Srinagar

Srinagar is a city of great antiquity. Srinagar is the summer state capital of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir. Srinagar is renowned for its simmering lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India Srinagar is about 876 kms north of Delhi. The river Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. The weather in Srinagar is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences heavy snowfall in December-February. Srinagar is the place for an aquatic sports enthusiast who are crazy for kayaking, canoeing, water surfing and angling.

Sightseeing at Srinagar -
The Valley of Kashmir : The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth. It is beauty is so charming that the Mughal emperor Jahangir was so captivated by the beauty of this valley that he exclaimed "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto", meaning - "If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here." Srinagar is one very loved tourist destination in India.

The Dal Lake : Dal Lake is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar. Located on the eastern end of the city, the Dal Lake comprises of a series of lakes, including the Nagin Lake some 8 kms from the city center. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains dotting Srinagar from this lake. You can enjoy taking a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or the Shikaras to discover the intricate network of waterways of this lake.

The Mughal Gardens : The other major attractions of Srinagar city are the well laid out Mughal styled gardens. The Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh are beautiful gardens set to the far eastern side of the Dal Lake. One can take a stroll through these green and attractive gardens and enjoy the waterworks within them.

The Temple of Shankaracharya : The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place to visit in Srinagar. Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka, built it in the 3rd century BC.

Best Season to Visit : The best time to visit Srinagar is during summers between April and June. Heavy woolens are required in Srinagar.

Reaching Srinagar -
Air : Srinagar is well connected by air with Delhi. There is a daily flight to Delhi via Jammu by Indian airlines. There are weekly flights operated by Indian Airlines for Leh from Srinagar.
Rail : Srinagar does not have a railway station and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is 305 km from Srinagar.
Road : Srinagar is well connected by road to important places like Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), Jammu (298 km), Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. touristplacesinindia can arrange for you all types of land transport for your comfortable journey in Srinagar and throughout the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

STD/ISD Codes -
If dialing from India -------- 0194 (number)
If dialing from abroad -------- ++ 91-194 (number)

Shopping in Srinagar -
Srinagar in Kashmir is a handicraft lover's delight with a rich and distinct variety of crafts. There is great beauty in Kashmiri artifacts -which include - papier mache, lacquered and painted in floral designs; wood carvings and screens; fine carpets in typical oriental designs; silks and woollen shawls embroidered in traditional paisley and crewel work. The bazaars of Srinagar are packed with handicraft stores, street vendors there add their own charm. The J&K Handicrafts Corporation has a large display of handicraft items, carpets, etc. at the Government Arts Emporium.