Places to see
Hazratbal Shrine
The Hazrathalbal Shrine which is situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Shankaracharya Temple
It is located at 1100ft.above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The temple, besides a prominent religious place of Hindus, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificient panoramic view of the Srinagar city.
Imambara Hassanabad
The 2nd oldest shrine and is a world famous place of mourning and worship of one million shia population of J&K is Imambara Hassanabad situated in south west of city centre Lal Chowk. The Imam Bargah is surrounded by world famous Hazratbal shrine one side, Temple of Mata Sharka Devi and Gurdawara Chatti Padshahi on other side.
Cheshma Shahi
or the Royal Spring was laid by Shah Jahan in 1632 A.D. It is 9 Km. from the city centre and is famous for a spring of refreshment digestive water.
Shalimar Garden
The Garden,15 Kms from the city centre, was built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, Nurjahan.
Dal Lake
The world famous water body described by Sir Walter Lawerence as the "Lake par-excellence",half a kilometers from the city, is the jewel in the crown of Kashmir. Two islands,Sona Lank and Ropa Lank,within the lake add to its beauty. Nagin is the most lovely part of the Dal Lake separted by a causeway.
Dachigam
Dachigam is a wildlife sanctuary which is home to the endangered HANGUL species of the Deer in the country. One can also see the Brown Bear, Musk Deer, leopards and migratory birds. There is a Trout fish farm also in Dachigam.
Shopping
Kashmir is famous for its handicrafts. Some specialities are silk and wool carpets, paper machie products, pashmina and embroidered shawls and a variety of stones and walnutwood products. The main shopping areas are near the Bund, Boulevard, Residency Road and Hari Singh High Street.
Excursions
Wular lake (40 kms)
The beauty of Wular lake is diffcult to express. One of Asia's largest fresh water lakes, the drive from Bandipora laid out of the Mughal garden, the Wular lake follows you by your side.
Watlab (60 kms)
High on a hill top is the shrine of Baba Shukurddin, the Wular lake stretches long and wide from the view here.
Achabal (56kms)
The garden built for Nur Jahan is built in Mughal style.
Kokernag (70 kms)
In the heart of Bringhi valley, Kokernag is the place where flowers bloom.
Yusmarg (47 kms)
Grassy meadows ringed with pine forests and the picturesque snow clad mountains at the backdrop. Its a good picnic spot.
Aharbal (70 kms)
Its a waterfall crashing down a gorge. It is also a base for treks where people go to the high altitude lake Kounsernag which is at around 13,500ft.
Verinag (80 kms)
It is the source point of river Jhelum.
Pahalgam (96 kms)
It was once the home to Nomadic shepherds. It is a beautiful place to entice in the beauty of nature. There are lots of activities to be undertaken as fishing, trekking, etc.
Gulmarg (50 kms)
Gaurimarg was the original name of Gulmarg, the place is covered with flowers and was a favourite spot of Emperor Jehangir. Today Gulmarg has the highest green golf course in the world (2,680m) above sea level and is also one of the prime winter skii spots in India.
Sonmarg ( 87 kms)
The name meaning 'meadow of gold' Sonmarg carved out of the Sind river has placid lakes and awesome glaciers around it. The Thajiwas glacier shaded by pine trees and mountain streams is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Eating out
Kashmiri cusine can be divided into the Pandit and Muslim styles. The former is restricted mainly to household while most restaurants offer the Muslim style.
Gushtaba or the goat meat balls, Kashmiri pulao with saffron and Badam Pasand meat with almonds are some traditional delicacies worth savouring. Wazwan is Kashmir's most formal and eloborate meal. The course includes delicacies like methi tabakmaaz, roganjosh and rishta. Gustaba the concluding dish Phirni for desert and a cup of the Kahwah green tea flavoured with spices end the Wazwan.
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Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
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Explore India by Road......
In the heart of the Kashmir valley, Shrinagar spreads out on both sides of the Jhelum. The Valley's beauty has enticed visitors from distant lands. Srinagar bears the hallmark of the Mughals. There are waterways with houseboats, handcrafted aouvenirs, outdoor activities. On the same circuit is Gulmarg the country's premier wintersports resort. In another direction lies Pahalgam, a place renowned for its natural beauty. It is alos a starting point for several well known treks and excursions.
How to reach
By Air - Srinagar is connected to Delhi by daily flights via Jammu
By Rail - The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, 305 kms away.
By Road - Srinagar being the only major town linked by road to the rest of the country, all visitors make it their base going for excursions to nearby resorts for fishing or trekking expeditions.
The Banihal tunnel which links the valley of Kashmir to the outside world is closed to traffic after dark. The 295 km journey is through Udhampur, Kud, Batote, Patnitop, Ramban and Qazi Gund. As most of the road is up or downhill and curved rather than straight, high speed cannot be maintained on this route. Presuming there are no obstructions on the way the journey should take 8 hrs. Attractive guest houses are there at Kud, Batote and Patnitop maintained by JKTDC.
Jammu - Srinagar Road drive
Highway - NH 1A
Time - 5 hrs
Distance - 294 kms
Jammu and Kashmir The Paradise on Earth
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Capital - Srinagar
Ideal time to Visit - March - October
Road trip summary, time, kms and tolls and other information required to plan your road trip.
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Planning a visit to J&K read through travelogues to plan your trip
This period covers three seasons in Kashmir i.e., spring (March-early May), summers (early May-late August) and autumn (September-November).
The blossoms of spring, the cool weather of summer and the gold and red hues of autumn all provide the peak season for Kashmir travel. From December to early March is the winter season for Kashmir, when the entire valley wears a white blanket of snow.
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Places to see in Jammu & Kashmir