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Srinagar
Population : 725,000
Languages : Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and English
Best time for visit : April–June
STD Code : 0194
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. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. The weather in Srinagar
is alpine. Summers (April–June) are mild and winters are cold
(November–February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December–February.
Places of Interest
The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also
referred to as being a heaven on earth. The Mughal emperor
Jahangir was so captivated by the beauty of this valley that
he exclaimed “Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin
asto, hamin asto” (If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here,
it’s here, it’s here). There are a number of tourist places
in and around Srinagar.
The Dal Lake is an important tourist attraction of Srinagar.
It is located on the eastern end of the city. The Dal Lake
comprises of a series of lakes, including the Nagin Lake some
8 km from the city center. One can enjoy the panoramic view
of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Travelers
can enjoy taking a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or the
Shikaras to explore the intricate maze of waterways of this
lake.
The other major attractions of Srinagar city are the well
laid out Mughal styled gardens. The Shalimar Bagh and the
Nishat Bagh are beautiful gardens located to the far eastern
side of the Dal Lake. One can take a stroll amongst these
green and attractive gardens and enjoy the waterworks within
them.
The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place to
visit in Srinagar. Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka, built
it in the 3rd century bc.
SITES NEARBY
There are number of interesting places to visit near Srinagar.
Most of these places are located amongst picturesque settings
of the mighty Himalayas. Apart from natural beauty, they offer
a number of adventure activities to the traveler.
Gulmarg is 52 km southeast of Srinagar and is located
at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level. In summers, the
meadows of Gulmarg are laden with flowers. In winters, the
snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg turn into a skiing resort,
which attracts the traveler seeking adventure and thrill.
It is a popular trekking destination and boasts of the world’s
highest golf course.
Sonamarg is 80 km northeast of Srinagar and is located
at an altitude of 2740 m. It is set in a valley amongst glaciers
and placid lakes. The flower-laden meadows, panoramic view
of the lofty snow-covered Himalayan peaks, and a number of
trekking and hiking trails have made Sonamarg a popular tourist
destination.
Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar and is located in
the quiet Liddar valley, at a height of 2130 m. It provides
an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking and
fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage
to the holy cave of Amarnath.
HOW TO REACH
Srinagar is well connected by air with Delhi. There is a daily
flight to Delhi via Jammu by Indian airlines (Ph. 452328,
450257). There are weekly flights operated by Indian Airlines
for Leh from Srinagar. Srinagar does not have a railway station
and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is 305 km from
Srinagar. However, it is well connected by road to important
places like Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), Jammu (298
km), Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. The main
bus station is at Lal Chowk, which is the city center. Travelers
can use auto-rickshaws and mini-buses to move around the city.
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