Srinagar - Jammu & Kashmir

How to Reach

Srinagar is well connected by air, rail and road. Srinagar Airport (14 kms from the Srinagar city) is connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The city can also be approached by train. Nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, 293 km from Srinagar city and is connected to all parts of the country with mail and express – trains. A well maintained network of roads connect Srinagar with important towns and cities of the country. The city falls on the National Highway 1A (NH-1A) and is linked with rest parts of the country. However, road transport is not advisable due to tense situation in the region. The main bus station of Srinagar is at city center of Lal Chowk. For transportation in and around auto-rickshaws and mini-buses are easily available. But the best way to explore the silent wonders of this charming city is by traveling in a Shikara, the long heart shaped kayak.

Tourism

The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth. 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" (If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here and it’s here). There are a number of tourist places in and around Srinagar.

Makhdoom Sahib

On the southern slope of the Hari Parbat Hill is the famous Shrine of Makhdoom Sahib. The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims every day as it is reputed for its healing powers.

Jamia Masjid

It is one of the oldest and the most spacious of all the mosques in Kashmir, situated in the heart of the city. Just a walking distance from the Makhdoom Sahib is the Friday mosque - The Jama Masjid. It is one of the important mosques in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. The foundation of the mosque, an architectural wonder was laid by Sultan Sikander in 1398 A.D. and later enlarged by his son, Zain-ul-Abidin, it is a best example of cross-cultural fertilization of the culture of Kashmir. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time, the mosque, as it now stands, was repaired during the period of Maharaja Pratap Singh. The area of the mosque is 384ftX381ft. Spacious enough for over thirty thousand people to offer prayers at a time. Of imposing proportions, the mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars. Its architecture is not purely of Islamic style but decorated with tall pyramid-shaped pagoda-type towers that dominate the landscape of Srinagar.

Hazratbal Shrine

Hazratbal Mosque derives its name from the village Hazratbal, which is situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. This unmatched reverence is anchored in the love and respect for the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), whose Moi-e-Muqqadas, (the sacred hair) is preserved here. The shrine is known by many names including Hazrathbal, Assar-e-Sharief, Madinat-us-Sani, Dargah Sharief and Dargah. Sadiq Khan, laid out a garden here and constructed a palatial building, Ishrat Mahal or Pleasure House, in 1623. The significance of this mosque is that, it houses a hair of the Prophet Mohammad. On special occasion, the relic is displayed to the public, usually accompanied by fairs. The construction of the present marble structure was started by the Muslim Aquaf Trust headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1968 and completed in 1979. The Moi-e-Muqqadas is displayed on various occasions related with the life of the Prophet and his four holy companions. Its reflection in the waters of the lake gives an amazing look to viewer. Friday prayers are offered at Hazratbal and attended by thousands of devotees. Hazratbal has the distinction of being the only domed mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs. The shrine – mosque complex is situated on the western shore of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh and offers a grand view of the lake and the mountain beyond.

Shankaracharya Temple

The sacred temple of Shankaracharya lies at the top of the hills known as Takht-I-Sulaiman. It is located at 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill. It is believed that philosopher Shankaracharya had stayed at this place while visiting to Kashmir to spread Sanatan Dharma. The Shiva temple, as Kalhana believes, was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C. and, as such, is the oldest shrine in Kashmir, though it is not certain if the temple exists in the same form as it had been built more than two thousands years ago. The first repair of the temple is believed to have been undertaken during the reign of Lalitaditya in the eighth century A.D. According to the historian Shrivara, Zain-ul-Abideen conducted second repairs of the temple after it had been damaged in an earthquake. The third time repair was undertaken during the Governorship of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din when the temple is believed to have been named as Shankaracharya. Dogra ruler, Maharaja Gulab Singh, constructed stone stairs up to the temple. In 1925, the temple was electrified. The temple holds a lot of importance in religious as well as architectural context. The temple is built up of specially smoothened rocks which have been set at the peak of the hill with unimaginable precision. It has a high octagonal base which can be approached by climbing a number of steps with side walls that once bore inscriptions; the main surviving shrine consists of a circular cell. From the height at which this temple is located, you can view the entire beauty of Srinagar city.

