Srinagar
Kashmir Popularly Known as Paradise On Earth and Venice of the East, is situated in the beautiful valley of Kashmir. Located on the banks of the River Jhelum, the city is renowned for its beautiful lakes, houseboats and numerous Mughal gardens. The word Srinagar is a combination of two Sanskrit words, Sri' meaning wealth and Nagar meaning place. Therefore, the literal meaning of the term 'Srinagar' is 'the city of wealth'.The Mughal Gardens such as Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Achabal Bagh, Chashma Shahi, and Pari Mahal are the most popular of the Mughal Gardens attracting tourists in a large number from all across the world. These gardens add to the natural beauty of this city.The lakes of Srinagar such as the Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Anchar Lake, and Manasbal Lake are some of the other popular tourist spots.The unmatched natural beauty and beatific surroundings make these lakes an ideal place for tourists. TheDal Lake is the second largest lake in the valley of Kashmir and is popularly known as the 'Jewel in the crown of Kashmir'. It is located in the backdrop of the beautiful Himalayas. Srinagar is also known for its house boats and 'shikara' or wooden boat rides, which are available on the edges of the lakes. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful environment while riding on the shikaras.
Detailed Destination Itinerary :
HariParbat- Hari Parbat or Koh e Maran is a hill overlooking Srinagar. It is the site of a Durrani fort (1808) and home to Shakti Temple and Muslim shrines of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah. There is also a Gurudwara, which commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind.
Shikara ride in Dal Lake - Shikaras are narrow boats to ferry guests from Houseboats to the banks of the lake. Its also the vehicle to ferry supplies. Shikara rides in Dal Lake has been one of the romantic experiences even since Kashmir has been visited by tourists. Shikara ride offers guests a leisurely lakeside experience. Vastness of the lake being such that guests can spend a couple of hours moving around the area into different corners of the lake. Some areas around Boulevard around are very busy and where Shikaras literally jostle for space. Whereas ones a bit away from Boulevard especially around Nagin is quiet and serene.
Jama Masjid Srinagar- Jamia Masjid is a mosque in Srinagar in the middle of the old city built in 1400 AD. The mosque has Indo-Saracenic architecture, a large courtyard and 370 wooden pillars.
Hazratbal Mosque - Hazratbal is a prominent domed mosque in Srinagar overlooking Dal lake and mountains beyond. Hazratbal is a popular tourist spot and a significant Pilgrim centre for Muslim as it houses a hair of the prophet Muhammad which is displayed to the public on religious occasions. Friday prayers are offered at Hazratbal and attended in large number by locals.
Shankaracharya Temple - An ancient temple dating back to 250BC where the philosopher Shankaracharya is believed to have stayed here when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma
Chashma Shahi - Chasma Shahi, originally designed in 1632 are a set of Mughal Gardens situated at 10 kms from town centre (5 kms from Boulevard) in Srinagar, overlooking Dal lake.
Nishat Bagh - Nishat Bagh are a set of Mughal gardens at 14 kms and is characterised by terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal Lake and Pir Panjal mountain range in front of them. Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan.
Shalimar Gardens - Shalimar Gardens are a set of Mughal Gardens at 16 kms from Srinagar and are popularly visited by tourists. Shalimar Gardens (or Shalimar Bagh as its popularly known locally) were built by Mughal Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan. The Gardens are characterised by terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them.
Avantipur temple ruins - Avantipur temple ruins lie South East of Srinagar and ruins of a 9th century temple are the attraction for visitors
Manasbal Lake - The Manasbal lake is located at 30 kms from Srinagar. Road to Wular Lake, the largest lake in Kashmir, passes through this lake. The Mughal garden, called the Garoka, built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake. The lake is a good place for birdwatching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir. The rootstocks of lotus plant which grows extensively in the lake are harvested and marketed, and also eaten by the local people. Other Tourist attraction in the lake area are the Manasbal Temple, the ruins of a terraced Mughal garden and sculptured stones of some Buddhist shrines on the banks of the lake.
Gondola Ride in Gulmarg - Gondola ride in Gulmarg is perhaps the most awesome when it comes to views. The ride is split in two stages and both require diff tickets. Tickets can be sourced online. Both stages are a must do. The Gondola ride is subject to weather.
Martrand Sun Temple - Matrand Sun temple near Anantnag is a temple complex built around ancient temple ruins and visited enroute Pahalgam while arriving from Srinagar / Katra / Patnitop via Anantnag.
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