Location : State of Jammu & Kashmir, 900 kms north of Delhi.
Significance: Capital of Jammu & Kashmir
Main Attractions : Houseboats & Mughal Gardens
Best Time To Visit: In Summer - March to November

Srinagar, the celebrated capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. The city is found on the banks of three large lakes in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, and has fascinated tourists for centuries.  Maybe it is the dramatically beautiful Himalayan backdrop, with mountains towering over the city on all sides. Perhaps it is the shimmering lakes lined by gloriously grand houseboats, and the labyrinths of waterways swum by Shikara boats that connect the lake communities.  Or it could be the strong reminiscent flavour of a grand and fruitful past, that is now rememebered in the Mughal architectural grandeur. This summer capital of the state, business centre and holiday resort lies 900 kms north of Delhi.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Dal Lake:  Dal Lake 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 floating shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable plantations and acres of gorgeous lotus gardens.  Taking a ride across the lake on a Shikara, which is a long, narrow boat that sits you level with the water, is a must - it is the best way to see the lake and its communities up close, and the only way to access many of the narrow waterways that lead to thriving markets and floating cafes.

Nagin Lake:  Nagin Lake, which is usually thought of as a separate lake, is actually divided from Dal Lake only by a causeway. The causeways are mostly suitable for walkers and bicycles only, making for a very  pleasant way of seeing the lake without having to worry about traffic. 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. Hidden in the Himalayas, its summers are cool and refreshing in comparison to the plains of North India, where the business of governance kept them busy. 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 on the mountainside, its views are as stupendous as its layout, and many a happy hour can be spent wandering among local young couples hand in hand, doing no more than enjoying nature and gazing out across this bountiful valley.

The next garden along the road that encircles the Dal is the Nishat, built by Empress Nur Jahan's brother Asaf Khan. The third Mughal garden - the Shalimar - was planted by Jehangir, the Mughal emperor, whose love for Kashmir was legendary.

Hazaratbal Mosque:  Across the Dal from Shalimar is the mosque of Hazratbal, the only one of its kind architecturally in Kashmir. Made of white marble with a dome and a minaret, Hazratbal is famous for the repository of a single hair of the Prophet Mohammed, which exhibited to the public on certain days of the year.

Shankaracharya Hill:  Within Srinagar, on its highest hill, is the Shankaracharya temple, nearly one thousand feet above the city. It is devoted to Lord Shiva and the site dates back to 2,500 BC. The philosopher Shankaracharya is said to have stayed at this site when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago, to revive "Sanatan Dharma", and it is after him that the site is named.

Hari Parbat Fort:  This 18th century fort tops the Sharika Hill, which is clearly visible, rising to the west of Dal Lake. The fort was constructed by Atta Mohammed Khan in 1776, but the surrounding wall is much older, andwas built between 1592 and 1598 during the reign of Akbar.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Charar-e-Sharief:
Situated on the road to Yusmarg, this is the site of the shrine or Ziarat of Sheik Noor-ud-Din, the patron saint of Kashmir. The Valley also has the Ziarats of a number of his followers.

Yusmarg:
Standing in the Pir Panjal hills, out beyond the airport, at an altitude of 2,700 metres, the
meadow of Yusmarg is reputed to have the best spring flowers in Kashmir. The beautiful valley is at the foot of the Sangisafaid valley on the northern slopes of the Pir Panjal range.

Dachigam National Park:
This wildlife reserve was at one time a royal game reserve, but animals within its boundaries are now completely protected from hunting. There are said to be panther, bear and deer, besides other smaller animals here, with is a good chance of spotting the endangered Hangul and the Langur Monkey.

Gandarbal: Just beyond the Wular and Manasbal Lakes from the Srinagar -Leh road, this pleasant little town marks the point where the icy Sindh River leaves the mountains and enters the plains. Gandarbal is the official headquarters of the Sindh valley and was originally called "Doderhom".

Wular Lake: Wullar Lake is the largest fresh-water lake in India, situated 60 km from Srinagar. Spreading over a  125 km area, the lake acts as a natural flood reservoir by drawing off excess water from the Jhelum. Interesting ruins found in the centre of the lake are the remains of an island created by King Zain-ul-Abidin.

WATER SPORTS - canoeing and water-skiing

Kashmir has many lakes - Dal, Nagin, Mansbal and Wular. These are excellent spots for canoeing - whether it is by Shikara or by racing skull. The lakes are all connected, as also the river Jhelum, which flows the entire length of the valley and runs into each of 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.

Nagin Lake is a famous local spot for water skiing.  During summer months boats take visitors out from dawn until after dusk for those addicted to the adrenalin rush of this exciting sport, and skiing across this stunning lake with the mountains towering over you is an experience not to be missed.