Best time to visit : April to October
With romance in air and discernible natural magnificence all over, Srinagar in the North Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is a dream destination for everyone. Beautified with lakes, royal Mughal gardens and tulip gardens and enjoying the perfect settings of Himalayan peaks at the backdrop, Srinagar is not among the routine tourist places, but has something truly awe-inspiring about itself. One of the top honeymoon destinations in India, it is the travel destination of repute among adventure tourists as well as nature adherents. Srinagar also has many other salient facets that make it a paradise for food-lovers, shopping enthusiasts and pilgrims.
Facts
Deservingly counted among the top 10 hill stations of India, Srinagar has such wonderful natural opulence to showcase that it has bagged the titles like ‘Kashmiri Venice’ and ‘Land of Lakes and Gardens’. One of the most distinguishing features of sightseeing in Srinagar is the delightful houseboat stay on Dal Lake. Home to Asia’s biggest tulip garden, the city was the subject of love to rulers and emperors of various dynasties, from Maurayas to Mughals (who designated the place as heaven on the earth). Snowfall season converts the region into a paradise and entices the skiers to some of the world’s best skiing slopes. Located on the banks of River Jhelum and at an elevation of 1,585 m., Srinagar experiences freezing winters.
Mughlai cuisines are the centre of attraction at Srinagar restaurants as well as food stalls. If you are a no-vegetarian, you would love to be fed on delicacies like gushtaba, seekh tuji, rogan gosht, tabakmaaz, rishta and grilled mutton. Restaurants at Lal Chowk and near Dal Lake are popular. Green tea and pink tea are two refreshing beverages prepared by mixing a variety of spices.
Leaving Srinagar without buying the superior quality pashmina shawls is simply impossible, though they may sound expensive to some. You can visit Kashmir Shawl Museum for authentic products. Rugs, mats, carpets, stoles and fabrics with extremely tempting designs are the favourites among buyers. You can also check at various stores for lovable Kashmiri handicrafts, bakeries and dry fruits. Interesting papier-machie products are unique to find in the city.
Nearby Places:
- Hokersar (about 10 km.): Home to unbelievable wetlands that attract huge flocks of migratory birds and are no less than heaven for bird watchers.
- Dachigam National Park (about 22 km.): Discover species like musk deer, leopards, Himalayan bear, long-tailed marmot, otter and exotic Himalayan birds here.
- Gulmarg (about 55 km.): World-renowned ski resort Gulmarg is also popular for one of the world’s highest gondola and activities like horse riding, sledging, trekking and mountain biking.
- Aharbal (about 63 km.): Famous for the very charismatic Aharbal Falls, referred to as Kashmir’s Niagara Falls, and also for activities like fishing.
- Sonamarg (about 80 km.): Visit the place to explore frozen lakes, meadows and most importantly for some really thrilling trekking activities.
- Verinag (about 80 km.): The place with exquisite beauty, it is known for Verinag Spring and the adjoining Mughal Garden which is truly captivating.
- Pahalgam (about 95 km.): Mesmerizing valleys and majestic meadows are the prime attractions of Pahalgam which is also an important destination of the annual holy pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave.
Pampore Saffron Fields, Martand Sun Temple, Yousmarg, Watlab, Achabal, Wular Lake, Daksum, Kokernag and Manasbal Lake are other must visit destinations near to Srinagar.