The Jhelum River traverses the city and serves as a lifeline for its people. Srinagar is renowned for its enchanting lakes filled with houseboats and shikaras set amidst forested mountain slopes.
Historically Speaking
Long before our times, a vast lake filled the land of Kashmir, with a fierce demon living in its waters. The sage Kashyap, acquiring divine powers, drained the lake of its water. Goddess Parvati (consort of Shiva) then crushed the demon to death with a huge mountain, which still stands in Srinagar.
Thus goes the story of the creation of this city of breathtaking beauty. According to documented history, the great Mauryan king Ashoka (1st century BC) established the old city of Srinagar and named it Puranadhisthan (now Pandrethan). With the extension of Ashokas rule, Buddhism spread in the valley. After him, the Kushana Emperor Kanishka reinforced the spread of Buddhism. The modern city of Srinagar was built upon the ruins of the capital cities of several kings, including Pravarasen, Lalitaditya, Jayapida and Avantivarman. Srinagar became the seat of government of the Dogras when Maharaja Gulab Singh became the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir. Over the years, the city saw upheavals and a process of change, from a royal retreat to the hotbed of political activity. In the last decade of the 20th century, Srinagar has been racked by some of the worst incidents of violence and killing that the country has witnessed. Several thousand lives have been lost, the once overflowing hotels and streets lie empty, the magnificent Dal Lake is choked up and the people devastated. This human tragedy wrought by incessant conflict between India and Pakistan, has made hell out of what was once described as paradise on earth.
Shopping
Carpets, ppier mch, fine pashmina shawls and walnut wood items all are available in Srinagar. Superb craftsmanship and superior quality is the hallmark of all these handicrafts. Jammu and Kashmir is a treasure house of traditional handicrafts, unlike any found in the rest of the country. Visitors
can choose from hand knotted woollen and silk carpets in the Persian tradition famed for their highly intricate decorations and patterns with strong Islamic overtones. Less expensive but very unusual and attractive are the chain-stitch rugs from Srinagar. Another craft that is perfect as souvenirs is ppier mch,items such as boxes, bells, vases, samovars, houseboat models beautifully hand painted to evoke memories of Kashmir. The crafts repertoire of Kashmir also contains soft, woollen shawls that are exquisitely embroidered, cashmere and pashmina scarves, stoles and sweaters. Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow and local craftsmen carve detailed intricate patterns inspired by the rich flora of the region, particularly the state emblem - the chinar or maple leaf onto screens, bowls, chests of drawers, bars, sofas, couches and tables. Silver jewellery, embroidered fabrics, over dresses called phirans, crewelwork furnishings, leather jackets, tweeds and woollen garments the list is almost endless. Fortunately, all these goodies are available in plenty across the state in shops that primarily cater to outstation visitors. So do haggle a bit, and youre sure to pick up some wonderful bargains.
Night Out
Enjoy Kashmiri cuisine at almost all the restaurants along Residency Road which is now called Sherwani road. Lal Chowk the crowded market place also has a few eating joints where you can sample their local cuisine. Most of the big hotels have restaurants attached to them and you can get chinese,
continental or other north Indian dishes.
Activities
There''s lots to do in and around Srinagar apart from just sight seeing. A JMb shikara ride is one of the most romantic things to do in Srinagar. Go for a ride on the Dal Lake to enjoy a surreal experience. A shikara is a beautiful boat decorated in Kashmiri style with teak wood and gorgeous fabrics.
Historically Speaking
Long before our times, a vast lake filled the land of Kashmir, with a fierce demon living in its waters. The sage Kashyap, acquiring divine powers, drained the lake of its water. Goddess Parvati (consort of Shiva) then crushed the demon to death with a huge mountain, which still stands in Srinagar.
Thus goes the story of the creation of this city of breathtaking beauty. According to documented history, the great Mauryan king Ashoka (1st century BC) established the old city of Srinagar and named it Puranadhisthan (now Pandrethan). With the extension of Ashokas rule, Buddhism spread in the valley. After him, the Kushana Emperor Kanishka reinforced the spread of Buddhism. The modern city of Srinagar was built upon the ruins of the capital cities of several kings, including Pravarasen, Lalitaditya, Jayapida and Avantivarman. Srinagar became the seat of government of the Dogras when Maharaja Gulab Singh became the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir. Over the years, the city saw upheavals and a process of change, from a royal retreat to the hotbed of political activity. In the last decade of the 20th century, Srinagar has been racked by some of the worst incidents of violence and killing that the country has witnessed. Several thousand lives have been lost, the once overflowing hotels and streets lie empty, the magnificent Dal Lake is choked up and the people devastated. This human tragedy wrought by incessant conflict between India and Pakistan, has made hell out of what was once described as paradise on earth.
