Srinagar

Srinagar – Summer Capital of India

Srinagar is a resort for the tourists who can experience the beauty of the valley that has attached the Chinese, the Mughals and the British to it. Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley at an altitude of 1,730m above sea level, spread on both sides of river Jhelum. Its waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the unique houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports activities, shopping for lovingly handcrafted souvenirs and the nearby resorts make it a cherished spot among those looking for a memorable holiday. It is the largest city in India without a Hindu majority.

Orientation

The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River, which is called Vyath in Kashmir. It coordinates at 34°5N 74°4E.

 

History

This more than 200 years old capital of the valley was founded by Ashoka the Great belonging to the 3rd century BC. The original city of Srinagar was called as Srinagari. The present city was built by Pravarsena II adjoining the old city.Srinagar literally means the City of Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. The treaty, inter alia, provided British de-facto suzerainty over the Kashmir Valley, and installed Gulab Singh as an independent and sovereign ruler of the region. Srinagar became part of his kingdom, and remained until 1947 as one of the several princely states of undivided India.

Climate

Summer
April-June, Mild temperatures
Temperatures - 10.6°C-29.5°C

Monsoons
July-August, Showers are brief
Annual rainfall - 52.9 cms

Winter
October-February, Freezing cold, Heavy snowfall
Temperature - -1.9°C-7.3°C

Local Languages:

Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English

 

Best Time to Visit

August; March-November

Clothing:

Woolens throughout the year are needed. However, pack some extra warm stuff, especially socks and gloves, if traveling in winter. For women especially, the traditional phiran is the best option, and they are available in myriad colors and look very pretty.

Moving Around:

Taxis are available at the Tourist Reception centres for touring the city. The J&K Road Transport Corporation has buses plying through several vantage points in Srinagar. Bicycles are also relatively popular if you wish to explore the town on your own and are available at the several bicycle shops in the markets. A particularly interesting mode of travel is the traditional boats or shikaras that ply the length of the Dal Lake and Jhelum Lake. These can be hired at a nominal fee from around the lake itself.

Tourist Offices:

J&K Tourist Reception Centre
Shervani Road, Srinagar
Tel: 0194-2476063, 2476107

J&K Tourism
19, Ashoka Road, New Delhi
Tel: 011-23345373

Reach to Srinagar

Air:

Srinagar has its own airport and taxis or buses are available for reaching your hotel.

Rail:

Srinagar does not have its own railway station. The closest is Jammu Tawi, from where you can hire a private or share cab to reach your hotel.

Road:

Srinagar is connected with Delhi by NH1 and NH1A. Its road network connects it with other major cities in Jammu & Kashmir.

Fairs and Festivals:

NAUREH MAVAS

A fair is held at Vichar Nag, a northern suburb of Srinagar on the 15th day of dark fortnight of Chet.

BAISAKHI

A fair is held at Gupta Ganga near the Nishat Bagh on the first day on the month Baisakh.

 

DURGA ASHTAMI

A fair is held at Khir Bhawani (Tula Mulah) on the 8th day of the bright fortnight of Chet.

 

RAM NAVAMI

A fair is held at Hari Parbat and at Raghu Nath Temple on the 9th day of bright fortnight of Chet.

 

VETAL SHASTI

A fair is held at the different shrines of Vetals in Srinagar on the 6th day of dark fortnight in Baisakh.

 

GANESH CHOUDAS

A fair is held at the Ganesh Ghat in Srinagar on the 14th day of bright fortnight of Baisakh.

The other common festivals celebrated here Shivratri, Sankrant and Dussehra with same and fun as in other parts of the country.

 

Places of Interests:

DAL LAKE

Srinagar's distinctive feature is the great body of water, the Dal lake, which forms its focal point. The Dal has within its area, two enormous sheet like expanses of water Lokut dal and Bod dal,the rest of its surface being broken up alternatively by man made strips of land inhabited by whole colonies of people and vegetation.’ Bathing boats’ here hire out water skis and motor launches.Shikaras are a refreshingly noval way of seeing Srinagar by day and at twilight, the gentle soothing motion of the boat, as it glides along the water, is unbelievably romantic.

