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Embraced by the majestic Himalayas, Srinagar overflows with nature’s
bounties. While the placidity of its aqua heart – the Dal lake-
spreads tranquility, its scintillating sights exhilarate. Walk
through the beauteous Mughal gardens, amidst the multihued canopies,
paradisiacal fountains that never cease to amaze. Step into the
monuments of faith and discover how Kashmir reposes it's faith in
secularism. For the adventurous, water and icy delights is just a
short way away!
How to Reach there
The hill resort of Srinagar is easily accessible. In terms of air
transport Srinagar is linked with Delhi through Jammu. The Jammu Taw
railway station is the nearest rail head. Srinagar boasts of
excellent road network and is linked with places like Chandigarh,
Delhi, Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, through
road.
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Places to visit |
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Lakes
Srinagar's focal point is its watery heart- and soul - the
Dal Lake. It actually is not homogenous has within two
enormous sheet-like expanses of water-Lokut-dal and Bod-dal,
interspersed with man-made strips of land inhabited by whole
colonies of people and vegetation. Consequently, the lake
turns out to be a labyrinth of waterways, supporting unique
lifestyles not found elsewhere.
The smaller Nagin Lake too is circumferenced by willow and
poplar trees that reflect languidly in the lake. Ride in the
traditional Kashmiri boats- the “Shikaras” to enjoy the
wondrous vistas of the spectacular surroundings of Srinagar.
Explore the intricate maze of waterways connecting to and
from Dal Lake. Hire out water-skis and motor launches if
you’re adventurous. At sunset, the gentle soothing motion of
the boat, as it glides along the water, is unbelievably
romantic.
Gardens:
Uniform panoply of terraced lawns, cascading fountains,
paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the Dal in front - led
Mughal Emperors' to believe that paradise is here.
Shalimar Bagh
Built by Emperor Jehangir it overflows with sweeping vistas
over gardens and lakes, and shallow terraces. The four
terraces raise one above the other with a canal lined with
polished stones running through the middle.
Nishat Bagh
With the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop, (11 km. from
TRC), this 'garden of bliss' has a magnificent backdrop of
the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range?
Chashma Shahi
Originally laid out by Shah Jehan, it is cut into terraces,
and commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below and
surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is
highly refreshing and digestive.
Pari
Mahal
Once a royal observatory, Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid
out .It is illuminated at night.
Hazratbal Mosque
Hazratbal Mosque reflects its pristine white marble elegance
on the waters of theDal. Said to house a hair of the prophet
Muhammad, Hazratbal is remarkable for being the only domed
mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like
roofs. Prayers are offered at Hazratbal and attended by
throngs of people
Jama
Masjid
The impressive mosque is built around a courtyard and is
supported by 370 wooden pillars. Thousands congregate for
the Friday prayers that sharply contrast with the bustle of
the old bazaars surrounding it.
Shankaracharya Temple
The sacred temple of Shankaracharya tops the hills of
Takht-I-Sulaiman and is the site where the philosopher
Shankaracharya stayed .
Khanqah of Shah Hamadan
Situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, between the third
and fourth bridge, it is the first mosque ever built in
Srinagar. It has a wooden structure with richly carved and
painted interiors. Its beautifully carved eaves and hanging
bells and the antique chandeliers give it an air of
opulence.
The
old city
The old city of Srinagaris redolent with sights, smells and
sounds that is as enchanting as its labyrinthine roads and
bustling bazaars. Traditionally dressed men and women on
their way to the city's many mosques and shrines, burnt
brick buildings with their rich warm colour, these are some
of the old city's gives an eternal characte4r to the city. |
Eating Out
Rich and redolent with
the flavor of the spices used –cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron,
etc. -- Kashmiri food is rich and spicy with rice being the staple
diet. . Pure vegetarian dishes include dum-aloo - roasted potatoes
in curd-based gravy, and chaman- fried paneer (cottage cheese), in a
thick sauce. Non-vegetarian dishes are mutton, chicken or fish based
combining vegetable and meat like Mutton and turnips, chicken and
spinach, fish and lotus root. At a Wazwan or banquet, rista (meat
balls) made of finely pounded mutton and cooked in a gravy; seekh
kababs, tabak maz, or roganjosh, Yakhni, Gushtaba, and Dam-Aaloo and
chaman are the commonly served . Several restaurants in Srinagar
serve Kashmiri Wazwan on their menus.
Unique shopping
Srinagar is famous for
its traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. 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 are true delights. Apart from
regular woolen shawls, you can also buy Pashmina shawls (made from
the hair of ibex), as also 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. Woolen
and silks here 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.
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