Introduction:
Srinagar, the crowning glory of hill stations, is the celebrated
capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. Srinagar is called the
city of lakes, which has facinated tourist's from centuries,
with its beautiful picturesque Himalayan backdrop, glittering
lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the
grandeur of Mughal architectural. Apart from this, Srinagar
is the largest city in the state, famous for its canals, houseboats
and Mughal gardens. The city itself is quite unlike most other
large Indian cities for here you are much more in Central
Asia than on the sub continent. It's a city full of intriguing
alleyways and curious buildings. A place where it's very easy
to spend a few hours simply wandering - particularly along
the old city streets near the Jhelum river. .
Thing to do Best Attractions
Srinagar is a popular hill station among tourists mainly from
the plains of northern India. The hill station has pristine
beauty, peace and pleasant weather, which attract the tourists.
Dal Lake - The Dal is famous not only for
its beauty, but for its vibrance, because it sustains within
its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in the world.
The houseboat and Shikara communities have lived for centuries
on the Dal, and so complete is their infrastructure on the
lake, that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors,
bakers- one can see them all in tiny wooden shops on the lake,
near picturesque vegetable gardens and acres of lotus gardens.
Nagin Lake - Nagin Lake, which is usually
thought of as a separate lake, is also divided from Dal Lake
only by a causeway. The causeways are mostly suitable for
walkers and bicycles only so they make a very pleasant way
of seeing the lake without having to worry about traffic or
Shikaras. The main causeway across the lake carries the water
pipeline for Srinagar's mains water supply.
Mughal Gardens - Kashmir was a favourite
of the Mughal emperors who visited it as often as they could.
Cool and refreshing after the plains of North India where
the business of governance kept them, they planted gardens
with stepped terraces and flowing watercourses. 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.
Hazaratbal Mosque - Located at a distance of 2 km from Shimla
is Jakhu Hill. It is the highest peak in the area with a height
of 8000 feet above sea level. On top of the hill is an ancient
Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The surrounding area
is heavily infested with monkeys.
Summer Hill - At a distance of 5 km from
the Ridge lies the township of Summer Hill. This calm and
mellow area is 6500 feet high on the Shimla-Kalka railway
line. This is the ideal place to escape to away from the hustle
and bustle of central Shimla. While here, you can tour the
campus of the Himachal Pradesh.
Adventure Sports in Srinagar
Canoeing & Water Skiing - Kashmir has various lakes -
Dal, Nagin, Mansbal and Wular. These are excellent spots for
canoeing - whether it is a Shikara or a racing skull. No OIIC
has tried canoe-ing in these lakes so far. These lakes are
inter-connected as also the river Jhelum which flows through
the entire length of the valley and connects with all the
lakes. An interesting sport is what is locally called 'Water
Trekking'. One can have a three to four day trip along the
river to various lakes in a Shikara with all the camping gear.
There are lovely spots to camp for the night. The lakes are
also famous for water skiing.
Shopping in Srinagar
There is a whole string of Government Handicraft Emporiums
scattered around Srinagar but the main one is housed in the
fine Old British Residency buildings by the Bund. Here one
will find a representative selection of reasonably good quality
items at reasonable prices. Even if one doesn't buy anything,
and take advantage of the government's quality guarantee,
it's a good idea to familiarise oneself with what's available
here.
Best Time to Visit : In Summer - June to
November
In Winter - December to February
How to reach
Srinagar can be easily accessed through air, train or road.
By Air : Various airlines fly to Srinagar
from New Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jammu and there are
flights operating from Srinagar to Leh and back. Flights are
more frequent during the summer Tourist Season; at that time
there will probably be several flights a day between Delhi
and Srinagar. Some services are direct, while others operate
via Chandigarh, Amritsar or Jammu. Flight time duration from
Delhi on the direct flights is about an hour and ten minutes.
By Rail : Srinagar's railhead is Jammu, which
in turn is connected to all parts of the country, including
Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai and Kanyakumari. The distance
is about 876-km from Delhi to Srinagar although almost everybody
coming up from Delhi, or other Indian cities, by land will
come through Jammu from where the buses run daily to Srinagar.
By Road : Srinagar is connected by an all
weather road to Jammu, which in turn is connected to many
parts of North India. One can catch buses from Delhi but people
making the trip by road should take up the route via Chandigarh,
Amritsar or from the Himachal Pradesh hill stations.
So, what are you waiting for.. Just pack your bags and Get
going for the most adventurous vacation of your lifetime in
Srinagar with us.
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