Splendid Srinagar

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the several places that have been called the “Venice of the East“. The lakes of the city surrounded by the majestic mountains and lush gardens are a sight to behold. And the designation of summer capital is by virtue of the British making Srinagar their favourite destination to seek respite from the intense heat of the Indian plains. (But sadly, as global warming would have it, over the last couple of years Srinagar has been witnessing scorching summers).

A visit to Srinagar is incomplete without staying in their gorgeous houseboats and a shikara ride on the Dal and Nigeen lakes. The ride takes one through vibrant gardens and floating vegetations. There are entire market areas all set up over these lakes, and they have all the local produce – varieties of dry fruits, shilajit, kesar (saffron), wooden artefacts, all kinds of winter wear and even of cashmere wool and so much more. For somebody looking for local stuff, it’s a shopper’s paradise. And should you happen to take a ride towards sunset, the golden hues cast by the setting sun on the tranquil waters is surreal.

Tulip Gardens of Srinagar

Srinagar is also home to the largest tulip garden in Asia. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, formerly known as Siraj Bagh is where the Tulip Festival happens every spring. It’s open to the public for a very short duration around the months of March and April.

The Mughal Gardens

The area around the Tulip Gardens has several other super touristy spots including a collection of stunning gardens built during the Mughal era, of which Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh are definitely the most famous and beautiful ones. Both renowned for their symmetrical layout, intricate design, and serene ambiance. (It is however possible to get bored with too many gardens 🙈 )

Srinagar isn’t just natural beauty. For the religiously inclined, there’s the Shankaracharya Temple and the Hazratbal Shrine, both extremely popular and revered religious destinations.

The Shankaracharya Temple, perched atop a hill overlooking the city, is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dating back to the 9th century, this ancient temple offers panoramic views of Srinagar and the Dal Lake. The climb to the temple is steep with about 250 steps and might leave one with stiff knees. But rewarding nonetheless, offering spiritual solace and a glimpse into Kashmir’s religious heritage. And for me, the scene of the entire valley from that height.

The Hazratbal Shrine (popularly also known as Dargah Sharif), situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake, holds relevance to Muslims as it is believed to preserve ‘Moi-e-Muqqadas’ – the sacred hair of Prophet Muhammad’s beard.

thatbrowngirlinblackboots’ two cents – From my point of view and contrary to the popular belief that Kashmir is filled with rift between Hindus and Muslims, it’s actually a very peaceful place with people from both religions working and breaking bread together. Yes, the Muslim population is heavily dominant in the area, but they’re very welcoming and courteous towards the remaining population and all tourists.

Go with an open mind and heart and any destination in Kashmir will definitely stick, coz such is the beauty of this Paradise on Earth’