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Srinagar Travel Guide

1. Overview 2. How to reach 3. Top rated things to do and see 4. Top rated hotels 5. Top rated restaurants 6. Quick facts about Srinagar

Guide and overview on Srinagar

This summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir is in the wish list of many travellers, who want to see the beauty that Kashmir stands for. A paradise on earth, Srinagar was under the dark veil of militancy for over 15 years that ensured not many people visit this region. Srinagar was once the popular location for filming romantic Bollywood songs. Fortunately the paradise is not lost and travellers are coming back to take in the views of a city, which is scenically stunning and is steeped in history and culture. Srinagar is believed to have been established by King Pravarasena II some 2000 years ago. Its history dates back to the times of the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka, the Maurya King introduced Buddhism in the region but with the coming of the Muslim rulers in the 14th century, Islam became the main religion in the area. The Hindu and Buddhist rule of Srinagar lasted till 14th centuries. Srinagar lies in Kashmir Valley and is located on the banks of the Jhelum. Srinagar is about 300 km north of Jammu, the winter capital of the state. The city is located at an altitude of 1730 meters above sea level. The very mention of the word Srinagar brings images of the Dal Lake, house boats, dry fruits and Kashmiri carpets. The word Srinagar has come from two Sanskrit words Sri (meaning abundance & wealth) and Nagar (meaning a city). Thus Srinagar etymologically signifies a place of wealth. Srinagar occupies an important place in the tourism map of the state. The city is the gateway to other lovely destinations in the Kashmir valley. The beautiful hill station and popular ski resort Gulmarg - is just 50 km from the city. There are beautiful lakes and gardens that draw travellers from different parts of the country and the world. The Dal and Nagin lakes are two popular lakes in the city. Just outside Srinagar are beautiful gardens founded by Mughal Emperors, which include Chasma Shahi, Pari Mahal, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Asias largest Tulip Garden opened recently by Sonia Gandhi is another popular attraction on the outskirts of the city. There is an interesting story about how the houseboats were introduced in Kashmir... Read more...

How to reach Srinagar

Bus : Srinagar is well connected by extensive road network with Jammu, Kargil and other neighbouring areas. If one is driving, drive up to Jallandhar on NH1, then take NH1A via Pathankot, Jammu, through Jawahar Tunnel and on to Srinagar via Khanabal. Train : Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station to Srinagar, which is approximately 300 km from Srinagar. Jammu is well connected by a good rail network from all major cities in India. Flight : The city has its own airport. Srinagar airport is well connected to Delhi, Jammu and Mumbai by several private airlines and the government owned Indian Airlines. Read more...

Top rated things to do and see in Srinagar Factories In Srinagar

Rank #1 Catagory : Shopping About the Attraction : Every second shop in Srinagar has Shawls, Scarfs and other handicraft items displayed. However, what was truly interesting is visiting one the factories where these articles are made. Walk into one of these units and the sales people will be more than happy to explain and show you the process. They try their best to speak in English are some of them were pretty good at it too. Whether its the Pashmina, Durrakha or Kani they will show you all the products with amazing enthusiasm and excellent salesmanship. The price of these shawls range from Rs 5,000 to several lakhs for a single piece. Like any other tourist destination in India, be sure to haggle as if you life depended on it. Most of these handicraft units are located in the old city part of Srinagar. For a more modern shopping experience, visit the Polo view market and Lal Chowk area.

Shankaracharya Temple
Rank #2 Catagory : History and Culture About the Attraction : Located at the top of the Takht-I-Sulaiman hills, Shankaracharya Temple is one of the oldest Hindu shrines of Kashmir. The temple is located to the south-east of Srinagar. The great Hindu philosopher Shankaracharya is said to have stayed at this place ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma.

Nishat Garden
Rank #3 Catagory : Nature and Adventure About the Attraction : Set up in 1633 AD by the brother of Queen Nur Jehan - Asaf Khan, the Nishat Garden is situated on the banks of Dal Lake. With the backdrop of Zabarwan hills, the terraced garden with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle commands magnificent view of the lake and the Pir Panjal range.

Khanqah Of Shah Hamadan

Rank #4 Catagory : History and Culture About the Attraction : The first mosque ever built in Srinagar, Khangah of Shah Hamadan is situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, between the third and fourth bridge. Sultan Sikander built the Shrine in 1395 in honor of Mir Sayed Ali Hamadni, who is credited to have spread Islam here.

Jami Masjid
Rank #5 Catagory : History and Culture About the Attraction : Located in the heart of the city, Jami Masjid is one of Kashmirs oldest mosques. Jami Masjid was built in 1400 AD by Sultan Sikandar and was enlarged later by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin. The mosque was burned down in 1479. It was re-constructed during the reign Hasan Shah, Muhammad Shah and Fateh Shah only to burn again in 1620. The mosque was built again by Jehangir and Shah Jahan but reduced to ashes in 1674. Later Mughal King Aurangzeb re-built the mosque.

Hazratbal Mosque
Rank #6 Catagory : History and Culture About the Attraction : Not too far from the Nishat Bagh is the white marble mosque Hazratbal that houses the Moie-Muqqadus, (the sacred hair) of the Prophet Muhammad.

