Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the Kashmir Valley and lies on the
banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes
and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits.
Srinagar is one of several places that has been called the "Venice of the East"
or the "Kashmiri Venice" Lakes around the city include Dal Lake –
noted for its houseboats –
and Nagin Lake.
Srinagar has some Mughal
gardens, forming a part of those laid by the Mughal emperors across
the Indian subcontinent. Those of Srinagar and its close vicinity include Chashma Shahi (the royal fountains); Pari Mahal (the
palace of the fairies); Nishat Bagh (the garden of spring); Shalimar Bagh; and the
Naseem Bagh.
The Sher Garhi
Palace houses
administrative buildings from the state government. Another palace
of the Maharajas, the Gulab Bhavan, has now become the Lalit Grand
Palace hotel.
Places to
visit
Dal Lake
The Dal Lake is Srinagar’s most
distinctive landmark. It is divided by causeways into four parts, the Nagin
lake being one of them. Not merely a lifeless body of water, the Dal is unique
for the communities that have made it their home, from fisherman to Houseboat
owners.
There are fields of Lotus blossoms in
parts of the Lake, Vegetable patches, shops and even villagers. The best way of
exploring the lake and the sites on its shores by Shikara boat.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is one of Indiaa’s premier
hill resorts. Historically a favourite haunt of emperor Jahangir, Gulmarg Today
is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty – it also turns into
India’s premier ski resort in winter.
The famous shrine of Baba Reshi ,a
highly revered kashmiri Sufi saint ,is another attraction of Gulmarg and is
thronged by thousand of devotees all year around.
The Gondola Cable car offers rides to
the upland meadow of Kongdori and beyond to the top of Apharwat range to a
height of 14000 ft for viewing the Himalays peaks in summer and for downhill
skiing in winter.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is situated at the confluence
of the Sheshnag and the lidder streams. Once a humble shepherd’s village, it is
now Kashmir’s premier summer resort, cool even during the height of summer.
The resort is surrounded by many
places of interest, the best being the upland meadow of Baisaran.hagan, on the
way to chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for picnic. And Mamal, one of the eight
tiny villages of Pahagam, has a 5th century shiva temple.
Chandanwari 16 Kms from Pahalgam is
the starting point for the annual Amarnathji Yatra held in Summer.the Amarnath
cave, houses and ice stalagmite in the shape od a natural Shivling, which waxes
and wanes with the Moon.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg, “The Land of Gold” lies at
the head of the Sindh Valley. The Drive through this valley presents a
spectacular fact of the Kashmir countryside.
Sonamarg is surrounded by colourful
mountains and thick pine forest. There are many attractive walks, the best
being a trek or pony ride to the Thajiwas glacier. Sonamarg also serves as a
base for the amaranth yatra from the baltal route.
Mughal Gardens
Another distinctive feature of
Srinagar is the Mughal Gardens with their terraced lawns, cascading fountains
and bright flowerbeds, overlooking the panorama of the Dal Lake.
Pari Mahal
On a nearby spur of the mountain is
the ancient monument Pari Mahal, located on the National Highway, is famous for
the saffron that grows here from September to October.
Polo View market in Srinagar
This is the best place to head out to
buy some exciting souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. Polo View Market
in Srinagar is the place is laden with shops selling pashminas, items like
Jamawars, wooden jewelry boxes and walnut carved items.
Also wide range of papier-mâché
products of various sizes, colors and forms like show pieces, statues, vases
and Christmas decorations are found here.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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