Srinagar is the capital of the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir that is situated in India-administered Kashmir. It is situated in the Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. It is the largest city in India without a Hindu majority and is famous for its lakes and houseboats. Known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits, it is also the headquarters of Srinagar district. Kashmir was ruled 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 marauders from Pakistan tried to overrun this state.
Srinagar is 880 km north of Delhi. The weather in Srinagar is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December-February. The best time to visit Srinagar is during summers between April and June.
What to See:
The Mughal Gardens: With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions; Hazratbal Mosque, the white mosque is breathtakingly beautiful; Ziarati Hazrati Youza Asouph tomb, also known as Roza Bal, is believed by some to be the tomb of Jesus. Shankaracharya Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on a hilltop; and Pari Mahal. Gulmarg is 52 km west of Srinagar at an altitude of 2730 m. 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 skiers. It is a popular trekking destination and boasts of the world's highest golf course. Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar and is located in the 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 Amarnath yatra. The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River, which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening in the Wular Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city.
How to Get There
Take the train to Jammu followed by a taxi or bus ride to Srinagar.
By Air:
Srinagar is a busy airfield in tourist season and has a domestic airport which was quite small but the expanded terminal is to open on 15 June 2010.
By Rail:
Although the Indian Railways have started laying lines in the valley and recently commenced limited operations on a 65 km stretch between Badgam railway station and Panzgam railway station in the valley’s Pulwama district, they will take some time to pierce the Pir Panjal− similar to the Banihal Pass for road travel− to connect with Jammu via Batote-Kud-Ramban, like the highway. They will also have to cope with separatist guerrillas and other anti-social elements, who, by blowing up a 3m stretch on April 2, 2010, temporarily disrupted a major infrastructural enhancement for the inhabitants of the valley, indicating that they would remain an unnecessary nuisance in the valley.
Plans are afoot to connect Srinagar to Jammu by 2012. The project has come as a blessing for the people there. Mobile phones have reached the remotest village and access to hospitals and schools made easy.
By Road:
J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates fairly comfortable buses from Jammu which cost a pittance and do the journey in around 12 hours. Day buses run between Srinagar and Leh, with a night halt in Kargil. Direct buses from Delhi that take almost 24 hours to reach Srinagar. The safest is to tag along in a taxi with the Army convoy that leaves Jammu at 0600 every day.
Getting Around:
Auto-rickshaws can be found everywhere. Taxis and buses are also available. Motorcycles can also be rented by enthusiasts.
Where to Stay:
There are over 75 hotels in Srinagar, besides the house boats. Hotel Dar-Es-Salam;The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar; Hotel Broadway and Welcome Hotel Srinagar are pricey. Hotel Sadaf; Swiss Hotel Kashmir; Hotel New Mamta and Metro Hotel are moderately priced. Hotel Ishfan, United Continents Group and Blooming Dale are worth their price, hovering above budget scale.
Where to Eat:
There are a number of restaurants and cafes in Srinagar. Most of the good ones are located in Lal Chowk or on Boulevard along the banks of the Dal Lake. Most of the restaurants will serve Kashmiri, Indian, Mughlai and 'Indianised' Chinese dishes. Some pure veg restaurants are also located along Boulevard. Make sure you try dishes like Rogan-josh (meat cooked in red gravy), Gushtaba(soft meat balls cooked in natural yoghurt), Tabakmaaz(deep fried ribs of a lamb) and Kanti(small chunks of meat cooked with a lot of onions). Lhasa Restaurant; Vishal Punjabi Vaishno Bhojanalaya; Mughal Darbar; Cafe de Lintz and The
Shamyana Restaurant are recommended.