Shopping
Carpets, ppier mch, fine pashmina shawls and walnut wood items all are available in Srinagar. Superb craftsmanship and superior quality is the hallmark of all these handicrafts. Jammu and Kashmir is a treasure house of traditional handicrafts, unlike any found in the rest of the country. Visitors
can choose from hand knotted woollen and silk carpets in the Persian tradition famed for their highly intricate decorations and patterns with strong Islamic overtones. Less expensive but very unusual and attractive are the chain-stitch rugs from Srinagar. Another craft that is perfect as souvenirs is ppier mch,items such as boxes, bells, vases, samovars, houseboat models beautifully hand painted to evoke memories of Kashmir. The crafts repertoire of Kashmir also contains soft, woollen shawls that are exquisitely embroidered, cashmere and pashmina scarves, stoles and sweaters. Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow and local craftsmen carve detailed intricate patterns inspired by the rich flora of the region, particularly the state emblem - the chinar or maple leaf onto screens, bowls, chests of drawers, bars, sofas, couches and tables. Silver jewellery, embroidered fabrics, over dresses called phirans, crewelwork furnishings, leather jackets, tweeds and woollen garments the list is almost endless. Fortunately, all these goodies are available in plenty across the state in shops that primarily cater to outstation visitors. So do haggle a bit, and youre sure to pick up some wonderful bargains.
Night Out
Enjoy Kashmiri cuisine at almost all the restaurants along Residency Road which is now called Sherwani road. Lal Chowk the crowded market place also has a few eating joints where you can sample their local cuisine. Most of the big hotels have restaurants attached to them and you can get chinese,
continental or other north Indian dishes.
Activities
There''s lots to do in and around Srinagar apart from just sight seeing. A JMb shikara ride is one of the most romantic things to do in Srinagar. Go for a ride on the Dal Lake to enjoy a surreal experience. A shikara is a beautiful boat decorated in Kashmiri style with teak wood and gorgeous fabrics.
Gulmarg , a 2 hour ride from Srinagar is a popular skiing destination. For those looking for an exhilarating experience in the mountains head to Gulmarg between December and April for a true snow adventure. Srinagar and Pahalgam offer opportunity for white water rafting on the Alaknanda and Lidder river respectively. Rafting down the rivers is a beautiful trip through natural forests and adrenalin pumping rapids. You can play golf at Gulmarg which has the highest golf course in the world. Another popular recreational activity, you can enjoy golfing while taking in the scenic beauty of Gulmarg, nothing like anything you would have seen or experienced before. Srinagar too has a golf course most of which overlooks the shimmering waters of the Dal Lake and for those visiting Pahalgam they''ll find a great golf course there too.
How to get there by Air
The Srinagar airport is 14 kms from the city. Domestic airlines operate regular flights to Srinagar from Delhi. From the airport you may take a taxi into the city centre, or have a rented car meet you on arrival.
How to get there by Rail
The nearest railhead is at Jammu Tawi, 293 kms from Srinagar. From Jammu you will have to take a bus or hire a car / taxi to make the 12 hour journey to Srinagar.
How to get there by Bus
Private coaches and taxis can be hired from Jammu Tawi to reach Srinagar. Srinagar is linked by the National Highway 1A to the rest of the country. The Jammu Srinagar road passes through majestic mountain passes, with fields stretching out to the sides and lined with towering trees.
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit this mountain city is between May and September. The landscape is enchanting and the weather pleasant. It snows in the winter months in and around Srinagar and winters can be very severe but Gulmarg, a few hours away is a popular winter games destination.
Hotels in Srinagar
Srinagar has a range of hotels ranging from the 5 star luxury down to the budget category. , hotels, lodges, guesthouses and hostels have fallen into disrepair or simply closed down. Houseboats
run by families on the Dal Lake are also available as accommodation and are reasonably well furnished, comfortable and costs include all meals. Shikaras (small gondola shaped houseboats) and luxuriously appointed houseboats were the most popular places with visitors who loved the concept of living right on Srinagars beautiful Dal Lake.
For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide
How to get there by Air
The Srinagar airport is 14 kms from the city. Domestic airlines operate regular flights to Srinagar from Delhi. From the airport you may take a taxi into the city centre, or have a rented car meet you on arrival.
How to get there by Rail
The nearest railhead is at Jammu Tawi, 293 kms from Srinagar. From Jammu you will have to take a bus or hire a car / taxi to make the 12 hour journey to Srinagar.
How to get there by Bus
Private coaches and taxis can be hired from Jammu Tawi to reach Srinagar. Srinagar is linked by the National Highway 1A to the rest of the country. The Jammu Srinagar road passes through majestic mountain passes, with fields stretching out to the sides and lined with towering trees.
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit this mountain city is between May and September. The landscape is enchanting and the weather pleasant. It snows in the winter months in and around Srinagar and winters can be very severe but Gulmarg, a few hours away is a popular winter games destination.
Hotels in Srinagar
Srinagar has a range of hotels ranging from the 5 star luxury down to the budget category. , hotels, lodges, guesthouses and hostels have fallen into disrepair or simply closed down. Houseboats
run by families on the Dal Lake are also available as accommodation and are reasonably well furnished, comfortable and costs include all meals. Shikaras (small gondola shaped houseboats) and luxuriously appointed houseboats were the most popular places with visitors who loved the concept of living right on Srinagars beautiful Dal Lake.
For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide
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ReplyDeleteIts a very great content. My comment is epically for the writer of the blog. I am amazed after reading it he urged me to have experience of this place. I would like a special thanks to the writer to provide us such a great information. However I am not a regular traveller. Yet as a tourist I have only experience of Chardham Hotels
ReplyDeletesrinagar is famous for its beautiful gardens and dal lake where you can tak ride of shikara boat.
ReplyDeleteThere are many options available to book hotel in srinagar. Houseboats in Srinagar are also most preferable place to stay.