Srinagar - India HillTop Trips - Splendid hills and Majestic retreats

Srinagar is the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 1,730 m. Srinagar's population size is 725,000. It receives over 650 mm rainfall per annum. More than 50% of this is due to western disturbances. Srinagar is located around a number of lakes, of which Dal lake is the best known. The city is divided into two by the river Jhelum.

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The Hill Resort

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

The Past

The history of the Kashmir valley has been turbulent. In the 3rd century bc, it was a part of the great Mauryan Empire. Later on, this region flourished under the rule of the Kushans in the 1st century ad. It was an important Buddhist center around this time. In the 6th century, it was a part of the kingdom of Vikramaditya, the ruler of Ujjain. Local Hindu rulers ruled it until the 14th century, after which Muslims invaded and ruled it. Srinagar was a part of the Mughal Empire in the medieval period. However, with the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rule of the Pathans, the fortunes of the area gradually dwindled. In 1814, it became a part of the Sikh empire, when Ranjit Singh defeated the Pathans. However, the British defeated Ranjit Singh and according to the treaty of Lahore in 1846, they installed Gulab Singh as the independent ruler of Kashmir. The descendents of Gulab Singh ruled Kashmir under the vigilance of the British till 1947. Hari Singh, the great grandson of Gulab Singh, merged this princely state into India in 1948, when Pathan marauders from Pakistan tried to overrun this state.

Shopping

Srinagar is famous for its traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. Craft items from Srinagar make good souvenirs. There are also a number of utilitarian items of daily use. Woolen and silk carpets from Srinagar are a specialty; they are not only known for their highly intricate decorations and patterns, which show a strong Islamic/Persian influence, they are also renowned for their durability and subtle colors.

Chain-stitch carpets from Srinagar are also popular craft items. Travelers can purchase exquisite papier-m�ch� items such as boxes, vases, replicas of samovar (metal container used for heating water for tea), houseboat models, etc., in all shapes and having bright colors and designs.

The handicrafts repertoire of Kashmir is incomplete without woolen shawls and woodcarving. Travelers can purchase richly embroidered woolen shawls in all colors and intricate designs in Srinagar. Apart from regular woolen shawls, one can also buy Pashmina shawls (made from the hair of ibex) and shahtoosh shawls (made from the hair of the Tibetan antelope), which are highly valued shawls made in Kashmir. As Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow, craftsmen here create intricate carvings on walnut wood to make items like tables, chairs, stools, fruit bowls, partitions, etc., that have rich floral and trellis patterns carved on them.

Delicacies

Kashmir is famous for its cuisine. Kashmiri cuisine can be divided into Brahmin and Muslim styles. While the former is restricted mainly to households, most restaurants in Srinagar serve the latter. One can savor the traditional wazwan, an elaborate meal consisting of meat dishes, vegetables, rice, and dessert. Gushtaba (meatballs made of mutton), badam pasand (meat with almonds), and Kashmiri pulao with saffron are some of the main Kashmiri dishes. The Kashmiri people are fond of tea. A cup of kahwah, or green tea flavored with spices, can be used to refresh a tired body.

Information

Travelers can obtain necessary information about Srinagar from the tourist reception center (Ph. 472449, 473648, 477224).

Elevation

Srinagar - 1,730 m.

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Location Details

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.

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How to Reach There and Distances

Srinagar is 293 km from Jammu, 52 km from Gulmarg, 96 km from Pahalgam, 87 km from Sonamarg, 204 km from Kargil, 434 km from Leh, 876 km from Delhi, 519 km from Amritsar and 630 km from Chandigarh.

Air

Civil airport Humhama is 15 km from the city centre. Indian Airlines and Alliance Air (a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines) flights connects Srinagar with Jammu, Delhi, and Leh. Jet Airways connect Srinagar with Delhi and Jammu. Private taxi service is available for Rs 300. The Indian Airlines Office is at Tourist Reception Centre and is open from 10 am to 4 pm.

Rail

The nearest rail head is Jammu Tawi and there's no railway line to Srinagar, but train reservations can be made at the railway booking office at the Tourist Reception Centre for train departures from Jammu.

Road

Srinagar is situated on National Highway-1A, which connects to all parts of the country. Buses of Jammu & Kashmir Road State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) and STRCs of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh run to Jammu from major northern cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and Amritsar. Some continue to Srinagar, while there are many connections from Jammu.