Chashmashahi Garden
Rank #7 Catagory : Nature and Adventure About the Attraction : Well laid out in terraces, Chashmashai commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake and surrounding mountain ranges. Chashmashahi was built by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD and it is host to multiple kinds of fruit and flower plants including the Chinars. Check out more things to do in Srinagar

Top hotels in Srinagar Centaur Lake View

User Rating : 8/10 Address : Centaur Lake View Hotel, Chasmesahi, Srinagar, J& Contact : 423- 2443818 / 2452710/11/12 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Value Amenities : Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,Travel Desk.

About the Hotel : -

Hotel Broadway
User Rating : 8/10 Address : Maulana Azad Road, Srinagar, Kashmir Contact : 1124110308 Price Range : More than Rs. 4000 Highly Rated for: Rooms Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Credit Card Accepted,Doctor on call,Health Club,Indoor Games,Internet,Laundary Service,Money Exchange,Outdoor Games,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,Safari Arrangements,Shopping Arcade,Spa / Massage,STD / ISD,Swimming Pool,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : Hotel Broadway is located 13 km from airport, 300 km from Jammu Railway station. It is one of the finest Luxury Hotel of Srinagar.

Lalit Grand Palace

User Rating : 8/10 Address : Gupkar Road Contact : 8040430000 Price Range : More than Rs. 4000 Highly Rated for: Service Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Credit Card Accepted,Doctor on call,Health Club,Indoor Games,Internet,Laundary Service,Money Exchange,Outdoor Games,Parking Facility,Parlour,Restaurant,Room Service,Shopping Arcade,Spa / Massage,STD / ISD,Swimming Pool,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : Lalit Grand Palace (earlier Intercontinental The Grand Palace) Srinagar overlooks the famous Dal Lake. It is located 15 km from airport.

Meena Group Houseboats

User Rating : 8/10 Address : Boulevard Road Contact : 8772253316 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Location Amenities : Air Conditioner,Cable TV,Credit Card Accepted,Doctor on call,Internet,Laundary Service,Money Exchange,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,STD / ISD,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : Meena Group Houseboats , Srinagar is a perfection intricately brought to life by Kashmir craftsmen,-a budget property is located 16 kilometres away from the airport, 200 kilometres from Jammu railway station.

Hotel Malik Palace

User Rating : 8/10 Address : IST Boulevard Road, Gate No 1 Contact : 8772237773 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Value Amenities : Laundary Service,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service.

About the Hotel : Hotel Malik Palace (Previously Layga Business Inn)is located on Boulevard Road and is accessible to all the major tourist hubs of the area.

Hotel Shaneel Residency

User Rating : 8/10 Address : Contact : 6612520001 Price Range : Rs. 1500 to 4000 Highly Rated for: Rooms Amenities : Air Conditioner,Cable TV,Credit Card Accepted,Doctor on call,Internet,Laundary Service,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,Safari Arrangements,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : -

Hotel New Park

User Rating : 7/10 Address : Boulevard Dal Lake Contact : 8322489761 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Location Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Child Care,Credit Card Accepted,Doctor on call,Health Club,Indoor Games,Internet,Laundary Service,Money Exchange,Outdoor Games,Parking Facility,Parlour,Restaurant,Room Service,STD / ISD,Swimming Pool,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : Hotel New Park is located at Srinagar at the Boulevard facing the Dal Lake-The hotel is located 13 km from airport,50 km from Gulmarg and 300 km from jammu.

Kolu Group Of Houseboats

User Rating : 6/10 Address : Opp hotel Duke , Dal lake Contact : 09411507254 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Location Amenities : Doctor on call,Laundary Service,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,STD / ISD.

About the Hotel : Kolu Group Of Houseboats are located at the heart of Dal Lake,-a budget property is located on the Dal Lake amidst the picturesque surroundings of the hills, valleys and flowers of Srinagar.

Valley Group Of Houseboats,

User Rating : 6/10 Address : Dal lake Contact : 1612771700 Price Range : More than Rs. 4000 Highly Rated for: Cleanliness Amenities : Credit Card Accepted,Laundary Service,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,STD / ISD.

About the Hotel : Valley Group of Houseboats is the most enchanting way to sail through the paradise Kashmir is by houseboats-a 4 star property is located on the Dal Lake amidst the picturesque surroundings of the hills, valleys and flowers of Srinagar.

Hotel Sadaf
User Rating : 6/10 Address : 45,Exchange Road, S P College Lane, Contact : 1772658871 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Location Amenities : Doctor on call,Laundary Service,Parking Facility,Room Service,Travel Desk.

About the Hotel : Hotel Sadaf,Srinagar is situated in a calm location and surrounded by greenery.-The 2 star property lies in the heart of the city, 2 km away from the Dal Lake and 1.5 km from the Tourist Reception Centre.

Check out more hotels in Srinagar

Quick Facts about Srinagar

Altitude Temperature Best Time To Go Monsoon Summer Winter Clothes Nearest Airport Railway Station Bus Station Hospital & Doctor 1730 meters Summer 33 (Max) & 14(Min) Degrees Celsius Winter 12 (Max) & -6 (Min) Degrees Celsius April to June & October July to September April to June Very-heavy woolens in winter and light woolen in summer Srinagar Udhampur- 230 km, Jammu Tawi- 300 km (Main Railway Station) Srinagar One Civil Hospital and one District Hospital with emergency services are located in Srinagar. Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashmashahi, Shankracharya mandir, Hazrathbal Shrine, Jama Masjid...

SightSeeing

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