Srinagar the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is by far, one of the most scenic cities you’ll get to experience on your travels through India.
Rightly referred to as the crowning glory of India, Srinagar is the northernmost city of the country and a city that is unparalleled in its beauty. Think mountains and Rolling Meadows, lakes and rivers, vast expanses of rocky wilderness, gardens in hues of varying degrees – that’s just a slice of this little piece of ‘Heaven on Earth!
Srinagar is a modern water world dominated by Dal Lake and its twisting waterways, tree-lined Nagin Lake, and the Jhelum River. Engulf yourself in the local culture by embracing your sea legs and renting one of the wooden boats called shikaras for a daytime or twilight cruise. On land, stroll through the terraced hillsides of the 400-year-old Mughal Gardens, created by Emperor Jehangir for his wife, and shop for indigenous crafts like hand-woven silks and embroidered shawls.
Fascinating places you can visit in Srinagar
Dal Lake
Dal is an urban lake, the second largest in Jammu and Kashmir, and the most visited place in Srinagar by tourists and locals. It is integral to tourism and recreation in the Kashmir valley and is variously known as the ‘Lake of Flowers‘. ‘Jewel in the crown of Kashmir’ or ‘Srinagar’s Jewel’ The Lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is the largest tulip garden in Asia spread over an area of about 74 acres. It is situated at the base of the Zabarwan range, built on a sloping ground in a terraced fashion consisting of seven terraces with an overview of Dal Lake. The garden was opened in 2007 to boost floriculture and tourism in the Kashmir Valley. It was formerly known as Siraj Bagh. About 1.5 million tulip bulbs, all in multiple colors, were brought to the Keukenhof tulip gardens of Amsterdam. Besides tulips, there are 46 other varieties of flowers, including hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus which were also brought from Holland. The tulip garden is home to around 68 varieties of tulips.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg had historical significance as a gateway on the ancient Silk Road, connecting Jammu and Kashmir with Tibet. Today, the hill station is a popular tourist destination amongst fishers and hikers, and following the Kargil War with Pakistan in 1999, serves as a strategically important point for the Indian Army. The hill station is situated in the Kashmir Valley, at an altitude of 2,730 meters, and is close to some of the valley’s tallest peaks.
Dhari Devi Temple
On the banks of the Alaknanda River, the holy temple of Goddess Dhari Devi is located between Srinagar and Rudraprayag on Badrinath Road. Dhari Devi Temple deity is Maa Dhari Devi.
Now relocated from a 20-meter high rock to a manmade structure in 2013, Dhari Devi Temple is the center of faith for the people of GarhwalMarthaha
Martha is a small but famous village near Srinagar. A well-known historic place in Uttarakhand, Maletha is known for the bravery of Madho Singh Bhandari. The village is situated 5 km from Srinagar town on Devprayag Road.
