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Srinagar

The Summer Capital of the Rulers

General Information
District: Srinagar, State: Jammu & Kashmir, India
Area: 105 Sq. Km.
Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, English
Long Distance Code: +91-194
Importance: The summer capital of the sate and known as Paradise on earth.
Best Time to Visit: October to June

Description
Srinagar… famous as the city of the Dal Lake is also the capital of the state. Situated at 1730 meters above the sea level, the uniqueness of this city are its lakes and the house boats and shikaras swinging on the water. The origin of Srinagar is said to be Srinagari founded by Emperor Ashok in 3rd century B.C. The great Buddhist scholar from China also has written about Srinagari, as a beautiful city in the northern most part of India. A city of mixed cultures. The Hindus, the Muslims and the Buddhist cultures co-existed peacefully in the valley. The British made their impact in the valley by building the houseboats that swing on the Dal Lake even today and are a major attraction of the tourists coming to Srinagar. These varied cultures have given birth to one unique culture that is Kashmiri. Srinagar takes pride on that culture. The beauty of Srinagar is changes daily. In spring when the flowers are in full bloom as if the whole valley is a bed of flowers while in peak winters the white snow just shows the green pine tree tops. As the leaves fall in autumn the whole of Srinagar wears a red - orange look which enhances its beauty. The beautiful Mughal Gardens and long stretches of various lakes, gives the city a unique impact. Be it a ride in the Shikara, a stay at the houseboat, a visit to a temple or a mosque, the beautiful site of flowers beds, or ladies in Burkhas and men folk chatting over the Kahwa, Srinagar holds a beautiful surprise at every turn that leaves you enchanted.
Location
Situated in the north western part of this huge state, Srinagar has all the conducive elements to make it a picture perfect. Located in the heart of Kashmir valley and perched at the height of 1730, meters, Srinagar is surrounded by the beauty of Himalayas and nature. Climate: Srinagar experiences all the climatic conditions. A beautiful spring and a pleasant summer, the crisp autumn and the chilly winter. Each weather comes with its own charm and is equally enjoyable.

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in Kashmir built originally by the Sultan Sikandar in 1400 A.D. Later it was added by his son. But the mosque was gutted down in fire not once but thrice and was rebuilt each time. But the massive original pillars made of pine wood were amazingly saved from fire and they still stand intact and look as good as new. The mosque is huge enough to accommodate 10,000 namazis at one time.

Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara

The sixth Guru of the Sikh religion traveled extensively through the Kashmir valley, stopping to give sermons occasionally. The places where he preached have been dedicated to him by building a Gurudwara on the site. The Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara near the kathi Darwaza in Rainawari is the most important one in the valley.

Hari Parbat Fort

The Hari Parbat fort on top of the Sharika Hills is an ancient Hindu holy site. The wall around the hill along with almond orchards, which bloom in spring, was built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The fort above was added by the afghan governor Atta Mohammad Khan in the 18th century. Today it is occupied by the Indian military.

The Dal Lake

The most famous lake of the town is the Dal Lake. It is not only famous for its slow flow of waters but the beautiful shikaras those row down the Lake with virtually carrying the whole town inside it. It is located centrally in the town and has many shikaras which give rides to the tourists on the lake. The floating garden and the market here are the prime attractions. Virtually a whole garden is seen floating with various kinds of flowers from roses to lilies and lotus to marigold. Equally alluring is the market where one can buy almost everything. The attraction is that buying, selling and bargaining is done while sitting in the boats and paddling by oars at the same time! The ride in these shikaras can be relaxing and tiring both at the same time.

The Mughal Gardens

Srinagar has beautiful gardens. Gardens with step terraces, laden with flowers during spring and autumn, water fountains always sprinkling drops of water all around and the lush green surroundings with a carpet of soft grass beautiful trees, including the Chinar. The se gardens were actually developed by the Mughals who were attracted to this place during the long summers of the northern plains. They planted these gardens in a beautiful ambience with great weather. The gardens brought sweet smell of flowers and chirping of birds. What different than this would the Paradise be, they thought! \r\nThe smallest of all the Mughal gardens but also the most beautiful of all is the Chesmeshahi. Built at a height above the city, it gives magnificent views. Equally stupendous is its layout with just three terraces in addition to a natural spring of water enclosed in a stone pavilion. \r\nThe Nishat Garden encircles the Dal Lake and is along the road. It was built by empress Noor Jehan's brother, Asaf Khan. Nishat Garden is the biggest of all. It has several terraces, a central water course and a beautiful site between the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Hills. \r\nThe majestic Shalimar Garden was planted by the emperor Jehangir himself. Jehangir is said to have loved Kashmir and Srinagar especially. The Shalimar Garden is full of beautiful Chinar trees and a series of water flowing stone pavilions. The bright flower beds when in full bloom give an exotic touch to the pretty garden.

