About Srinagar
Srinagar, located on the banks of the Jhelum River, is a beautiful city that offers breathtaking views, beautiful lakes, and lovely gardens. The main attraction of the city is the gorgeous Dal Lake which is famous for its row boats known as shikaras. The city is famous for Pashmina shawls and scarves, silver jewellery, intricately designed wicker baskets, papier mache, and the famed Kashmiri carpets. Delicious Kashmiri cuisine known as wazwan is popular among tourists, and the must-try dishes include tabak maz and mutton rogan josh.
Places to visit in Kashmir
- Dal Lake: Also called the ‘Jewel of Srinagar’, Dal Lake is one of the most spellbinding places in the city spread over 15 km. Taking a ride on the shikara, which is a traditional wooden boat, is the best thing to do while enjoying the beautiful view of snow-covered peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains. The lake is also home to a famous floating market called Raad, where vendors can be seen selling handicrafts, saffron, edibles, and even ice-cream on the shikaras.
- Shankaracharya Temple: Located on top of the hill, Shankaracharya Temple is one of the oldest religious shrines in Kashmir that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is named after the famous philosopher Shankaracharya and it is believed that he attained spiritual enlightenment at this place. A large number of pilgrims visit the temple to worship Lord Shiva and Shankaracharya. It is also a famous spot among the people as it offers lovely views of Srinagar and the nearby mountains.
- Shalimar Bagh: Largest of the three Mughal gardens in the city, Shalimar Bagh was built in 1619 by Emperor Jahangir and it is one of the most sublime places to visit. The word ‘Shalimar’ comes from Sanskrit which means ‘abode of love’. The garden overlooks the lovely Dal Lake and consists of a variety of flowers as well as trees such as chinar, almonds, and walnuts.
- Pari Mahal: A mesmerising place to visit in Srinagar, Pari Mahal is a historical place that is known for its seven-terraced garden. This gorgeous monument sits on the top of Zabarwan mountain. Its architecture is of traditional Islamic style, as it was built by Dara Shikoh who was the eldest son of Mughal King Shah Jahan. With fabulous plantations all around, this place has a pleasant ambience and will undoubtedly be a visual treat.
- Kashmir Government Arts Emporium: Located inside the famous Bahu Plaza Shopping Complex, this emporium is one of the best places to enjoy shopping. This lively shopping spot is known for selling a variety of handicraft items such as apparels, shawls, and home decor items that depict Kashmir's traditional culture. A large collection of hand woven carpets can be found here. This place has a calm atmosphere and grand interiors, in addition to some of the best products.
About Srinagar Airport
Srinagar Airport (IATA - SXR), also known as Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, is located 12 km from the city in Budgam and serves as a principal airport for the city and Kashmir region. It is used for both domestic and international flights. Facilities and services offered to the passengers include free shuttle service, wheelchairs, free trolleys, currency exchange counters, and ATMs.