KASHMIR - City & Culture - “The Venice of the East”
That is the term used to describe one of the top tourist destinations in India, famous for its historical gardens and waterfronts. With a distinct cultural heritage, natural beauty, and pleasant climate, Srinagar is the perfect destination for a honeymoon, nature lovers, and adventurers.
Places to visit are the Mughal Gardens, Khanqah Shah-i-Hamadan, Badshah tomb, Makhdoom Sahib shrine, Hari Parbat Fort, Sri Pratap Singh Museum, Pather and Jama masjid, Hazratbal mosque, Pari Mahal, Dal, Wular and Nagin lakes, floating gardens and lake villages and the Shankaracharya temple among others.
The Shalimar and Nishat gardens are close to “My Kashmir Home” and are Srinagar’s most extensive gardens. The Zabarwan mountain range, with its highest peak at 3966m, forms a beautiful distant background and is home to the Dachigam National Park.
With regular flights to Srinagar from many cities in India and even some international cities, Srinagar is the perfect place to start exploring the natural beauty of Kashmir.
THINGS TO DO NEAR “MY KASHMIR HOME”
NISHAT BAGH
A 17th-century terraced Mughal Garden. The Garden of Bliss with fountains & pools spread across 12 landscaped terraces laid out by Asif Khan, father of Empress Noorjahan, in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. Nishat commands a magnificent view of the lake, and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the valley’s west.
Timings: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm, all days of the week
Cost Per Person: 24 INR for adults, 12 INR for children
SHALIMAR BAGH
A Mughal garden linked through a channel to the northeast of Dal Lake. The Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, for his wife Nur Jahan, in 1619. The Shalimar Bagh is considered the high point of Mughal horticulture and is known as the “Crown of Srinagar.”
Timings: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm, all days of the week
Cost Per Person: 24 INR for adults, 12 INR for children
SHIKARA RIDE
Experience the beauty and tranquillity of Dal Lake on a Shikara - a type of wooden boat found on other water bodies of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Timings: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm, all days of the week
Approximate Rates: 600 INR per hour, and only four adults and two children are allowed {government rates}.
THINGS TO DO IN SRINAGAR
HOUSEBOATING IN DAL LAKE
The history of houseboats in Srinagar is linked with the British period when the king of Kashmir, Sri Gulab Singh, didn’t allow British people to buy land or do any construction activity in the valley. Then people constructed small houseboats to keep on Dal Lake; in those days, these small houseboats were moving in the water. Some can trace the houseboat phenomenon back to the 1880s, to a shop owner named Pandit Naraindas, who catered to foreign tourists. When his shop burned down, as wooden structures do from time to time in Srinagar, it is said, Naraindas moved his inventory to a small boat used by the boat-dwelling Hanjis and moored it.
FLOATING POST OFFICE
Post Office, Dal Lake – claimed to be the only such in the world – is built on a houseboat, now moored on the western edge of the Dal Lake. This is a heritage post office that has existed since British times. It was called Nehru Park Post Office before 2011. But then the chief postmaster John Samuel renamed it “Floating Post Office’. This post office lets you avail of all the regular postal services available in the country while being afloat. The seal on everything posted from Floating Post Office is unique - along with the dale and address. It bears the design of a boatman rowing a Shikara on the Dal Lake.
Timings: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, closed on Sundays.
FLOATING VEGETABLE MARKET
The only one of its kind in India is the floating market where vegetable sellers gather to sell their ware in the center of the lake at the break of the day and wrap up just as the sunlight touches the water only on Saturdays. According to a study by Srinagar’s historic SP College, a total of 31 vegetables, including cucumber, tomatoes, spinach, radish, carrots, onion, cauliflower, cabbage, pumpkin, brinjal, etc. are grown in Dal Lake by the Hanji community and Dal dwellers.
Timings: 5:00 am – 7:00 am, Saturdays only.