Local Transport

A bus service covering all parts of the city provides an economical mode of communication. A parallel service of mini-buses also operates to most areas. The Main Bus Stand at Lal Chowk is the originating terminal for these bus services. Auto-rickshaws are also available. The rates are negotiable. Besides tourist taxis can be hires through all major hotels and travel agencies.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December-February.

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Places to see

Hari Parbat Fort

To the west of Dal Lake and on top of Sharika hill is the fort, which was built during reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Most of the present construction dates from 18th century. It is now occupied by Army. To enter the fort, permission from the Archaeological Department in Lal Mandi is required. On the western slope of the hill is a Parvati temple and on the southern face is the muslim shrine of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and the mosque of the scholar Akhund Mullah Shah .

Chatti Padshahi

It is an historic sikh Gurudwara, which commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind to Kashmir.

Tomb of Zain-ul-Abidin

This tomb of King Zain-ul-Abidin situated between the Zaina Kadal and Ali Kadal bridges, shows a clear Persian influence in it's domed construction and glazed tiles.

Shankaracharya Hill

This hill was once known as Takht-i-Sulaiman, the throne of Solomon. A temple is a said to have first built here by Ashoka's son around 200 BC, but the present Hindu temple dates from Jehangir's time. From the top, one can have a fine view of Dal Lake. The Srinagar TV tower is also here. 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.

Pandrethan Temple

This small Siva temple dates from 900 AD and is in military cantonment area on the Jammu road out of Srinagar.

Shah-i-Hamdan Mosque

The original mosque which was built in 1395, was destroyed by a fire in 1479 and again in 1731. The present mosque is situated on one bank of the Jhelum, shaped like a cube with a pyramidal roof rising to a spire. Access to non-muslims and women is limited.

Pather Masjid

Situated on opposite bank of Jhelum river is the unused Pather Masjid. It was built by Nur Jahan, wife of emperor Jahangir, in 1623.

Jami Masjid

This is one of the largest mosques in Kashmir. This wooden mosque has 300 plus pillars supporting the roof and each of them made from a single deodar trunk. It had to be rebuilt time and again due to destruction caused by fire at different point of times.

Hazratbal Mosque

This mosque is situated on the north-west shore of Dal Lake and enshrines a hair of the prophet. The mosque is set very beautifully on shores of the lake with snowcapped peaks as backdrop.

Razabal Tomb

It is believed to be the grave of Yuz Asaf or Jesus Christ who, according to legend, is supposed to have survived the cross and come to Kashmir, identified as the home of the lost tribe of Israel.

Shri Pratap Singh Museum

Museum situated just south of Jhelum river in Lal Mandi has an good collection of exhibits relevant to state's Buddhist and Hindu past as well as 200-year old textiles and carpets. It's open everyday from 10.30 am to 4 pm, except on Monday and on Friday it's open between 1 and 2.30 pm. Entry is free. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.

Chasma Shahi (Royal Spring)

smallest of mughal gardens at Srinagar, it is situated above the Nehru Memorial Park. The gardens were laid out in 1632 but have been recently extended. These are the only gardens with an admission charge.

Nishat Bagh (Garden of Gladness)

These gardens offers superb views of Pir Panjal mountains. Designed in 1633 by Nur Jahan's brother, these are the largest of Mughals Gardens. The gardens on either side of the water course are planted with tall chinar trees, which are at its best in autumn.

Shalimar Bagh

These gardens were built for Nur Jahan by her husband, the emperor Jahangir in 1616. These are 15 km away from Srinagar. This garden is most secluded, reached by a tree-lined canal. The central black marble pavilion in the "Zenana" or ladies' garden is surrounded by water and looks out in four directions. Be;ow, in the "Diwan-i-Am", the Hall of Public Audience, the emperor used to sit on a black marble throne above the water. Every evening from May to October there is a Sound & Light show which describes Jahangir's court. As the nearest taxi stand is five kms away it's best to keep a waiting taxi.

Nasim Bagh

Situated 8 km from Srinagar, these gardens were built by Akbar in 1586 and are the oldest of Kashmir's Mughals Gardens.

Shikara Rides

Shikaras are long boats which crowd the Srinagar lakes. They are used for getting back and forth from the houseboats or for longer tours. It is worth to take a pleasure ride around the lake in shikara.

Dal Lake

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. Within the lake, are two islands which are popular picnic spots. Around the edges of lake are groves of chinar, poplar and willow.

Nagin Lake

There are a number of houseboats on this quieter, cleaner lake.

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 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.

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.

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Accommodation

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Srinagar - Hilltop Trips India

Srinagar - श्रीनगर