Dal Lake: This could well be Srinagar's lifeline and the favourite site of all honeymooners. And why not? Its claim to fame is the Victorian-style wooden houseboats built as hotels, and shikaras that are perfect to take a tour through the waters. In fact, these shikaras plying the length of the lake are actually floating markets, selling everything from vegetables to fruits and flowers. The lake itself is full of flora that includes lotus and water lilies, and avifauna including kingfishers and herons. Get onboard one of the shikaras to go around the lake - they come with really pretty names, example - Honeymoon Lovers, The Paradise, Love Heaven and the likes! Along the shoreline is the boulevard that is home to numerous shops, hotels, gardens and parks.
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.
Jama Masjid: Definitely one of the most active mosques in Srinagar, Jami Masjid owes its origin to 3 Mughal rulers. It is also created in wood and is noted for its 370 towering pillars supporting the roof, each pillar made of one deodar tree truck! Enter the mosque through its south gate and take a walk through the spacious green garden.
Hari Parbat Fort: Another Mughal construction, it stands on the hill by the same name and commands an awesome view of the city. It speaks the legend of how the demon Jalodbhava was crushed under this hill, when Goddess Sati dropped a pebble on his head, which expanded to become the massive Hari Parbat. As such it is also home to several religious shrines, including the shrine of Makhdum Sahib. Located a little away from this is the Masjid of Akhund Mullah built in limestone. So revered is this site that locals believe that over 30 crores Hindu Gods and Goddesses reside here!
Nagin Lake: Literally meaning, Jewel in the Ring, Nagin Lake is located a little away from Dal Lake, at the foot of the Zabarwan Mountains. It is bordered by willow and poplar trees and offers good options to hire a shikara and take a ride through its deep blue waters.
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.
Shankaracharya Temple: Located on the Shankaracharya Hill, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is accessible by a flight of stairs. It overlooks the Kashmir Valley and its inner sanctum has Persian inscriptions. The original dome-shaped ceiling has been replaced by a more modern ceiling.
Other Temples: The Khanqah of Shah Hamadan is located on the banks of River Jhelum and is a beautiful wooden structure. Its interiors has carved eaves, brightly painted walls, antique chandeliers and hanging bells. Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara is especially important for Sikhs and was built at the site where the 6th Sikh guru preached sermons. Don't miss a trip to Martand Temple, which is a temple dedicated to the Sun God. The complex has 84 coloumns, a colonnaded courtyard and commands a breathtaking view of the Valley. Located at Tula Mala Village, Kheer Bhawani Temple is a marble temple dedicated to Ragnya Devi, who is symbolized as the sacred spring that flows here. It derives its name from the kheer offerings made to the spring by pilgrims. Awantipur is home to two imposing temples - one Siva-Avantisvara, which today is reduced almost to ruins, and the other Avantisvami-Vishnu, which is a better preserved temple.
Shalimar Bagh: Built by Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan, Shalimar Garden is a wonderful combination of gardens and lakes. It has four terraces, rising above each other as steps and has a canal, built with polished stones, that is supplied water from the Harwan.
Harwan: Located near the Harwan Village, this garden has remnants dating to the Buddhist era. The ornamented tiles placed here have depictions of the attire of people, as trousers, caps and turbans.
Nishat Bagh: Located on the banks of the Dal Lake againt the Zabarwan Mountains, Nishat Bagh, or Garden of Bliss, is known for its panoramic views of the Pir Panjal Range.
Chasma Shahi: Originally designed by Shah Jehan, Chasma Shahi is a strikingly made terrace garden commanding superb views of the Dal Lake and the mountains nearby. The cool spring water flowing here is believed to be extremely refreshing.
Pari Mahal: This was at one time the Royal Observatory. Located next to Chashma Shahi, it is a well-laid out garden, located almost on the ridge of the mountains overlooking the Dal Lake. Visit it at night when it is brilliantly illuminated.
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.
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.
|