Hazaratbal Mosque

This beautiful mosque built recently stands on the old site and is only one of its kinds in the valley of Srinagar. The earlier mosque was supposed to be 600 years old. It is an elegant structure of white marble with perfectly proportioned single dome façade and a single minaret. It is a typical Kashmiri architecture with cone shaped dome and overlapping terraces and the building is only compared to the magnificent Taj Mahal of Agra. The importance of this mosque lies in the single hair of the Great Prophet Mohammed that is enshrined here. It is opened for public viewing only once a year in the month of July for a few days.

Shankaracharya temple

The Shankaracharya temple is one of the oldest shrines in the valley of Srinagar. Situated on the hill bang opposite of the Dal Lake, this beautiful ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The earlier name of the temple was Gopadri. It was only when Shankaracharya came to stay here, some ten centuries ago to revive the Sanatan Dharma that the name of this temple was changed to Shankaracharya temple. The earlier temple is said to be built by king Gopaditya of the Maurya dynasty in 2,500 B.C. The beautiful temple commands an equally beautiful view from the mountain top of the valley, the town of Srinagar, the nearby villages and the surrounding mountains.

Golden Triangle with Srinagar
(7 Days / 6 Nights)

On Request

Details

Golden Triangle with Srinagar / PI-003 (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi

India, the large subcontinent, is beautiful and has a varied choice of destinations. To have a glimpse of India, visit to the famous Northern Golden Triangle, comprising Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is the best way to begin exploring India. A two-day extension to the choiced destinations will only encourage your spirit to explore and give a larger vision to India that is. We have included some of the famous destinations for you to choose from. Srinagar, famous for the city of Dal Lake is just one of them. The beautiful Mughal Gardens and long stretches of various lakes, a ride in the Shikara, a stay at the houseboat, a visit to a temple or a mosque, the beautiful site of flowers beds, or ladies in Burkhas and men folk chatting over the Kahwa, Srinagar holds a beautiful surprise at every turn that leaves you enchanted.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Agra
Day 3 : Agra - Jaipur
Day 4 : Jaipur - Delhi
Day 5 : Delhi - Srinagar
Day 6 : Srinagar
Day 7 : Srinagar - Delhi

Kashmir - Ladakh with Golden Triangle
(14 Days / 13 Nights)

On Request

Details

Kashmir - Ladakh with Golden Triangle / PI-0317 (14 Days / 13 Nights)
Delhi-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Delhi

Travel to the snow capped peaks of Kashmir where you get to visit the Himalayan paradise of Laddakh with its beautiful ochre colored landscape and orange robed monks in their ancient monasteries. Following this Buddhist haven, our trip proceeds to the Golden Triangle that trip of Delhi Agra and Jaipur where history mingles freely with nature making it the perfect trip for every type of traveler.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Srinagar
Day 3 : Srinagar
Day 4 : Srinagar - Gulmarg
Day 5 : Srinagar - Kargil
Day 6 : Kargil - Leh
Day 7 : Leh
Day 8 : Leh
Day 9 : Leh
Day 10 : Leh-Delhi
Day 11 : Delhi - Agra
Day 12 : Agra - Jaipur
Day 13 : Jaipur
Day 14 : Jaipur - Delhi

Flavour of Himalayas
(10 Days / 9 Nights)

On Request

Details

Flavour of Himalayas / PI-0191 (10 Days / 9 Nights)
Delhi-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Srinagar-Sonmarg-Kargil-Leh-Khardongla Pass-Leh-Delhi

No matter what you say about Himalayas, their magnificence once translated in words will always be an understatement. Housing the highest mountain peaks of the world, Himalayas are the abode of snow giving home to many thrilling adventure activities that you can indulge in while visiting the place. Plan your vacations now to make your trip an unforgettable adventure.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Srinagar
Day 4 : Srinagar
Day 5 : Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar
Day 6 : Srinagar - Sonmarg - Kargil
Day 7 : Kargil - Leh
Day 8 : Leh
Day 9 : Leh - Khardongla Pass - Leh
Day 10 : Leh - Delhi

Srinagar, India Tours