Srinagar

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Overview		Tourist Attraction		Excursions		How to Reach

Introduction Srinagar is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir. Srinagar is famous for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. River Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth. Apart from natural beauty, they offer a number of adventure activities to the traveler. Best Time to travel April to June Dal Lake The fabled sweet water lake is one of the most well known tourist destinations of Kashmir. The lake is an intricate waterway divided into three parts - Gagri bal, Lokut Dal and Bod Dal, by a series of causeways. Two small islands within the lake are popular picnic spots. Sona lank (silver island) and Rupa lank (gold island) are also known as Char Chinar because they both have 4 Chinar trees on them. Tourists can enjoy Shikara (boats) rides or they can stay and experience Kashmiri hospitality aboard the numerous houseboats. Mughal Gardens There are numerous large and small gardens or "Baghs" scattered in and around Srinagar. Some of these are - Chasma Shahi(The Royal Fountains) Close to Srinagar is the smallest of the Mughal gardens. This garden is attributed to Shah Jahan and is set in beautiful surroundings. Pari Mahal (House of the Fairies) Located just above the Chasma Shahi lie the ruins of this astronomical observatory built by Dara Shikho, a Mughal emperor and Aurangzeb's elder brother. Pari Mahal offers a fine view of the Dal Lake and has beautiful terraced garden, which has been renovated in the recent past. Nishat Bagh (The garden of spring) These magnificent gardens designed by Nur Jahan's brother Asaf Khan, were laid down in 1633 and are among the largest of the Mughal gardens. They lie right on the edge of the Dal lake and have numerous terraces, beautiful lawns, beautiful flowers and fountains. Shalimar Bagh The most beautiful of all the Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh was built for Nur Jahan, by her husband Jehangir in 1616. The gardens are straight out of a fairy tale. The top most of the four terraces called the "Abode of Love" was reserved for the emperor and the ladies of court. Nasim Bagh Built by Akbar in 1586, these are the oldest of Kashmir's Mughal gardens. It is a beautiful camping ground which is however restricted these days. This garden offers a splendid view of the Dal lake. Harwan Lake Harwan Lake is a clean and pure water lake, set among the mountains, with its dark green waters reflecting the lofty peaks of Mahadeo. The surrounding scenery is some of the best in valley. Shankaracharya Temple This is one of the oldest landmarks near Srinagar. It is situated right behind the Boulevard, 1000 ft above the city of Srinagar. The oldest temple is said to be constructed around 2629-2564 B.C. King Gopaditya constructed the present temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Durga Nag This beautiful little temple situated at the foot of the Shankaracharya Hill, is a major transit point for Amarnath pilgrims. Jama Masjid This exceptionally beautiful Mosque is built of wood and has about 327 wooden pillars, with some more than 40 feet in height. Each of these pillars has been made from the trunk of a single Deodar tree. The spires and domes represent the pinnacle of Kashmiri architecture. This mosque has been burnt down thrice, but each time it has risen from the ashes more magnificent than before. The present mosque is credited to Aurangzeb, who reconstructed it around 1665. Raghunath Located in between the 2nd and the 3rd bridge on the left banks of the Jhelum, is the Raghunath temple, which is the biggest shrine of the Hindus in Kashmir. The main temple is situated in between few smaller temples. Hari Parbat About 3 Miles from the first bridge, situated atop Hari Parbat Hill is the fort built by Akbar. It is said that it cost almost a Crore (10 Million) Rupees to construct this fort. Inside the fort is the temple dedicated to the goddess Sharika (Kali). This Temple/ Fort is best visited during the festivals like Ramnavami, when there is a fair and the fort is decorated in the traditional way. Khirbhawani/ Tulmul This is the most important shrine of the Kashmiri Brahmans and is held in great reverence by them. According to legend, a tank situated in the centre of the temple changes color whenever any calamity befalls the state of Kashmir. In the months of June and July, festivals are organized on ASHTMIS (8TH day according to the Indian Calendar), and Hindus from the world over converge on this shrine to offer prayers, sing Vedic hyms and do Havans (prayers around a spiritual fire). Hazrat Bal Located about 4 Miles from the 1st bridge near the Nasim Bagh, this mosque is famous, for it is here that a Hair of the Prophet is kept in a bottle. During the festival of Id, there is a huge congregation of Muslims. Shah Hamdan Situated close to the right bank of the Jhelum just below the 3rd bridge, is this beautiful mosque. An outstanding feature that is seen here is the use of wooden slabs like bricks. It gets its name from a Persian saint and was built around 1479. Makhdum Sahib This small Masjid is located to the south of the Hariparbat Fort. People offer prayers at this mosque and it is believed that this mosque guards the valley against diseases and wars. Phattar Masjid Situated on the opposite bank of the Jhelum River, this small Stone Mosque stands in memory of empress Nur Jahan. It is also called Shahi Mosque. Introduction Srinagar is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir. Srinagar is famous for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. River Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth. Apart from natural beauty, they offer a number of adventure activities to the traveler. Best Time to travel April to June How To Reach Air Srinagar has an airport of its own. The domestic airport is serviced regularly by several private and public airlines, which connect the city to important cities in India. Road An extensive network of road covers Srinagar and connects it to important cities in Jammu and Kashmir and North India. Rail Srinagar does not have any Railway Station in the city. The nearest Railway Station is in Jammu, which serves as the key Railhead for the entire region.