Kashmir
is known for its beauty all around and is also known as the Switzerland of
India, all because of its scenic locales. There are snow capped mountains,
soothing lakes and lush green gardens all around which emphasize the beauty
of the place and underline the reason which has attracted the tourists
throughout these years. The weather of the place itself is no less an
interesting factor as you can notice the difference in climate with the
changing altitude of the places. The place was termed as a heaven on earth
by no less than the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The Kashmir valley itself is a
very fertile region surrounded by the high snow capped ridges of the
Himalayas.
Srinagar - The Lake City
It is the summer capital of the state and can very well stand on its own as
as a scintillating hill station. The main attractions of the city are the
tranquil lakes, spacious houseboats, dry fruits, Chinar trees as well as the
traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. Though the most famous landmark of Kashmir
is undoubtedly the Dal lake, there are several other attractions in the city
including the Nagin Lake and the Jhelum river that flows through the city.
Once you are in the city you'd definitely like to take a delightful ride on
a "Shikara" as well as make a visit to the beautiful Mughal styled
Gardens including "Chashmeshahi", "Shalimar Bagh" and
the "Nishat Bagh".
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is no less than an icon in the tourism industry, especially as far
as Kashmir is concerned. The lake has five basins as well as a number of
channels that are well linked with each other. Fishing is the second largest
economic activity of the region a big part of which comes from the Dal lake
itself. Then there are these "shikaras" which look like the
Gondolas of the Venice. The influx of the tourists has also resulted in
coming up of several restaurants and hotels on the lakeside. You can
experience the ultimate in hospitality at the houseboats in the Dal lake.
The Old City
No matter how tired you as a traveller are, the old city of Srinagar, which
is a tourist's delight, will recharge your batteries so that you are ready
to take on the destinations once again. The river Jhelum that flows through
the city gives the city a kind of vitality which has not been seen in other
places. The rivers and the bridges built upon it may be said to be the
lifeline of the city along with the narrow roads and bylanes of the city.
The life in the old city continues at its own pace, unaffected by the
changing times of the modern world.
Shopping and Golfing in Kashmir
The place is generally known for the collector's items that it produces at
the drop of a hat. You may either choose a trinket or handicrafts, you'll
realize in a short span of time that the range of goods available here are
just awesome. The markets cater to the discerning tourists as well as those
with a modest budget as well. For example, you'll find shawls in the market,
where you would not be able to find out the difference in the quality though
there might be huge difference in the prices of the shawls.
The golfing seasons of the state stretch from April to November and the
place also boasts of the highest green golf course in the world. The Kashmir
golfing infrastructure has had a recent addition to it in the form of the
Royal Springs Gold Course which is located at Chashmeshahi.
Sightseeing
There are many attractions in the region that are worth a visit such as the
Hazratbal, Jama Masjid, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg etc. There is a cave in
the region where a natural Lingam of Lord Shiva is formed by the ice which
is known by the name of Amarnath Cave.
Accessibility
By Air
There are regular flights between Srinagar and Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu
operated by the government as well as the private operators.
By Rail
Jammu Tawi is the nearest railhead which is 305 km away from Srinagar. The
station is connected with all the major cities like Pune, Kolkata, Delhi,
Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Ahmedabad etc.
By Road
The National Highway 1 A connects Srinagar with Jammu is a well maintained
road which is taken care of by the Border Roads Organization. Regular Bus
Service operates between the two places. Srinagar is well connected by road
with the major cities of India.