NAGIN LAKE

Leading from the Dal lake is the smaller Nagin lake. Here too the waters are edged by trees of willow and poplar whose reflection is mirrored in the lake.Shikaras can be hired out from any of the steps called ghats or jetties leading to the lake. This lake lies to the east of the city at the foot of the Zabarwan mountain

 

THE WULAR LAKE

The Wular Lake acclaimed to be the largest freshwater lake in India and perhaps in Asia too – ranks prominent as one of the major tourist attractions in Srinagar.Lying about 32 km to the northwest of Srinagar City, Wular Lake is set amidst scenic locales, and the lake reflects the beauty of nature at her pristine best. Wular is encircled by high mountains on the north and north-east of the valley, which further add to the scenic charm of the locales.

THE MUGHAL GARDENS

With terrace lawns, cascading fountains, paint box bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them-the three Mughal gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal emperor's concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions.

INDIRA GANDHI TULIP GARDEN

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden previously named as Model Floriculture Centre, Sirajbagh, Cheshmashahi, Srinagar, is the largest[2] Tulip garden of Asia spread over an area of about 12 hectares. It is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Hills with an overview of picturesque world famous Dal Lake. This garden was conceived, conceptualized and created by Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, the then Chief Minister, of Jammu and Kashmir in the year 2006-07 with the aim to boost floriculture and advance tourism in Kashmir Valley.

HAZRATBAL MOSQUE

Undoubtedly the most important Muslim shrine, the white marble Hazratbal shrine is located on the left bank of the Dal Lake, and is reflected in its waters. Its significance comes from the fact that it is home to a hair of the Prophet, which is displayed to the public only on special occasions. Hazratbal has a distinct architecture and is the only domed mosque in Srinagar.

SHALIMAR BAGH

Built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan, Shalimar, 15kms fom the TRC is a beautiful garden with sweeping vistas over gardens and lakes and shallow terraces, rising one above the other.

NISHAT BAGH

Situated on the banks of the Dal lake, with the Zabarwan mountains as its backdrop, this garden of bliss commands a magnificent view of the lake and snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far away to west of the valley.Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan.

CHESMA SHAHI

At Chesmashahi, is a beautifully laid garden in terraces from where you get a beautiful view of the Dal lake below and surrounding mountain ranges.The original garden was laid out by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD.

PRATAP SINGH MUSEUM

Located in Lal Mandi, this museum houses an interesting collection of Kashmiri exhibits, including the illustrated tiles found near Harwan.
Open from: 10.00 am-5.00 pm (Wednesday closed)

WULAR LAKE

Believed to the largest freshwater lake in Asia, the Wular Lake changes its character every few miles! The Jhelum River flows into the lake, traverses about 40 kms along Srinagar and then flows out again.

PARI MAHAL

Once the royal observatory, Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a five minute drive from Chesmashahi.This mahal is illuminated with full lights in the night.

HARWAN

On the hillside, south of the village of Harwan is remarkable remains of ancient ornamented tile pavements of the Buddhist period have come to light.

HAZARATBAL MOSQUE

This mosque is located in a village of the same name on the

banks of the Dal.Is pristine white marble eegance is reflected in the waters of the lake.Hazaratbal special significance is derived from the fact that it houses a hair of the prophet Muhammad.

 

JAMA MASJID

The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city is the other important mosque in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers.Of imposing propotions, the mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars.

 

SHANKARACHARAYA TEMPLE

The sacred temple of Shankaracharaya occupies the top of the hills as Takht-i-Sulaiman in the south east of Srinagar.The site dates back to 250 BC.The philosopher Shankaracharaya stayed at this place when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma.

