Explore Kashmir
 

Places of interest

Srinagar
The Jammu and Kashmir's Summer capital more than 2000 years old in the heart of Kashmir valley spreads out on both side of river Jehlum. Srinagar has been called the "Venice of the Orient"

Dal Lake
Dal lake of Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in India. It has been and continues to be a part of the poetry by some renowned poets. This is second largest lake of Jammu and Kashmir state after Wular Lake. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains from three sides and a large number of gardens and orchards have been laid along the shores. The University of Kashmir also stands along the shores of the Dal Lake. The hundreds of uniquely decorated houseboats which floats on the Dal lake afford an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Nagin Lake
Popular for water sports like water skiing, swimming, diving and sailing.

Nishat Bagh
The Garden of bliss laid down by Asif Khan father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. In Nishat commands magnificent view of the Lake and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the west of the valley.

Shalimar Bagh
The Abode Of Love.' Is said to have been a village, built by Paravarassna II. He used to stay here when on a visit to Sukhswami a saint living near Harwan. In 1619 Jehangir ordered a garden to be laid out this spot, calling it, Ferrah Bakkash (Delightful). In 1727 A.D Zaffar-Khan. A governor during the reign of Shah Jahan made an extension of it and called it Faiz Baksh (Bountiful). The garden is laid down in four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal runs through the garden lined with polished stones and supplies with water from Harwan. Chasma � Shahi : East of Srinagar. Built in 1634 A.D by Shah- Jahan. It commands a superb view of the Dal Lake it has the advantage of having a natural spring of Pure, Cool and Sparking water known as Chasma- Shahi (Royal Spring).

Harwan Garden
Harwan Garden is a beautiful garden, situated at Harwan, about 18 km from Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir. This huge garden lined with flower beds and Chinar trees, is an ideal spot for picnickers. The picturesque Harwan Lake is behind the garden. The canal flowing through the middle of the garden is fed by the lake.

Cheshma Shahi
Cheshma Shahi is one of the three major Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. It is located 9km from Srinagar city centre, and is the first Mughal garden that you would visit as you pass the Nehru Park. The name Cheshma Shahi means Royal Spring (shahi means royal and chashma means spring).
Cheshma Shahi is small and charming. It was laid out by the Mughal Governor Ali Mardan Khan for Emperor Shah Jahan, the ruler famous for building the Taj Mahal, in 1632.

Pari Mahal
Once the royal observatory, Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. A Buddhist monastery at one time, it was converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's eldest son. Situated on the spur of a mountain overlooking the Dal, the ancient monument, with a well-laid spacious garden in front, is connected to Cheshmashahi by road. It is illuminated at night.

Hari Parbat
The Hill of Hari Parbat crowned by the pathan fort who his visible from every part of the city. 400 feet above the plain, Legend says the hill grew from a pebble dropped by the goddess Paravati to crush a demon, in the form of Sharika bird (Maina). This is called now Hari Parbat.

Shankaracharya Temple
This Temple is situated at the height of 1000ft above the plain. The earliest of all the Temples built in 200 BC,. By Jalaka the son of the Great Buddhist convert Ashoka. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and dedicated by Raja Gopadittya in 6th Century. It is said to be that " the Takhut-I-Sulaiman (throne one of the Solomon). Panoramic view of whole Srinagar City .

Hazratbal
It is the most important Muslim Religious place, situated on the western shore of Dal Lake.

Jamia Masjid
The largest Masque built by Sultan Sikandar Constructed in 1400 A.D. Enlarged by his son Zain-Ul- Abdin.

Pahalgam
95 km. east of Srinagar, 2400 mts above sea level. Popular holiday resort. It is called Shepherds village at the head of the Lidder valley. Best place for trout fishing. Apart from angling , Pahalgam is also known as the starting point for trekking. Pilgrims route to Amarnath Cave.

Gulmarg
56 kms from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mts above sea level. .It is called Meadow of flowers. In summer best for trekking, golfing and pony rides . One can have beautiful walk around and can see in good weather the high mountains like Naga Parbat (In Gilgit) 7650mts high, Kolohi and Harmukh which are 5425 and 5124 mts high.Gulmarg has the world's highest green golf course in the world. There are cable cons that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mts. (Gondola).

Yusmarg
50 kms southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour journey through pine and fir forests. On the way to Yusmarg is the shrine of famous Kashmiri sufi saint : Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back. There is Tourist huts available.

Sonmarg
87 km. from Srinagar, 3 hours journey, 2800mts above sea level. It is called Golden meadow at the head of the river Sind with beautiful mountains and glaciers. Base for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag . Also the Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.

Lakes Of Kashmir

Manasbal Lake
This Lake is famous for Lotus flowers during summer and Paradise for Bird Watchers,. Between the river and foot of the Mountains spurs lower end of the Sind valley famous for Picnic spot.

Wular Lake
The Largest fresh water Lake in India 26 Km long and 8 Km wide. Surrounded by the mountains. The river Jehlum passes right through the Lake the deepest part is near the Hill Called Baba Shakur-ud-Din on the north west side.

Anchar Lake
The Anchar Lake is a swampy area. The Sind Nullah enters this lake from one side and flows out from the other. It is about 8 Kms long and 3 Kms. wide. Gandarbal is a famous township on its north-west bank.. Anchar Lake is a bird water's paradise where you will be able to watch and identify many species of birds, some of them on their way to extinction.
On the banks of this lake is situated Soura with SKIMS, Buchpora, Ahmad Nagar, Pandach, Nagbal and finally Ganderbal. Toulmul and the Mansbal lake is farther north, infact northeast near the bottom of the mountains.

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