Best Holdays Place In India Srinagar,kashmir

The Jhelum River traverses the city and serves as a lifeline for its people

. Srinagar is renowned for its enchanting lakes filled with houseboats and shikaras set amidst forested mountain slopes.

Historically Speaking

Long before our times, a vast lake filled the land of Kashmir, with a fierce demon living in its waters. The sage Kashyap, acquiring divine powers, drained the lake of its water. Goddess Parvati (consort of Shiva) then crushed the demon to death with a huge mountain, which still stands in Srinagar.

Thus goes the story of the creation of this city of breathtaking beauty. According to documented history, the great Mauryan king Ashoka (1st century BC) established the old city of Srinagar and named it Puranadhisthan (now Pandrethan). With the extension of Ashokas rule, Buddhism spread in the valley. After him, the Kushana Emperor Kanishka reinforced the spread of Buddhism. The modern city of Srinagar was built upon the ruins of the capital cities of several kings, including Pravarasen, Lalitaditya, Jayapida and Avantivarman. Srinagar became the seat of government of the Dogras when Maharaja Gulab Singh became the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir. Over the years, the city saw upheavals and a process of change, from a royal retreat to the hotbed of political activity. In the last decade of the 20th century, Srinagar has been racked by some of the worst incidents of violence and killing that the country has witnessed. Several thousand lives have been lost, the once overflowing hotels and streets lie empty, the magnificent Dal Lake is choked up and the people devastated. This human tragedy wrought by incessant conflict between India and Pakistan, has made hell out of what was once described as paradise on earth.

Shopping

Carpets, ppier mch, fine pashmina shawls and walnut wood items all are available in Srinagar. Superb craftsmanship and superior quality is the hallmark of all these handicrafts. Jammu and Kashmir is a treasure house of traditional handicrafts, unlike any found in the rest of the country. Visitors

can choose from hand knotted woollen and silk carpets in the Persian tradition famed for their highly intricate decorations and patterns with strong Islamic overtones. Less expensive but very unusual and attractive are the chain-stitch rugs from Srinagar. Another craft that is perfect as souvenirs is ppier mch,items such as boxes, bells, vases, samovars, houseboat models beautifully hand painted to evoke memories of Kashmir. The crafts repertoire of Kashmir also contains soft, woollen shawls that are exquisitely embroidered, cashmere and pashmina scarves, stoles and sweaters. Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow and local craftsmen carve detailed intricate patterns inspired by the rich flora of the region, particularly the state emblem - the chinar or maple leaf onto screens, bowls, chests of drawers, bars, sofas, couches and tables. Silver jewellery, embroidered fabrics, over dresses called phirans, crewelwork furnishings, leather jackets, tweeds and woollen garments the list is almost endless. Fortunately, all these goodies are available in plenty across the state in shops that primarily cater to outstation visitors. So do haggle a bit, and youre sure to pick up some wonderful bargains.

Night Out

Enjoy Kashmiri cuisine at almost all the restaurants along Residency Road which is now called Sherwani road. Lal Chowk the crowded market place also has a few eating joints where you can sample their local cuisine. Most of the big hotels have restaurants attached to them and you can get chinese,

continental or other north Indian dishes.

Activities

There''s lots to do in and aound Srinagar apart from just sight seeing. A JMb shikara ride is one of the most romantic things to do in Srinagar. Go for a ride on the Dal Lake to enjoy a surreal experience. A shikara is a beauiful boat decorated in Kashmiri style with teak wood and gorgeous

fabrics. Gulmarg , a 2 hour ride from Srinagar is a popular skiing destination. For those looking for an exhilarating experience in the mountains head to Gulmarg between December and April for a true snow adventure. Srinagar and Pahalgam offer opportunity for white water rafting on the Alaknanda and Lidder river respectively. Rafting down the rivers is a beautiful trip through natural forests and adrenalin pumping rapids. You can play golf at Gulmarg which has the highest golf course in the world. Another popular recreational activity, you can enjoy golfing while taking in the scenic beauty of Gulmarg, nothing like anything you would have seen or experienced before. Srinagar too has a golf course most of which overlooks the shimmering waters of the Dal Lake and for those visiting Pahalgam they''ll find a great golf course there too.

Sights

The most prominent natural feature of Srinagar is the Dal Lake . Spread 6 kms long and 3 kms wide, the lake is divided into four parts by causeways. The lakeside is lined with luxuriant chinars and poplars. The waters of the Dal Lake are dotted with small willow covered islands that give

