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Srinagar is situated on the banks of the Jhelum River in the Kashmir
Valley. The best time to visit is March to October ; this
covers 3 seasons - spring, summer and autumn). And December-March
is great for winter sports such as skiing.
Visit Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir and you will
surely fall in love with the charming and seductive city.
Srinagar in Sanskrit literally means "the city of wealth and
abundance" . The town boasts of being the most perfect location
in the lap of the majestic snow peaked Himalayas. Its magical
beauty, breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear waters, village
of shepherds, the world famous Dal lake etc. are its assets
and wonders that have always attracted people from around
the world. The place offers a wonderful vacation, away from
the noise and pollution of urban areas.
Major Attractions :
Srinagar famous lakes include first and foremost the popular
Dal Lake - one of the most beautiful and visited lakes in
the world. The lake is surrounded by mountains, blossoming
gardens and orchards, whose beauty leaves you s
peechless. Take a pleasant ride in the Shikaras and Houseboats
on the lake. Another famous water body is the Nagin Lake,
visited for swimming, diving and boating.
As you walk over the Takht-e-Suleiman hill, you will find
the Shankaracharya Temple. This temple, dedicated to Lord
Shiva, is supposed to be the oldest shrine of Kashmir valley.
The landscaped Mughal Gardens are a paradise for nature lovers.
Developed by the Mughals, the Chashmashahi Garden, Nishat
Gardena and Shalimar Garden are three places where some of
the rarest flowers in the world blossom.
The nearby hilly areas provide ample opportunity for Fishing,
Golf, Mountaineering, Skiing, Trekking, River Rafting, Paragliding,
Aero Sports, Backpacking, Canoe Trips, Camping and Kayaking.
Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron, and other spices are
the hallmark of the tempting and aromatic Kashmir cuisine.
The people Kashmir are fond of several rice dishes and non-vegetarian
items like mutton, chicken, fish etc. Wazwan, an official
feast, comprises of mostly non-veg. dishes.
Shopping : Srinagar is not only about captivating natural
beauty. It is also known for a variety of handicrafts. You
can shop for the unique Pashmina Shawls, Carpets, Paper-mache
items, Silk and Tweeds, Woodwork, Pherans, Metalware, Wall
hangings with naqqashi work, Chain Stitch Embroidery, Cricket
Bats and more. All these hand-made items are unique and part
and parcel of the identity of Kashmir valley.
At an altitude of 1,730 m, Srinagar has pleasant days in summers
and one can get by with light woolens or thick cotton clothes.
But in winters, the area is covered with a thick layer of
snow and the temperature goes down to 0 degrees. Even the
Dal Lake gets frozen. Spring is a good season for vacations.
Srinagar, being a prime destination in India, offers a number
of luxury and budget hotels. You can also find a number of
government-run hotels that provide all the basic amenities.
For short holidays, you can hire a houseboat on the Dal Lake
for a different kind of exciting experience.
As for getting to Srinagar - there is the domestic airport
connecting it to other parts of India. For railways, Jammu
is the nearest railhead.
How To Reach:
By Air: Srinagar has a domestic airport connecting it to other parts of India.
By Rail: Jammu is the nearest ralhead.
By Road: Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC), private Super deluxe buses or taxis.
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