Srinagar Travel

The valley of Kashmir is also referred as a heaven on earth. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir once visited the place and was so much baptized in the charm of this gorgeous valley that he exclaimed "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto" (If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here). Srinagar lies in this valley of paradise, it is the state capital of Jammu/Kashmir also known as jewel in the crown. The city is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of Indian Himalayas. The town is famous for its charming lakes and the exquisite rows of houseboats floating on them. River Jhelum also flows through the ravishing city of Srinagar. It is also known for its traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi.

Major Attractions of Srinagar
Dal Lake
The Dal Lake is one of the famous lakes in Srinagar and a most desired tourist destination. The Lake encompasses many beautiful lakes- the Nagin Lake- 8 km from the city center. The lake offers some panoramic view of the Snow Mountains, green meadows and beautiful houseboats. Travelers can luxuriate in the rides taken on traditional Kashmiri boats or the Shikaras and can explore the intricacy of the blue lake.

Mughal Garden
Properly designed Mughal gardens are the other charm of the city. The Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh are exquisite gardens nestling on the banks of Dal Lake. One can enjoy the long walk along the colorful rows of flower and the waterworks inside the premises of the garden.

Shankaracharya Temple
The temple of Shankaracharya is another important holy shrine to visit in Srinagar. It was constructed by Jaluka, the son of Emperor Ashoka , a worth visiting sight.

Excursions from Srinagar
Sonmarg
Situated northeast of Srinagar about 80km from the city Sonmarg is perched on a height of 2743m. The place is embellished with alpine flowers, green grasslands giving it the name of "Meadow of Gold".

Gulmarg
The town is located in the southeast of Srinagar at a distance of 52-km at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level. The hill resort with mystical meadows and mountains is completely adorned with kaleidoscopic flowers during summer time. In spring the slopes of Gulmarg covers with daisy, buttercups, blue bells and other blooms. The slopes of Gulmarg are also quite famous for its heli-skiing sports and make it one of the Asia's best skiing resort.

Pahalgam
The place makes a beautiful excursion from Srinagar as it is located at the junction of Lidder and Sheshnag streams. At a height of 2,133m Pahalgam is arrayed with deodars, fir, pine, junipers and other conifers. The spot is also a gateway to the holy Cave of Amarnath a great pilgrimage of Hindus. It provides an ideal setting for adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, hiking, and fishing.

Religious places
The valley is also famous for its diverse religious shrines. The Hazratbal Mosque is eminently consecrated to Muslims, due to a putative hair of the prophet Muhammad is preserved here. Hindu shrines include Amarnath Cave at the northeast of Srinagar, and Vaishno Devi outside Jammu City. Diverse Buddhist monasteries are also located in the Ladakh region.

Shopper's Zest
Srinagar is a shopper's delight. The place is more famous for its artifacts- paper mache glaze/ painted in flowery designs, woodcarvings / screens, carpets in oriental designs. Silks, woolen shawls embroidered in traditional paisley and with handwork are also quite renowned worldwide. From the Government Arts Emporium one can get all the items required, the prices here are fixed and quality guaranteed.

Mode of Transport
Airway: There is a daily flight to Delhi via Jammu by Indian airlines. There are also flights operated weekly by Indian Airlines for Leh from Srinagar.

Railway: The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, that is 305 km from Srinagar as such Srinagar does not have its own railway station. Trains link Jammu with Delhi, Channai, Mumbai, Kolakatta and Varanasi.

Roadway: Srinagar is connected by means of road transport to cities like Chandigarh-630 km, Delhi- 876 km, Jammu- 298 km, Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.