Tourist attractions in Srinagar
Known as the Jammu and Kashmir’s capital, Srinagar is the city of natural beauty and wealth. Currently administered by India, the city’s location itself is the top pull for the tourists – in the Kashmir Valley where the Jhelum River passes. The name itself means the city of abundance and wealth and the nature itself has spread these loads in form of endless gardens, beautiful lakes, and architectural monuments.
Would you like to stay for a night in a houseboat floating on a lake? Well, this exciting stay is lavishly possible in the city of Srinagar. Further, the capital is also famous for apples and Kashmiri handworks. So, the tourist attractions in Srinagar are varied and memorable for sure.
Srinagar
One of the top tourist attractions in Srinagar is the Dal Lake where over 450 houseboats ever welcome the tourists to ensure a memorable stay. See if you can stay in the first houseboat that was introduced here before 130 years and was named Victory. Then, move to the Nishat Bagh whose backdrop is formed by the Zabarwan Mountains. From here, you can have an eye-catching vista of the snowy Pir Panjal range and the lake. One more attraction here is the Shikara Ride that offers a thrilling trip to explore the beautiful sights such as hamlets and fountains. To see the village is just more than getting excited as it features a floating vegetable market that is only open at dawn. One more lake for visit is the Nagin Lake here.
Located just in front of the Dal Lake is the scene of the beautiful Shalimar Gardens made by the Mughal ruler Jehangir in 1619. This is one of the most refreshing tourist attractions in Srinagar. One more interesting group of gardens is the Mughal Gardens that are comprised of the Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi, and Shalimar Bagh. As the name suggests, these gardens were made by the Mughals. What is exciting is the way in which these are explored – via a houseboat on the Dal Lake. These gardens hold greatly patterned lawns, colorful flowerbeds, and royal fountains; which all together reveal the concept of paradise as per the Islam religion. Now a days, these are famous picnic spots and worth a visit even during the autumn. Chashma Shahi, the area of royal fountains here is the center of attraction. Do not miss to visit the Tulip Gardens where tulips of varied colors and shades are very attractive.
Srinagar, Dal Lake
The Adventure Sports have its own charm here. Try out water skiing and canoeing in the Dal Lake. Have you heard of water trekking? Whether yes or no, this sport is a voyage of 3 to 4 days including camping along the river Jhelum to reach the other lakes. For hiking and trekking, the Dachigam National Parkat a distance of 22 km is just awesome.
Next, considered as one of the must see tourist attractions in Srinagar, the Pari Mahal (the Palace of Fairies) is from where you can take a breathtaking scene of the city. The Hazratbal Mosque, a stunning white mosque, is just worth a look. Women can enter only till the initial zone of the mosque. Close to this religious edifice is the market full of fresh food and fried items.
Ziarati Hazrati Youza Asouph, a grave called Roza Bal, is nestled in the Khanyar zone. Several are of the opinion that this is the grave of Jesus. Why? This is because of the theory that he lived here after rising from the crucifixion. It is believed that he came to Kashmir and stayed here until 100. For more insight, read the book by Holger Kersten – Jesus Lived in India.
Considered among the top tourist attractions in Srinagar, the Shankaracharya Mandir atop the Suleiman hill is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Reached by a car or taxi, this temple has many good rules for the tourists – no cameras and mobiles in the temple, no cigarettes, and no alcohol. If you have any of them, stock it with the police personnel before climbing the hill.
Srinagar is also well known for its varied music. In Bhand Pather, 10 to 15 artists enact a typical play and dance with a light music. Sufiana, the music of Iran, has its own importance here introduced in the 15th century. It well befriends several Indian Ragas. Further, instruments like Tabla, Sitar, Santoor, and Kashmiri Saz are commonly played. With this music, the dance called Hafiz Nagma is performed wherein the female dances on the music composed by the males.
