Srinagar

Most people who had been to Jammu and Kashmir’s capital city of Srinagar would agree that it is one of the most India’s magnificent destinations. Owe it to its location on the Jhelum River banks flanked by breathtaking sceneries of quiet lakes, hills and wooded slopes of mountains, snow mantled winter trees, stunning gardens and houseboats on the awesome Dal Lake. People from around the world come over to admire the beauty of Srinagar valley.
Located at the heart of the Kashmir valley, Srinagar dominates at a height of 1,730 m above sea level. In Sanskrit, the word Srinagar can be translated either as a place of wealth and abundance or a city of the sun. True to its name, Srinagar is the summer capital and the main center of economy of the Kashmir valley. The city was discovered by King Pravarasena some 2,000 years ago and has been known by different names. Hindus and Buddhists governed it until 14th century followed by Muslims, the Mughals in particular. Several rulers took over Srinagar thereafter. The subsequent separation of India and Pakistan sparked the Indo-Pak War of 1947. Certain parts of Kashmir became part of Pakistan while the rest of Kashmir remains with India.
You’ll be lost for words at the sight of Srinagar’s remarkable beauty. Visit the most popular tourist attractions including its two main lakes, Dal and Nagin, surrounded by well-manicure flowerbeds and floated with hundreds of houseboats. Wooden boats called shikaras call for a day or sunset cruise. The Cheshma Shahi or the Royal Spring is known for its refreshment digestive water. Walk through the terraced hillside and fall in love with the beauty of the 400-year-old Mughal Gardens. Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to begin you wildlife exploration. It also a place for enjoying trekking and long walks. Drop over Kashmir valley’s oldest shrine, the Shankaracharya Temple perched on the Takht-e-Suleiman hill. On the banks of Dal Lake lies Hazratbal Shrine where the preserved sacred hair of Prophet Mohammad is being kept. Lal Chowk and Badhshah Chowk are some of the best places to buy native crafts such as carpet, shawls, silks and dry fruits.
Reaching Srinagar is not difficult, as it has good air, rail and road connections. Srinagar’s local airport is served by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways connecting to Mumbai and Delhi. 290 km from Srinagar is the Jammu rail station that has regular trips from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. By road, it is well connected to many cities in India. Srinagar is a haven of surreal charm and attracting landscape. Make your trip to India complete by spending time in this nature paradise.