NEHRU PARK
Nehru Park area is the busiest location on Boulevard Road. This park was laid out in the middle of the 20th century. Shikaras, rows of House Boats, Hotels, Speed boats, Surf riders, Water skiers, GagriBal Swimming Ghats, and many more scenes welcome you when you move into this area.
SHANKARACHARYA HILL TEMPLE
Shankaracharya Temple was built around 200 BC by Jaluka, the son of Emperor Ashoka. The temple is Nestled at 1100 feet and has the most tranquil atmosphere, filling one with great peace of mind. However, since you must climb 243 steps to reach the famous sacred site in Srinagar, it is advised to wear comfortable footwear and carry water along.
Timings: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm, all days of the week
PARI MAHAL GARDEN
Pari Mahal or Peer Mahal, also known as The Palace of Fairies, is a seven-terraced garden located at the top of Zabarwan mountain, overlooking the city of Srinagar and the southwest of Dal Lake. Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh built the Pari Mahal. It served as a library and an abode for him. Dara Shikoh was said to have lived in this area in 1640, 1645, and 1654. It was further used as an observatory, helpful in teaching astrology and astronomy.
Timings: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm, all days of the week
Cost Per Person: 24 INR for adults, 12 INR for children
HARI PARBAT FORT
Hari Parbat, also known as Kooh-e-Maran, lies west of Dal Lake. The Afghan Governor Atta Mohammed built this Mughal structure in the 18th century. Akbar constructed the first fortifications in 1590 and made an outer wall for the fort as part of his plans for a new capital at the site of the modern-day Srinagar city in Kashmir. Another story goes that Chand and Mund were two demons who terrorized the people of the valley. So the Gods called upon Shakti, who, in the form of a Myna (Hari), threw a pebble on the demons, which grew into a mountain known as Hari Parbat today.
Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, all days of the week
OLD SRINAGAR HERITAGE WALK (DOWNTOWN)
Old Srinagar Heritage Walk is the rich historical and traditional past of Kashmir. It takes the tourists to the culturally and traditionally affluent parts of Srinagar through the old Srinagar lanes with old markets of spices, dry fruits, and threads. This walk is a unique experience of ancient buildings, relics of history, bylanes of downtown, busy local markets, ancient shrines, temples, and mosques. In addition, it exhibits the fantastic craft and artistry of the locals. Visit the marvelous structures, including Jamia Masjid, featuring 370 pillars made using Maple tree wood.
THINGS TO DO AROUND SRINAGAR
GULMARG GOLF CLUB
Situated at an altitude of 2,650 m, it is the highest green golf course in the world.
Timings: 08:30 am – 10:00 pm.
‘GONDOLA’ CABLE CAR RIDE (GULMARG)
The ride takes place in three phases:
Phase 1: M Gulmarg to Kongdoori
Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak
Phase 3: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder (Chair Lift)
To buy or book the ropeway/Gulmarg Gondola ticket online, please visit the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation link by clicking here.
Timings: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Ride) | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Ticket sale)
Cost Per Person: INR 700 (Phase I) | INR 900 (Phase II) | INR 300 (Chair Lift)
TROUT FISHING IN PAHALGAM
A scenic 100km drive from Srinagar will take you to Pahalgam, a shepherd village with exceptional Himalayan beauty along the banks of the Lidder River. Its lush green meadows and pristine waters attract thousands of tourists from all over the world each year. The Lidder River is an angler’s paradise with a high rainbow and trout fish population.
The fishing season stretches from April to September. The best time, however, is between May and September.
You need to book an online permit on the fisheries website http://jkfisheries.in.
TREKKING IN SONMARG
The map of Sonmarg has plenty of trekking trails, making it a trekker’s paradise. From challenging mountain ranges to pristine lakes, and plateaus, the region is suitable for all types of trekkers. Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yousmarg, Aharbal, and Naranag serve as short trek heads in addition to Sonmarg.
The months of May and June are best for snow lovers. In these months, trekkers can experience lush green meadows, the aroma of wildflowers, and snow-capped mountains.
September and October are the fall season in low-altitude valleys. As a result, all the mountains appear colorful. The valleys transform from green to brown, and the pine trees gaze yellow and red, making for some fantastic photographs.