Hari Parbat Fort

Hariparbat Fort crowns the top of Hari Parbat Hill or Koh-e-Maraan hill. This impressive fort was built between 1592 and 1598. This historical monument of Srinagar was constructed by the Afghan Governer, Atta Mohammad Khan. The walls and gateways, though much restored, bear evidence that the Mughal emperor Akbar also contributed to the construction of this fort situated at this dramatic vantage point overlooking the lovely city of Srinagar. Although much of its old apartments are in ruin still it conveys a little of the grandeur of the Mughals’ summer retreat in ‘paradise’. The hill is also considered sacred for Hindus due to the presence of the temple of Sharika Devi who is a form of Goddess Durga. The architecture of the Fort is similar to that of the forts in Central Asia.

Khanqah-e-Moulla

The shrine of Shah-e-Hamdan or Khanqah-e-Moulla is one of the oldest Muslim shrines in Kashmir situated on the bank of the river Jhelum in the old city.

Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara

Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara is situated near the Kathi Darwaza, in Rainawari, Srinagar, which is visited by devotees of all faiths irrespective of religions. It is believed that the sixth Guru had travelled through Kashmir to preach at various places in the region. The halts where he stayed to deliver his religious lecture were remembered by establishing gurudwaras, the important being the Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara.

Martand

Martand is 60 kms southeast of Srinagar and located atop a plateau. The Sun Temple here is believed to date from the 8th century AD. Built by King Laitaditya Muktapida, it is a beautiful temple with a colonnaded courtyard and the shrine in its centre. The temple complex with its 84 columns offers an enchanting view of the Kashmir Valley.

Khir Bhawani Temple

Kheer Bhawani is situated at Tula Mula village, 27 kms from Srinagar. The temple is associated with the Hindu godess, Ragnya Devi. The temple is known as Kheer Bhawani because of the thousands of devotees who offer milk and 'kheer' to the sacred spring, which magically turns black to warn of disaster. The Historic Temple of Kheer Bhawani was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1912 & later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh. Surrounded by streams, the place abounds in Chinar tree in-and-around the compound Complex within which is a hexagonal spring wherein diety of Godess Ragyna is decorated in a small white Marble Temple. The legend goes that Lord Rama worshipped Mother Ragyna during his exile & desired Hanuman ji to shift the seat of Mother after the expiry of exile period, who bought it to Shadipora and was later shifted to present site as per the wish of divine Mother Ragnya conveyed in dream to one Pandit Rugnath Gadroo, it is believed. An Annual festival is held here on Jesht Ashtami (May-June) when Hindus visit the place in large numbers to offer prayers to seek the blessings of the deity. Devotees also throng on every Shukla Paksh Ashtami round the year & perform HAWANS to please the Mother.

Awantipur

This is an ancient township established by Avantivarman in 9th century. The town has two magnificent temples viz. Siva - Avantisvara and Avantisvami – Vishnu; both are probably from the 9th century AD. Built with great limestone blocks fitted together without mortar, these temples bear witness to the astonishing degree of technical expertise that prevailed in the early medieval period.

The Dal Lake

The Dal Lake makes Kashmir “the Paradise on Earth,”  Crystal clear water, striking landscape and serene surroundings represent the delightful Dal Lake and grace of Jammu and Kashmir. The largest lake of the city is indeed the icon and focal point of Srinagar. The lake is 6 by 3 Kms. and this lovely lake is divided by causeway into four parts - Gangribal, Lokutdal, Boddal and Nagin. Both Lokutdal and Boddal have an island in the centre - called as Rup Lank or Char Chinari and Sona Lank, respectively. A Nagin Lake at the foot of Shidhara (Zabarwan) mountain is the smallest and the most beautiful part of the Dal. It flows past the lush Mughal gardens and monuments, plummeted orchards, the University of Kashmir and what not, until it meets the river Jhelum. Moreover, overlooking the lake are two hillocks that houses the famous temples of Shankaracharya and Hari Parbat.

Nishat Garden

Queen Nur-Jehan's brother Asif Khan laid the Garden in 1633 AD. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal-Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills. This garden commands magnificent view of the lake. The Garden is terraced with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. Shikara riding can be undertaken to Nehru Park from the Garden. You can also enjoy picnicking in the Garden and taking long walks. Shopping can also be undertaken on the shopping stalls opposite the garden.

