Between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range of mountains, Kashmir Valley is situated in the northwestern region of India. As one of the most sought after tourists place in the world, Kashmir, tagged as ‘Heaven on Earth’. Kashmir is renoved for Loads of Mughal attraction and the unique houseboat stay,thereal beauty, salubrious climate.
Mughals who made Kashmir with architectural splendors and well manicured gardens adorned it their summer retreat and brought to spot light. The British too after Mughals and developed Kashmir as a major tourism hub. Srinagar, Jammu, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg are popular tourist destinations in Kashmir. It is also famour for Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatra.
A tourists can also enjoy adventure activities which is extremely popular in Kashmir. Skiing and snowfall is popular winter sports in winter. One must experience houseboat stay and Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Summers is the best time to enjoy the scenic beauty in Kashmir.
Walnut crafts, hand woven carpets, wooden artifacts and the classic Pashmina shawls are excellent shopping items for shopping in Kashmir. Lip smacking cuisine and a unique culture attracts lots of tourist during the year. There is an unlimited options of adventure with abundant beauty and pleasant honeymoon destination for couples and holiday lovers.
Srinagar:
Srinagar, the capital of the state ‘Heaven on Earth’ Kashmir. Srinager is one-of-a-kind hill station Known for its floating markets on the shimmering Dal Lake, pristine valleys, holy temples, Mughal styled Gardens, and an array of adventure sports.
Srinagar is a nonpareil holiday destination, you can enjoy winter sports like trekking, golfing,skiing on the snowy Himalayan peaks or laze on the houseboats on Dal Lake. A must visit for nature lovers place are Shalimar and Nishat gardens. The Shankaracharya temple built by Asoka in 3rd century is for the religiously inclined
Major cities of India are connected to Srinagar airport . The nearest one is at Jammu Tawi (305 kms), Srinagar does not have a railway station. Cities like Delhi and Chandigarh is well connected with Srinagar by road.
The Dal Lake:
The Dal Lake is popularly known as ‘Srinagar’s jewel, is the most popular tourist attraction in Srinagar (10 km), spread over a straggling 26 sq.km. You can take a relaxed ride aboard the traditional Shikara, it is the best way to enjoy in the Dal lake.
The lake is a center of many water activities like water surfing, Shikara rides, swimming, kayaking, angling and canoeing and houseboat stays. Nehru Park, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, Char Chinar, are some popular attractions that can be visited.
Shikara Ride:
One of the popular reason for visiting Srinagar is houseboat stays and shikara ride. At the backdrop of the majestic slow clad Himalaya’s, taking the ride across the scenic Dal Lake is indeed an experience both enjoyable and unforgettable. You can hire Shikara from Nagin, Rainawari or from Nehru Park past Hazratbal.
Shankaracharya Temple:
It is believed that it is built by the son of Emperor Ashoka, Jaluka around 200 BC, this temple is located on Shankaracharya Hill. On the south-east of the city, it is situated at a height of about 1100 feet offers splending views of the snow clad mountains and valleys of Pir Panjal Range.
As per tales of the local people, Saint Shankaracharya spent some time here and revitalise Sanatan Dharma during his visit to Kashmir. T he inner architecture of the temple adorns several Persian inscriptions and modern ceiling. The tample is easily accessible by taxi or bus,.
Rozabal shrine is the nearest tourist attraction to visit.
Shalimar Bagh:
For his beloved wife Nurjahan, it is constructed by the great Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1619, imposing fountains, the sprawling garden with four terrace, well maintained manicured gardens are must visit places in Shrinagar.
150 fountains and the illuminated gardens in the evening are the main tourist attractions of this beufiful gardens.
The Nishat Bagh:
The Nishat Bagh located on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, the garden of joy as it literally means is a marvelous garden designed by Nur Jahan’s brother, Asaf Khan. well-manicured gardens, rare flowering plants, cypress trees, & several bubbling fountains enhancing the beauty of the gardens. Char Minar and Shalimar Bagh are nearby tourist spots that can be visited.
Houseboats:
If you are not staying on the luxurious houseboats then your visit to Srinagar is incomplete. The Dal Lake, one of the biggest lake in India, these houseboats are furnished with exotic bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and drawing room. Your houseboat stay is sure facilitated with all the amenities with luxuries and makes your holiday an ever beutiful experience.
Mughal Gardens:
The Mughal Gardens built in Mughal period is a main attraction for the tourists here. Shalimar Gardens, Nishat Bagh & Chashm-e-shahi is a fine example of Mughal style architecture. Located on different sides of the picturesque Dal Lake provides great views of this gardens. The long stretches of cascading fountains is the most prominent feature of the gardens makes it must see for every tourists.
From different points within the city to reach the gardens, Taxis, local buses or auto rickshaw are available which approximately take 20 mins. Gandhi’s Monument and Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum, Rashtrapati Bhawan, are nearby tourist attractions to visit.
Nagin Lake
With its deep blue waters is serene, located on the eastern side of Srinagar city, getting its name from the trees surrounding it.
The lake is ideal for swimming due to it is ess crowded. Sailing on fiberglass boats and Water Skiing can also be enjoyed. May to September is best time to visit here. Hazratbal Mosque is nearby tourist attraction to visit.