an ethereal ambience to the lake on misty mornings. A unique feature of the lake is the Mihrbahri people, trading in flowers, fruits and vegetables grown on floating gardens on these islands in the lake. The Mihrbahris sell their wares from shikaras, the elongated gondolas that are the popular with tourists for touring the lake. Dal Lake is also home for many families living in houseboats, including tourist boats complete with living quarters with all modern amenities. Visitors can stay in the well-furnished houseboats that bob on the placid waters of the lake and venture out for more active sports like kayaking, canoeing, angling and water surfing. Next to the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Hills in the backdrop, is the immaculately laid out Nishat Bagh (Garden). Made in 1633 by Asaf Khan, the brother of Empress Nur Jehan (Emperor Jahangirs favourite queen), the garden has terraced layers with water channels flowing down the centre. The larger and more elaborate pleasure garden of the Mughals is the Shalimar Bagh , four kms away. Laid out by Emperor Jahangir for Nur Jahan, this garden is also divided into four terraces and has a water channel running down its centre. On the topmost terrace is the pavilion reserved for the royal visitors. Supported by stunning black marble pillars, the pavilion had tiny niches that were used to keep fragrant flowers in the day and light up the pavilion with lamps at night. In addition to these two prominent pleasure gardens laid out for Empress Nur Jahan, there are several other formal gardens laid out by later rulers around Srinagar. The Chashmashahi or Royal Spring was laid by Jahangirs son, Emperor Shah Jahan. Prepared in 1632, the Chashmashahi is famous for its natural spring whose water is said to have curative properties. Lined with flowerbeds and chinar trees, the garden has fountains right down the centre. The Pari Mahal (Fairy Palace) is 2 kms up from the garden, and a school of philosophy and astrology established by Dara Shikoh, the elder son of Emperor Akbar. The Harwan garden 18 kms from the centre is quieter, with less decorative elements. But the vast lawns, surrounded by chinar trees and a canal fed from a nearby lake, are a popular picnic spot. The legend of creation of Kashmir recounts how Sage Kashyap drained out a huge lake to kill a fierce demon. Goddess Parvati then crushed the demon with a mountain, now known as Hari Parbat , or Koh-e-Maraan . A 19th century fort stands on top of the hill. Behind Boulevard Road at a height of 1,100 feet on Shankaracharya Hill is the Shankaracharya Temple . This ancient hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is said to have been built by King Gopadatya in 371 BC. Over time, the temple was renovated and reconstructed by several rulers, including Lalitaditya, Zain-ul-Abidin, Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din and finally Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Dogra ruler added a flight of 100 stone steps leading up to the temple. The temple was electrified in 1925. Amongst the important mosques of Srinagar is the large Jamia Masjid built in 1674. The mosque has thick wooden pillars, each made from an entire deodar tree. One of the oldest mosques in Kashmir, the foundation of the building was said to have been laid as far back as 1398 by Sultan Sikandar. To the southeast is the Rozahbal Mosque , for some esoteric and strange reason known as the tomb of Jesus. Across the River Jhelum lies the Pattar Masjid , built in 1623 for the Empress Nur Jahan. The mosque was later renamed as the Shahi Masjid . The most important Muslim shrine in Kashmir is the Hazratbal Shrine , on the western bank of Dal Lake. The shrine is specially sanctified by the hair relic of Prophet Mohammad preserved in its precincts. Originally built as a pleasure palace in 1623 by one of Emperor Shahjahans officials, it was converted into a prayer hall under directions from the emperor. When the relic of the Prophet was brought to Kashmir in 1699, it was placed at Hazratbal for devotees to pay obeisance to. The present marble building was constructed under the supervision of Sheikh Abdullah in 1979. The relic is displayed on all important Muslim festivals. Beyond Hazratbal shrine is Nazim Bagh , one of the oldest pleasure gardens laid out by Emperor Akbar. The tomb of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani , one of the most revered saints in Kashmir sits 28 kms southwest of Srinagar. The saint spent his lifetime spreading religious teachings in the valley and is said to have meditated for 12 years inside a cave. The wooden shrine of Charar-e-Sharif was built on the tomb of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani by the ruler Zain-ul-Abidin. The original structure, along with the Khanqah shrine, was unfortunately burnt down in 1995, during a long and bloody battle between foreign mercenary militants and the Indian army. Khanqah-e-Moula is dedicated to Mir Syed Ali Hamdani. Built in the early 15th century, the shrine sits next to Jhelum River in the old city area. After being burnt down several times, alterations and repairs were done at the shrine. The death anniversary of the saint is an important day for devotees to visit the shrine. The tomb of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidins mother, known as Badshuhnun Dumat , is a showpiece of Shah-Miri architecture. Next to the Jhelum River near Zaina Kadal, the tomb is made of brick, unlike the other wooden structures of Kashmir.

How to get there by Air

The Srinagar airport is 14 kms from the city. Domestic airlines operate regular flights to Srinagar from Delhi. From the airport you may take a taxi into the city centre, or have a rented car meet you on arrival.

How to get there by Rail

The nearest railhead is at Jammu Tawi, 293 kms from Srinagar. From Jammu you will have to take a bus or hire a car / taxi to make the 12 hour journey to Srinagar.

How to get there by Bus

Private coaches and taxis can be hired from Jammu Tawi to reach Srinagar. Srinagar is linked by the National Highway 1A to the rest of the country. The Jammu Srinagar road passes through majestic mountain passes, with fields stretching out to the sides and lined with towering trees.

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit this mountain city is between May and September. The landscape is enchanting and the weather pleasant. It snows in the winter months in and around Srinagar and winters can be very severe but Gulmarg, a few hours away is a popular winter games destination.

Hotels in Srinagar

Srinagar has a range of hotels ranging from the 5 star luxury down to the budget category. , hotels, lodges, guesthouses and hostels have fallen into disrepair or simply closed down. Houseboats

run by families on the Dal Lake are also available as accommodation and are reasonably well furnished, comfortable and costs include all meals. Shikaras (small gondola shaped houseboats) and luxuriously appointed houseboats were the most popular places with visitors who loved the concept of living right on Srinagars beautiful Dal Lake.

For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide

budget hotels in Hyderabad

by: Raman Mankotia

Best Holdays Place In India Srinagar,kashmir

The Jhelum River traverses the city and serves as a lifeline for its people

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