RIVER RAFTING
The mountain ranges and gushing rivers of the valley provide abundant opportunities for adventure tourism in Kashmir.
Pahalgam and Sonmarg are ideal for river rafting on Grade I to III rapids. In addition, there are a few stretches on both Lidder and Sindh rivers with Grade IV rapids for adventure enthusiasts.
River rafting in Jammu Kashmir happens on three rivers – Lidder in Pahalgam, Sindh in Sonamarg, and Zanskar in Kargil.
LADAKH BUDDHIST MONASTERIES
Ladakh is home to some of the finest monasteries in India, with majestic mountains, spectacular deserts, lakes, and more.
The rich Buddhist culture is reflected through these monasteries since Ladakh is dominated mainly by people of Tibetan descent. They are not only places of religious significance but also a haven for those who seek peace. These ancient monasteries are architectural marvels because most are built elaborately on hilltops.
India - the land of heritage
With a rapidly growing tourism industry, India is one of the most popular choices for a holiday. It is a country for all seasons with diverse geographical features like deserts, tropical rainforests, beaches along long coastlines, snowy mountains, and fertile plains. It has one of the most diverse varieties of flora and fauna in the world.
The richness and diversity are not limited to the features but also extend to the culture. India has one of the most varied and unique cultures in the world. Indian cuisine is celebrated worldwide among the world’s top ten popular cuisines. Each region has traditions, religions, and cultures that influence its food giving it a unique style and taste.
With so much to see and experience, Incredible India should be on your travel list.
Kashmiri FOOD
In most cultures, food plays an essential part in adding to cultural assets. Kashmiri food has something for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Replete with spices and fresh ingredients, the geographical location and religion strongly influence Kashmiri cuisine.
Kashmiri food has dishes for all times of the day: freshly baked local bread, a hearty lunch-time meal of Kosher Tamoul and gogji razmah (locally grown rice and kidney beans with turnip), snacks like Lotus stems, potatoes, and peas deep fried in gram flour, and leisurely dinners with rice and rotis served with Rogan Josh (a mutton gravy dish) or Matschgand (minced lamb).
We would be delighted to curate a menu with specially prepared authentic dishes for you.
Shopping IN SRINAGAR
Srinagar has many buzzing and bustling local markets filled with shops selling authentic Kashmiri products.
Kashmir has a fascinating history of art and crafts, from Pashmina shawls weaving to papier-mâché products to copper-engraved items and more. Stores sell hand-embroidered clothing in wool, cotton, and silk; essential oils and handmade soap from locally sourced ingredients; dry fruits, and tea, souvenirs such as figurines, vases, wooden objects, woven carpets, and chain-stitch rugs; sheeshas; leather goods; spices; furniture, etc.
Speak to our staff to know more about the vibrant and unique shopping experience.
KASHMIR SIGHTSEEING
Kashmir is home to the Dal Lake, which was a favorite centuries ago for Mughal emperors escaping the summer heat of India’s plains. The lake’s famous houseboats are major tourist attractions, along with the nearby Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest, and the region’s mountains and glaciers.
In the words of the Mughal emperor, Jehangir: “Agar firdousba roy-i-zamin ast, hamin ast-u, hamin ast-u, hamin ast-u,” meaning, “If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”
It will be our pleasure to help you plan your itinerary for a memorable stay.
KASHMIRI CULTURE
Jammu and Kashmir have a multifaceted and unique cultural blend, making it distinct from the rest of the country. Its different cultural forms, like art and architecture, fairs and festivals, rites and rituals, seer and sagas, language, and mountains are embedded in an ageless period of history.
Srinagar too has a distinctive blend of cultural heritage. Holy places in and around the city depict the city’s historical, cultural, and religious diversity, as well as the Kashmir valley.
A visit to Srinagar and exploring the rich and fascinating culture of Kashmir will be an unforgettable and enjoyable experience.
KASHMIR IN PHOTOGRAPHS
