake in a breathtaking ride on decorated Shikaras.

Nagin Lake

Nagin lake is located just a small distance away from Dal Lake. In fact both the water bodies are interconnected by a small water channel. Just like Dal Lake, this lake also freezes in the winter. But in summer time the water is pleasantly cool. The lake is one of the best ions, which you can enjoy a captivating round of boating. Even in the middle of the lake you can experience the thrill of shopping. There are boats that are full-fledged shops on the move. You can buy eateries, exquisite handicrafts, even the famous Pashmina shawls, and if you wish, you can even make a call from the mobile phone booths.

The Mughal Gardens

The Mughal Gardens with their terraced gardens, numerous maple trees, refreshing fountains and blooming flowers, have become the outstanding attributes of Srinagar. Situated in the far eastern side of panoramic Dal Lake, The Shalimar Bagh(garden) and the Nishant Bagh are the most beautiful of all that are there in the city. Even Chashmashahi, though small, has made its mark as a successful tourist spot due to its spring of sweet and refreshing water which was once used for drinking by the Mughals.

The Temple of Shankaracharya

The Temple of Shankaracharya is balanced on a high octagonal plinth, on a hill called as Takht-i-Suleiman in Srinagar district. The temple dates back to 250 BC and over the time has become an important landmark on the face of Srinagar. It is said that the legendary philosopher Sri Shankaracharya stayed in this temple when he came to Kashmir to spread Sanatan Dharma. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds a lot of importance in religious as well as architectural context. The temple is built up of specially smoothened rocks which have been set at the peak of the hill with unimaginable precision. From the height at which this temple is located, you can have a scintillating bird's eye view of entire Srinagar

SHALIMAR BAGH

The Shalimar were built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jahan, 'light of the world' in 1616. Although it is known today as the 'garden of love' it was originally named the Farah Bakhsh or 'delightful garden'.

 The garden is built in four terraces with traditional water channel running down the middle. The gardens measure 540 by 183 metres. During the Mughal period the top terraces used be reserved for the emperor and the ladies of the court and was the most magnificent. It included a pavilion made of black stone in the middle of the tank. Black Marble fluted pillars supported the pavilion, which was used as a banquet hall.

Shalimar Bagh has an air of seclusion and repose, and its rows of fountains and shaded trees seem to recede towards the snowcapped mountains. A Son Et Lumeiere or sound and light show is put on here every evening during the May to October tourist season.

NISHAT BAGH

The Nishat Bagh is another lovely garden with its 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the zodiac, which descend gradually and seem to almost merge into the lake. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills. With its flowerbeds, trees, fountains, the Nishat presents a dramatic sight. The gardens were designed in 1633 by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jahan, and follow the same pattern as the Shalimar gardens with a polished stone channel running down the centre and a series of terraces.

It's the largest of the Mughal gardens measuring 548 metres by 338 metres, and often the most crowed. The walks beside the channel are bordered with lines of cypresses and Chinars. Also found within its vicinity are some remains of Mughal period buildings including a double storey pavilion enclosed on two sides latticed windows.

PARIMAHAL

The old Sufi college of Pari Mahal, the 'palace of the fairies', is only a short distance above the Chasma Shahi gardens. One can easily walk from the gardens up to the Pari Mahal then follow a footpath directly down the hill to the road that runs by the Oberoi Palace Hotel. The Pari Mahal consists of a series of arched terraces. Recently it has been turned into a very pleasant and well-kept garden with fine views over Dal Lake. It's attractively sited on a spur of the Zabarwan Mountains. The gardens are beautifully kept even today and a Son Et Lumiere show is put on here every evening during the May to October tourist season.

CHASMA SHAHI

Cheshma Shahi is the first Mughal garden one will pass after Nehru Park. Built at a height above the city, its views are as stupendous as its layout. The smallest of Srinagar's Mughal gardens, Cheshma Shahi has only three terraces in addition to a natural spring of water enclosed in a stone pavilion.
Smallest of the Srinagar Mughal gardens, measuring just 108 metres by 38 metres, the Chasma Shahi, or 'Royal Spring', are well up the hillside, above the Nehru Memorial Park. The fresh water spring in these pleasant, quieter gardens is reputed to have medicinal properties.
The gardens were laid out in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan and include three terraces, an aqueduct, waterfalls and fountains. The water from the spring supplies the fountains and then goes through the floor of the pavilion and falls to the lower terrace in a fine cascade of five metres, over a polished black stone chute

Getting there

By Air

Srinagar has good connection with all the major cities of India. It gets a daily flight from Delhi. From Srinagar you can take a flight to less developed cities like Leh.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Jammu Tawi which is around 305 km away from here. The bus service between the cities is quite good and it will take around 10 hrs to cover the distance. The average speed here is quite low due to the hilly terrain of the city.

By Road

The road connection between Srinagar and all major cities of north India is good. Buses from Delhi(876 km), Chandigarh(646 km), Amritsar(512 km) and other cities of Jammu and Kashmir are frequent to Srinagar.

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