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Srinagar :::

Srinagar, the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is located on the western side of the state and is a favorite tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is popular among tourists for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. The best time to visit Srinagar is from June to early November in summer and from December to February in winter. Other interesting tourist attractions are the Hazratbal Mosque and the Hari Parbat Fort.

The commonly spoken languages in the Kashmir Valley are Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri and English. The people of Srinagar are tall and fair and the sight of rosy-cheeked children going to school or rowing small boats on the Dal Lake is a picturesque sight. Srinagar is popular among tourists for its lakes, scenic beauty and the Mughal Gardens . The Nishad and Shalimar Gardens are popular venues for picnics in Srinagar . The area around Dal Lake is also a favorite place for visitors who sit on the banks of the Dal Lake and watch boats float by, or venture out on a boat ride.

Srinagar basically has an alpine weather, as the summers are mild and winters are cold. In winter , the local people wear thick loose coats called Phirans. They carry a small basket within which a clay pot is kept. The clay pot has burning coal which is kept alight by feeding it small twigs and leaves of the Chinar tree. This device called the Kangri is carried under the phiran like a portable heater by Kashmiris as they go out on work every day. It is the traditional method of coping with the winter in Kashmir . Srinagar is known for its shops where fine Kashmiri furniture and wood carvings are sold. Kashmiri embroidery is favorite among tourists who buy phirans, kurtas and shawls decorated with intricate embroidery. Designs such as the paisley motif, lotuses, chinar leaves, birds and flowers are stitched by hand in fine silk threads on woolen garments and shawls.

Srinagar has several tourist attractions. Some of these are the Dal Lake , the Nagin Lake , the Shankaracharya Hill, the Hari Parbat Hill that is situated on top of the Sharika Hill and the Charar-e-Sharif shrine, which is situated on the way to Yusmarg. The Dachigam National Park is situated at some distance from Srinagar . There are several travel packages for those interested in visiting Srinagar . Srinagar also offers adventure sports facilities for tourists to Kashmir .

Places of Interest

Dal Lake	Half Mughal Gardens	Shikara Ride
Nagin Lake	Shankaracharya Temple	Hazratbal Shrine

Srinagar - The City of Lakes

Srinagar is famous for its lakes with charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits found in abundance.

Dal Lake Srinagar sightseeing loses its meaning if you have not visited the Dal Lake . With the backdrop of mountains on three sides, the view of the Dal Lake looks as if you are watching a photograph. This lake counts amongst the most splendid l akes in the country. One of the major attractions of the Dal Lake is the houseboats that stand lining its edges.

The Mughal Gardens -are located on the far east of the Dal Lake . The first two gardens, the Chashma Shahi (Royal Spring) and Pari Mahal is to the right of the famous Boulevard Road that circles the Dal Lake . A crystal spring bubbles out of a stone vase at Chashma Shahi. The two larger gardens, Nishat and Shalimar are located much farther down the Boulevard. This is Kashmir at its royal , best with the beauty enhanced by the backdrop of lake and mountain and carefully sited for the best views of both.

Nishat Bagh is another lovely garden with its 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the zodiac, which descend gradually and seem to almost merge into the lake. With its flowerbeds, trees, fountains, the Nishat presents a dramatic sight. It has an impressive plantation of huge Chinar trees on the highest terrace planted by perhaps the great Mughals themselves.

Shalimar Bagh has an air of seclusion and repose, and its rows of fountains and shaded trees seem to recede towards the snowcapped mountains. One of the attractions is the Black Pavilion, meant for the ladies of the court, set well to the back of the highest of its three terraces. It is more famous because of the celebrated romance between its builder, Emperor Jahangir and his queen Noorjahan.

Nagin Lake Another popular tourist attraction of Srinagar is the Nagin Lake . Placid water of the lake, surrounded with manicured flowerbeds and groves of chinar, popular and willow, is enough to capture your heart.

Shankaracharya Temple Perched on the Takht-e-Suleiman hill, the Shankaracharya Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is supposed to be the oldest shrine of the Kashmir valley.

Hazratbal Shrine Situated opposite the Nishat Bagh on the banks of Dal Lake , the Hazratbal Shrine houses the Moi-e-Muqqadus (preserved sacred hair) of Prophet Mohammad. It is one of the most popular shrines in Srinagar , revered by Hindus as well as Muslims.

Shikara Ride Shikara is a Gondola type light rowing boat. The two hour boat ride takes tourists on a relaxing sightseeing tour of interior parts of the calm and placid waters of Dal Lake , to see the market and the floating Gardens .