Srinagar Travel Guide
Srinagar is the capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated on the banks of Jhelum river on the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar is said to be the ideal destination for mountain lovers. This beautiful picturesque city was built by the Pandava king Ashoka. According to another believe, it was built by the Mauryan king Ashoka. But recent research say that the city was built by Raja Pravarasen in 6 th century. Srinagar is also known as ‘ Venice of East ‘.
Srinagar is also called as the ‘ Paradise ‘ on earth. Lakes around the city with Houseboats and Shikaras on it makes the place more beautiful. In Sanskrit the word Srinagar means a city with wealth and abundance. It is also known as the Beautiful City( beautiful means Sri and city means Nagar). Archeologists have founded historic evidence which is 5,000 year old. They are kept in the local museum here. Tourists come here all around the year.
The snow covered mountains and green forests with beautiful Dal lake attracts thousands of tourists all throughout the year. Along with the Dal lake there are other attractions of the place which is worth visiting. Srinagar’s daily life revolves around Jhelum river and Dal lake. The Mihrbahri people have lived around the Dal lake for centuries.
How to Reach Srinagar
- Air – Srinagar airport is also called Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport. It is situated right in the heart of the city and has connectivity by means of all kinds of transport.
- Rail – The nearest major railway station is Jammu from where connectivity with all over India is available.
- Road – NH 1A passes connects Jammu with Srinagar.
Distance of Srinagar from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Jammu |
293 |
|
Delhi |
842 |
|
Pahalgaon |
94 |
|
Gulmarg |
46 |
|
Chandigarh |
646 |
Weather
Srinagar Temperature
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are mild and range between (8°C) to (29°C). During this time, the valleys become green after the long winter and different types of flowers are in full blossom.
- Monsoon – (Jul to Aug) – This part of Kashmir receives regular rainfall during monsoon and thus, not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are low and range between (-3°C) to (18°C). During Oct-Nov, the winter starts to set in. The apple orchards are full of fruits. The sky remains crystal clear.
- Best Time to Visit – April to May and Oct to Nov are the best season for tourism
What to See In Srinagar
The lake is 6.4 km long and 4 km wide and divided into three parts. The eastern part is the Lokut (small) lake. In the West part, there is an inlet hitch which is the deepest part of the lake. The houseboats are also found here. The small islands are covered with willow trees. Groves of chinar, Poplar and willow trees are found around the banks of the lake. Shikara ride on the lake is very popular among the tourists. They also enjoy overnight stay at houseboats on the lake.
Shalimar in Sanskrit means “The Abode of love”.It was initially developed by king Pravarsena II who had founded Srinagar. True to its name Shalimar is one of the most lovely and cherished spots in the state. Though the royal garden had vanished, an entire village was established in its vicinity. So it was recreated again by a Mughal emperor.
Shalimar Bagh is located about 4 km away from The Dal lake. It was built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan. The garden is distinguished by a series of terraces linked by a water channel. These are surrounded by decorative pools and can be reached by stepping stones. The upper most pavilion has elegant black marble pillars and niches in the walls for flowers during the day and candles or lamps during nights.
Chashma Shahi is another beautiful garden built around the course of a renowned spring and is attributed to Mughal King Shah Jahan though it has been much altered later on. Originally, the water bubbled into a marble lotus basin in a central pavilion.
Shankracharya Hill is another attraction of Srinagar. It is also known by the name Shankracharya Temple. it was built during the rule of Jahangir but it is also said to be over a 2 nd Century BC temple built by Ashoka’s son. The hill was known as Takht-i-Sulaiman – The Throne of Solomon. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it has an octagonal structure, with a multiple step flight. Upon the side walls of the steps, one may see valuable inscriptions in many scripts including Persian. The circular shrine enables to observe an elegant view of the underlying valleys. Saint Shankaracharya rested in this temple during his mission of reviving Sanatan Dharma.
Hazratbal is the majestic Palace located on the west shore of Dal lake. The scenic beauty is excellent . The mosque here has special sanctity as a hair of the Prophet Mohammad is preserved here. Just beyond to it is the Nazim Bagh one of the earliest Mughal Gardens and it is attributed to the Mughal ruler Akbar.
It is believed that Hari Parbat Fort was once a lake as large as sea which was inhabited by the abominable demon Jalobhava. Sati Mata was asked for help and taking the form of a bird Goddess Sati dropped a pebble on his head. The pebble increased in size as it fell on his head and crushed him into death. Hari Parbat is referred as that pebble and it became home of all 33 core gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.
Kamleshwar Temple
It is very ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated near the banks of Alaknanda river. It was built as early as the 8th century. According to legendary tales, Sri Rama had worshipped Shiva here with 108 blue lotus flowers. It is said that during the Puja Lord Shiva hid one lotus and Rama hence tried to take out his one eye in order to accomplish the Puja. It was then that Lord Shiva appeared before him and bestowed his blessings. Vaikunth Chaturdashi is a major festival celebrated here.
Keshorai Math Temple
This temple has been named after Kesho Rai, a devotee from South India. While Keshorai was on the way to Badrinath, he rested on the way and dreamt of Lord Vishnu himself. The prime deity of Badrinath told him not to go further. So Keshorai obeyed and did some digging at the spot where he rested. To great joy he found a beautiful idol of Vishnu. He then decided to build this temple and therein he placed the statue.
Vishnu Mohini Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. It is located near to the market place of Srinagar.
Other Details
What to Do
- A leisure walk down the Dal lake will fill up your heart with joy.
- If you are staying in a house boat, spend a evening on the roof of the house boat looking at the magnificent sunset.
- There are two Golf clubs in the heart of the city. You can go on and play Golf in you r leisure time.
Where to Eat
Most of the good restaurants in Srinagar are located in the Lal Chowk area. The special cuisine of this area is mostly made from meat. Rogan-Gosgh (meat in red gravy), Tabakmaaz, Kanti (meat and onion dish), Seekh tuji (barbecued meat in chutney) and Gushtaba (meat cooked in yoghurt) are some of the dishes of this area that must not be missed.
- Mughal Darbar
- Solomon’s Barbeque.
- Krishna Vaishno Dhaba—This place is place for its sweet dish called Kheer. Also the Rajma cooked by this place is irresistible.
What to Buy
Shopping in Srinagar is fun when you can purchase a lot of stuff that includes shawls, pashminas, papier mache, dry fruits and wood carved furniture. Handicrafted Salwar pieces are also to be purchased from the city. And if you are yet not content go on and purchase showpieces, dry fruits and spices.
Get Around
Auto-Rickshaws are the most popular means to travel in and around the city of Srinagar. Buses and taxis are also available. So you can choose from your options.
Top Destinations - Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh
– Gulmarg
– Jammu
– Kargil
– Leh
– Nubra Valley
– Pangong Lake
– Patnitop
– Pahalgam
– Sonamarg
– Srinagar
– Tso Moriri Lake
– Vaishno Devi
Popular Tour Plans - Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh
4-6 Days
1. Srinagar-Pahalgam (5N/6D)
7-10 Days
1. Jammu-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalgam (8N/9D)
2. Jammu-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Sonamarg-Pahalgam (9N/10D)
> 10 Days
1. Jammu-Vaishno Devi-Patnitop-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Sonamarg-Pahalgam (11N/12D)
2. Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Pangong Lake-Nubra Valley-Tso Moriri Lake-Sarchu-Manali (13N/14D)