Shikara on Dal Lake. All Images by Simran Kiran Malhotra
`Sri` meaning wealth and `nagar` meaning city, Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its gardens, lakes, houseboats, traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. In the winter, don`t be surprised if you see plenty of goats and sheep with long and soft fur in the Valley. It is the heart of the Kashmir Valley and still preserves the imprints of the Mughals and the British. While most people make Srinagar the base and explore Kashmir from here, there’s plenty to see within the city itself.
Mughal gardens
Set up in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, the garden has a number of terraces, with several fountains built right through its centre. Nishat garden, on the other hand, is the largest of the Mughal gardens in Kashmir. Also known as ‘the garden of bliss’, the Zabarwan Mountains forms its backdrop. It was designed by Asaf Khan, the brother of Nur Jahan, in 1633. Built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jahan in 1616, the Shalimar Garden is also famous as the ‘garden of love’. It has four terraces, rising one above the other. The fourth, at one point in time, was reserved for royal ladies.
Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal and Hari Parbat
`The Palace of Fairies`, Pari Mahal was built in the mid-seventeenth century by Dara-Shikoh, the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, for his Sufi teacher Mulla Shah. Illuminated with its radiant lights at night, it can be seen from most places in Srinagar.
The abode of the 18-armed goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati, Hari Parbat (Sharika Peeth) is located at the periphery of Srinagar city. Considered one of the holiest places of Kashmir, a visit to Hari Parbat is a must.
Shankracharaya Temple
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is located on the top of a hill called Takht-e-Suleiman and can be reached by car or taxi. As history goes, it was built by Raja Gopadatya in 371 BC and was known as Gopadri. It is believed that the philosopher Shankaracharya had stayed here, when he visited Kashmir several centuries ago. The temple, known for its architecture, stands on a high octagonal platform and can be reached by climbing approximately hundred steps.
The Royal Springs Golf Course
Royal Springs Golf Course
Set against the backdrop of the Zabarwan mountains, it is one of the most stunning and breathtaking golf courses. It is a public, 18-hole golf course, located near Chashme Shahi and overlooks Dal Lake. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. II, it was built out of a forest and the scenery changes as you play on. You can also spot a large number of birds.
For the Shopaholics
Kashmir is synonymous with Pashmina shawls, paper mache products and embroidered outfits. You can also pick up embroidered felt mats called Namdahs. Walk through the markets of Srinagar and you will find a variety of refined crafts, intricately handwoven carpets, delicately carved woodwork, glittering copperware and more.
Floating shops on the Dal Lake
Take a ride on a shikara and stay in a houseboat on Dal lake
You can’t go to Venice and not experience a gondola ride! It’s the same with the shikaras in Srinagar; a ride on these elongated wooden boats is a must. They are used to carry passengers to and from the houseboats or for longer tours. The dainty, canopied shikaras, which are the epitome of romance are fitted with cushioned seats and footrests. As Dal lake, Srinagar’s jewel, is central to Srinagar, many tourist spots have been built in its vicinity and are directly accessible by shikara.
If staying on a houseboat is not your thing, you can hire a shikara to take you around Dal lake and visit its floating gardens, flower and vegetable markets. Otherwise make sure you hire a houseboat for a day or two; relax on its cushioned balconies and watch the lake’s traffic float by. And when you`re hungry, its walnut-wood interiors will welcome you with the fragrance of delicious Kashmiri food.
Try some Tujh when you`re in Srinagar
For the Foodies
If you are keen to explore the local food, try wazwan, a multi-course Kashmiri meal. Popular throughout Kashmir, most of the dishes are non-vegetarian (chicken, lamb). A heavy meal, the delicacies include Tabakmaaz, Rista, Kababs, Goshtaba and more. You can also try Tujh, which looks and tastes like a kebab. Served with roti called Lawas and raddish and mint chutney, the best place to eat it is at Challi Point.
Make Srinagar your base and explore other places in Kashmir like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Doodhpathri, Pahalgam. While you have the option of take pre- organized tours, you’ll see much more if you hire a vehicle and explore Srinagar on your own.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year, though the winter months are quite cold