Tomb of Sheikh Noor-ud-din-Noorani

The tomb of Alamdar-e-Kashmir is situated 28 Kms in southwest of Srinagar at Chrar-e- Sharif in Budgam District. The shrine on the burial site was constructed by the then ruler of Kashmir Zain ul Abideen. Sheikh Noor-ud-din was born in Kaimoh and his ancestors belonged to Kishtwar. He was a pious soul and travelled throughout Kashmir to spread the message of his religion. He meditated for 12 years inside a cave. Four centuries after his death Afghan governor Atta Mohd. Khan issued coins in his name. The shrine along with Khanqah was gutted in a devastating fire in 1995. A new shrine is planned to be constructed in its place.

The Shrine of Khan Saheb

It is situated in the Khan Saheb block of the District. It is associated with famous saint Hazrat Saleh Khan who belonged to village Pakhla of Pakistan. Syed Saleh Khan also meditated inside a cave for 12 years and stayed in Srinagar for some time. He was also a fine calligrapher.

Dachigam National Park
Spread over an area of 141 sq. km., Dachigam National Park is the best getaway for all animal and nature lovers. Situated just 22 km from Srinagar, the park is not only rich in flora and fauna but also turns out to be great bird watching spot. The park was declared a National Park in the year 1981 and now a protected area under the guidance of Forest Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The park has been divided into two sectors, the Lower Dachigam and the Upper Dachigam. The altitude difference between the lower and upper section is quite prominent which makes the climate drastically different. The place is also great for spotting beautiful birds of more than 150 species. The park remains closed between January and April and the best time to visit this park is May to August for Upper Dachigam and September to December for Lower Dachigam.

The Mughal Gardens

The Mughal Gardens with their terraced gardens, numerous maple trees, refreshing fountains and blooming flowers, have become the outstanding attributes of Srinagar. Situated in the far eastern side of panoramic Dal Lake, The Shalimar Bagh(garden) and the Nishant Bagh are the most beautiful of all that are there in the city. Even Chashmashahi, though small, has made its mark as a successful tourist spot due to its spring of sweet and refreshing water which was once used for drinking by the Mughals.

Excursion to Srinagar

Yusmarg

Just 47 kms from Srinagar is a grassy meadow covered by forests and snow clad mountains popular for picnic and ideal enough for recreation. There are several peaks nearby which include Tatta Kutti and Sang Safed. At a short distance (apprx. 13 km) from Yusmarg lies Charai – Sharief, the shrine of Kashmir’s patron saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi, now rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1994 which damaged whole building.

Wullar Lake

A little drive from Srinagar will take you to the bird watcher’s paradise, the Manasbal Lake where there is no other sound except birdsong. The largest fresh-water lake in India is 60 km from Srinagar. Spreading over a 125 km area, the lake, by drawing off excess water from the Jhelum, acts as a natural flood reservoir. Interesting ruins in the centre of the lake are the remains of an island created by King Zain-ul-abidin. With its turbulent waters perpetually wind ruffled, its exciting variety of avian life and the sheer beauty of its setting, Wullar represent Nature at her most untamed.

Pahalgam and Amarnathji Yatra

Pahalgam is located at an altitude of 2,130 m, on the southern slope of the Great Himalayas, situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake to the Lidder River and is 96 kms from Srinagar city.

Lord Shiva is believed to be a living God by Hindus. According to legends, Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. But unknowingly, a pair of mating drops doves eavesdropped on this conversation having learned the secret, is reborn again and again, and has made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam.

Amarnath Yatra is a popular event organized by the Jammu & Kashmir state Government in the month of July and August. The pilgrims are allowed to perform darshan from Ashard Purnimashi to Shravan Purnimashi (in Hindu calendar). Situated at a narrow valley, Amarnath stands at 3888 mtrs and 46 kms from Pahalgam and 141 kms from Srinagar. It is advisable to start your journey from Chandanwari and cover the distance to Amarnath and back within five days. Pahalgam is the base to several treks to Kishtwar and the Suru Valley and for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath. Chandanwari, 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August). The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 kms from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 kms away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there. During the month of July and August, an ice stalagmite forms a natural shivling in the Amarnath cave and is believed to be very much sacred.