KHANQAH OF SHA HAMADAN

Situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, between the third and the fourth bridge, it is the first mosque ever built in Srinagar.

HARI PRABHAT FORT

The Mughal emperor’s fort crowns the top of Hari Prabhat hill. Even though in a state of ruin, it still conveys at least a little of the grandeur of the Mughals summer retreat in 'paradise'.

MAKHDOOM SAHIB

On the southern side of the Hari Prabhat is the historic shrine of Makdhoon Sahib, which is visited by people of all faiths.

PATHER MASJID

Located on the bank of Jhelum across the Shah Hamdam Mosque, this is a typical Mughal construction built of limestone. The mosque itself is not in use anymore, though you can take a walk through its gardens.

SHAH HAMDAN MOSQUE

This is one of the oldest surviving mosques in Srinagar. Made in wood, it is located on the bank of Jhelum and is noted for its papier-mâché work that adorns its walls and roof. Another striking observation is that no nails or screwes were used for its construction.

MARTAND

Martand located atop a plateau close to the township of Anantnag, has a temple dedicated to Surya, the "Sun God”. The temple complex has 84 columns and offers a commanding view of the valley of Kashmir.

KHEER BHAWANI TEMPLE

The Ragnya Devi is symbolized as a sacred spring at Tula Mula village, 27 kms from Srinagar.Within the spring is a small marble temple. The temple spring complex is popularly known as Kheer Bhawani because of the thousands of devotees who offer milk and kheer to the sacred spring, which magically turns black to warn of disaster.

Srinagar Excursions

Gulmarg:

More than the place, it is the journey to Gulmarg that will woo you - roads lined with poplars overlook rice terraces. Gulmarg is not just a mountain resort, it is a high golf course and one of the best ski resorts in the country. En route to Gulmarg, stop at the View Point, so called because of the panoramic views of the snow-clad mountains that it offers.

Pahalgam:

Located at the confluence of the Lidder and Sheshnag Rivers, Pahalgam literally translates into The Valley of the Shepherds. It is a cool mountain resort with wonderful picnic spots, the most popular being the pine-clad Baisaran and Hajan. Explore Pahalgam on horseback, enjoy a session of golf at the Clubor try your hand at angling at the Lidder River.

Sonamarg:

Literally meaning The Meadow of Gold, Sonamarg is set against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains. The Sindh River that meanders through it is one of the best places to catch the trout and mahaseer. Sonamarg forms the base for trekking enthusiasts looking to traverse through the mountain lakes Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal.

Verinag:

This is one of the largest springs in India, located south-east of Srinagar via Anantnag. The water is crystal clear and abounds in schools of fish, while the pine trees in the background are reflected within. The lawns are well-manicured with trees and multi-hued flowers. A shrine dedicated to Shiva is located outside the complex and visited by pilgrims every year.

Daksum & Yusmarg:

Daksum is a popular trekking ground for adventure enthusiasts set amidst coniferous pine and oak trees. Yusmarg is a small meadow popular as a picnic spot and the ideal base for visiting the Nilnag Lake.

Dachigam National Park:

One of the best known National Parks located 22 kms from Srinagar, Dachigam is sited amidst lush forests and beautiful scenery. You will find here the endangered Hangul Deer. It is also home to the brown and black bear, musk deer, leopards and several varieties of birds. Also located nearby is a trout farm. Remember to take prior permission from the Wildlife Authorities before exploring the park.

Anchar Lake

One of the lesser visited lakes it is located quite close to Srinagar and is accessible by buses that ply to and fro Srinagar. Winter sees several varieties of water birds, especially the Mallard, Pochard, Gadwall Snipe and Teal.

