SRI NAGAR - JAMMU & KASHMIR

About Srinagar Tourism

Located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, which is called 'Paradise on Earth', Srinagar’s landscape is interspersed with greenery, lakes and hillocks. The city is spread out along the banks of the Jhelum River and is famous for its surrounding natural beauty and postcard tourist spots. The two parts of the city are connected by nine bridges. The Hari Parbat and the Shankar Acharya hills lie on either side of the city.   People & Culture of Srinagar Srinagar has a complex cultural fabric. The many historical constructions and places of worship are long-standing evidences of the historical unity of Srinagar despite the many diverse religious denominations and sects established in the valley since ancient times.  Srinagar is also the venue for many Kashmiri artists, dancers and singers who perform in the various theatres and art houses of the city. Many troupes of the dervish and the qawwali (that have been influenced by both Sufi and Hindustani musical and artistic traditions of Srinagar) survive to this day and the musicians have their own customised musical instruments. There are many Hindu temples that are more than 1000 years old as well as age-old mosques that are landmarks of Srinagar. Also, numerous gurudwaras and monasteries can be found in many places throughout the city. Things to do in Srinagar UNESCO has recognised some of these famous buildings of the city as heritage sites. Some of the famous temples are Shankaracharya Temple, Martand Sun Temple, Kheer Bhavani Temple, Pandrethan Temple, etc. TheHazratbal Mosque, Dal Lake, Wullar Lake, etc. are some prominent attractions of the destination. Srinagar is also a place for trekking and hiking. The most popular trekking route from Srinagar is to the sacred Amarnath cave. An excursion can be taken to Pahalgam and the Dachigam National Park. Srinagar holiday packages can be availed to plan a holiday to the destination.  Another significant attraction of Srinagar is the Tulip Festival, which is organised annually from April 5 to 15 every year.  Food & Shopping in Srinagar Rice is a dominant feature of most meals served in Srinagar and the valley is famous for its unique method of cooking by combining meat with vegetables. The food is generally sharp and spicy.  Tourists can shop for Pashmina shawls and stoles, handmade Kashmiri carpets, wooden crafts and the papier machie products, which are exquisitely crafted and unique to Srinagar. Srinagar is well known for its saffron, which is considered as the royal spice. Tourists can visit the saffron field along the Srinagar – Anantnag Highway, which is at a distance of 13 km from Srinagar to buy Saffron, fresh from the farmers. It might cost around INR 200 per gram. Travelling to Srinagar Srinagar is connected by flights to the Srinagar Airport. Indian Airlines provides daily flight service to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu. The nearest rail station is at Jammu which is almost 300 km away. Bus services are provided by quite a few tour operators from neighbouring regions toreach Srinagar. Tourists can avail private c abs to travel around the city and to nearby places. The climate of Srinagar is pleasant throughout the year, apart from the winters; with summer temperatures staying within 35° Celsius. The proximate presence of the Hokersar wetland influences the climate of Srinagar and keeps it balanced. The best time to visit Srinagar is from April to June. Accommodation options in Srinagar Hotel options in Srinagar range from 5 star hotels, resorts to houseboats, budget hotels, lodges and guesthouses. There is an option for tourists with different budgets.

Srinagar City Attractions : 

Mughal Gardens
The landscaped Mughal Gardens, developed by the rulers of the Mughal dynasty, make you fall in love with their beauty. They consist of mainly the following three gardens:

• Chashmashahi Garden
• Nishat Garden
• Shalimar Garden

Dal Lake
Srinagar sightseeing loses its meaning if you have not visited the Dal Lake. With the backdrop of mountains on three sides, the view of the Dal Lake looks as if you are watching a photograph. This lake counts amongst the most splendid lakes in the country. One of the major attractions of the Dal Lake is the houseboats that stand lining its edges.

Nagin Lake
Another popular tourist attraction of Srinagar is the Nagin Lake. Placid water of the lake, surrounded with manicured flowerbeds and groves of chinar, poplar and willow, is enough to capture your heart.

Shankaracharya Temple
Perched on the Takht-e-Suleiman hill, the Shankaracharya Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is supposed to be the oldest shrine of the Kashmir valley.

Hazratbal Shrine 
Situated opposite the Nishat Bagh on the banks of Dal Lake, the Hazratbal Shrine houses the Moi-e-Muqqadus (preserved sacred hair) of Prophet Mohammad. It is one of the most popular shrines in Srinagar, revered by Hindus as well as Muslims.