Srinagar India

About Srinagar

The Kashmir Valley, is known for its picturesque natural beauty and snow-capped mountains. The valley of Kashmir is a unique oval plain, with an average height of 1,800 metre above sea level. The mountains, which surround the valley are varied in form, height and colour. To the east of the valley, stands the Harmukh hill (5,150 metre), further south is Mahadev and the Gwasha Brari (5,425 metre) hills. The 5,280 metre high Amarnath peak is also situated in this region. The Pir Panjal range with 4,500 high peaks lies on the south-west, while to the north are mountain ranges of Karakoram and the Himalayas. The Himalayan ranges is dominated by the massive Nanga Parbat (7,980 metre), which is also called the Diyamir. Nanga Prabat, the fifth largest mountain in the world, remains snow-covered with all through the year. The charming hill stations in Kashmir valley houses a few places, which are truly a paradise for the tourists. Travel to the hill stations in Kashmir and experience the amazing heights and pleasant climate.

Adventure options in Srinagar

The mountains in Srinagar offer the adventure sports like golf, mountaineering, trekking, skiing and several other sports. Kashmir valley offer several water sports like water Skiing, water trekking, trout fishing etc. The Dal Lake and Nagin Lake are the perfect place for water skiing. One can enjoy water trekking along the valley in a boat. A Shikara (boat) or Gondala, takes one along rivers and lakes situated within the valley. Trout fishing is another favourite water sport, the fishing season lasts all through summer.

Major Attractions of Srinagar

Dal Lake : The sweet water lake is one of the major attractions of Kashmir. The 6.4 kms long and 4 kms wide lake is divided into three parts namely Gagri Dal, Lokut Dal and Bod Dal, which are created by man-made causeways. Two small islands - Sona lank (Silver Island) and Rupa lank (Gold Island) lie within the lake. The islands are also known as Char Chinar, because they have four Chinar trees on them. In Dal Lake tourists can enjoy Shikara (boat) rides or they can stay in the houseboats.

The Jhelum River : The Jhelum River or the 'Vyath' river is the major waterway of the Kashmir valley. The lakes, fountains, streams and rivers criss-crossing in such a way that it looks like the arterial system of Kashmir. The river flows through the valley and it expands and deepens into the Wular lake.

Jhelum river is famous for its nine old bridges, in addition the river offer excellent boating and fishing opportunities.

Harwan Lake : The pure water lake, is situated amidst the lofty mountains. Its dark green waters reflecting the peaks of Mahadeo hill. The surrounding scenery of the lake is considered one of the best in valley. Below the lake are the popular hatcheries, where rainbow trouts are bred.

Mughal Gardens

The Mughals have built several bagh (gardens) in Kashmir, the famous gardens are :

Chasma Shahi : Chasma Shahi or the royal fountains, is the smallest of the Mughal gardens. Situated amidst the beautiful surroundings the garden is attributed to Shah Jahan.

Pari Mahal : Situated just above the Chasma Shahi, this ruined place has beautiful terraced garden. This astronomical observatory was built by Mughal emperor Dara Shikho. Pari Mahal offers the spectacular view of the Dal lake.

People Sitting in Nishat Bagh Nishat Bagh : The beautiful garden laid down in 1633, was designed by Noor Jehan's brother Asaf Khan. One of the largest Mughal gardens, Nishat Bagh is situated on the Dal Lake, and has several terraces, well-maintained lawns, fragrant flowers and coloured fountains.

Shalimar Bagh : Shalimar Bagh, the most beautiful of all the Mughal gardens, was built for Noor Jehan, by her husband Jehangir in 1616. The garden along with its four terraces, narrates a fairy tale. The top most terrace called the 'Abode of Love' was reserved for the emperor and the ladies of the court. The garden has a huge tank and numerous fountains dazzle with their display.

Nasim Bagh : The garden built in 1586, by Mughal Emperor Akbar, is the oldest of Mughal Gardens in Kashmir. The garden provide the magnificent view of the Dal lake.

Around Srinagar

Lidder Valley : The best of the Kashmir Valleys, the Lidder Valley resembles Scotland in some aspects. The 40 miles long Lidder valley begins at Kolhai glacier and it includes the famous places like Amarnath cave and Pahalgam etc. The valley full of lush meadows, glaciers and snow-capped peaks attracts large number of visitors. Lidder valley is famous for its magical beauty and also as an important trekking route.

Sindh Valley : The largest tributary of the Kashmir valley, Sindh Valley starts at Gandherbal and ends near Baltal at the base of the Zojila Pass. Sindh Valley is known for its beautiful scenery and diversified features.

Sonamarg Village In Sindh VallyLolab Valley : The small, attractive and compact region of Lolab Valley, has its own unique charm.

Lolab Valley has green rice fields, fruit orchards and beautiful meadows. The valley referred to as the 'fruit bowl of Kashmir' produces most of the exotic and famous fruits of Kashmir. There are good camp sites as well as trekking sites along the Lolab valley.

Wangat Valley : This is the smallest valley, not more than 6 miles in length. Wangat Valley houses some beautiful sights.

How to reach there

By Air : Jammu airport is the main airport of Kashmir. Flights are available from Delhi and Amritsar to Kashmir.

By Rail : Jammu Tawi railway station connects Kashmir with rest of the country.

By Road : Kashmir is connected by good roads with Jammu, Punjab and other towns of the state.

Where to Stay

The accommodation facilities are available in five star hotels and house boats in the Dal Lake. In addition tourists can also stay at economic class hotels.