Shopping

Shopping in Srinagar may involve woolen garments, handmade woolen shawls, the carpets, stone jewelry and silver products like cutleries and utensils are famous in the Kashmiri market. Wooden products like hand curved swings and baby cots are also quite famous here. Shopping in Srinagar might also comprise of the wooden hand curved swings and baby cots for the children back home. There are wooden souvenirs and mementoes in plethora at the Srinagar market. Shopping in Srinagar must include the pashmina scarves and shawls which are supposed to be one of the most expensive fabrics in India. Lal Chowk, Badshah Chowk and the near by Polo View in Srinagar and Vir Marg, Raghunath Bazaar and Hari Market in Jammu are best places for shopping in Srinagar.

Eat Outs 

The cuisine of the valley city of Srinagar is rather flexible; while it can serve as a daily family meal, it can also do duty for a 36-course king's feast which is generally referred as 'Wazawan'.

Some of the famous restaurants here include

·         Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar - Shervani Road

·         Mughal Darbar Restaurant in Srinagar - Shervani Road

·         Ruby - Lambert Lane

·         Juniper - Lal Chowk

·         Shamyana – Boulevard

·         Nun-Kun - near Nehru Park

·         Alka Salka - Shervani Road

·         Tafree Restaurant in Srinagar

·         Lhasa - Boulevard

·         Solace - Shervani Road

·         Tao Cafe - Shervani Road

Hotels in Srinagar:

Hotel Name	Category	Location	Contact Details
Vivanta Dal View Srinigar by Taj	5 Star	Kralsangri, Brein, Srinagar 191121, India
The Lalit Grand Palace	5 Star	Gupkar Road, Srinagar 190001, India	Phone: 011 4444 7474 Fax : +91 11 4444 1234 Email : corporate@thelalit.com, centralreservations@thelalit.com Website:www.thelalit.com
Heevan Resort	3 Star
Hotel Mirage	3 Star
Hotel Centre Point	3 Sar
Wangnoo Houseboats	3 Star
RK Sarovar Portico	3 Star
Jamal Resorts	3 Star Deluxe
Royal Khazir Boutique	3 Star
Ahdoos Hotel	3 Star
The Silver Star	3 Star Deluxe
Residency Hotel	3 Star Deluxe
City Plaza Hotel	3 Star
Hotel Zahgeer Continental	3 Star
Hotel Dar-Es-Salam
Hotel JH Bazaz (Happy Cottage)
Blooming Dale Hotel Cottages
Hotel Madhuban
Swiss Hotel Kashmir
Hotel Vikram
Hotel Brown Palace
Hotel Pine Grove
Hotel Royal Batoo
The Kaisar
Hotel Sadaf
Zamrud Hotel
Hotel International
Hotel Broadway
Hotel Grand Osheen
Le Meridien Hotel
Hotel New Mamta
York Hotel
Hotel Pine Spring
Hotel Sun Shine
Centaur Lake View Hotel
Hotel Park Plaza
Shahenshah Palace Hotel
Hotel Grand Habib
Hotel Shaneel Residency
Batra Hotel And Residences
Hotel Sterling
Royal Residency
Welcome Residency
Metro Hotel
Hotel Zabarvan
Grand Mumtaz
Hotel Paradise
Lotus Retreat
Welcome Hotel
Athena Group of Houseboats
Hotel Shahabbas
Ellora Hotel
Hotel Heemal
Hotel New Park
De-Laila Group of House Boats
Hotel Holy Night
Seasons by Broadway Hotel
Grand Mumtaz Heritage
Hollywood Group of Houseboats
Chachoo Palace
Hotel Dawer Heaven
Gulfam Hotel
Centuar Lakeview Hotel
Shah Abbas Hotel
Hotel Pamposh
Hotel Rocks
Parimahal Hotel
Kabir Hotel
Valley Group Of Houseboats
Hotel Al Mehar
Aarkay Hotel
Hotel Luxury Inn
Kashmir Khalsa Hotel
Mirani Resorts
New Orion Hotel
Ruby Hotel
Saahil Hotel
Shaw Inn Hotel
Top Arien Group of Houseboats
Hotel Ting Ting