srinagar

our group

floating market

Left to Srinagar by 7 am from Katra, had breakfast at Om Bhojanalaya, vaishnoo dhaba means vegetarian dhaba. Parota was awesome. We had a small break to view the first valley of Kashmir named as TITANIC view point. 

Passed through Jawahar tunnel. Length of the tunnel is about 2.5 kms situated between Banihal and Qazigund which facilitates road connectivity to Kashmir throughout the year.  The tunnel was renovated by the Border Roads Organization under the project BEACON in 1960. It was first meant for 150 vehicles per day; the number is now 7000. After renovations, the tunnel now has a two-way ventilation system, pollution & temperature sensors, and a world-class lighting system.

It is guarded by military round the clock, photography or videography inside or nearby the tunnel is strictly prohibited. Once the vehicle enters the tunnel, it has to maintain the same speed throughout the tunnel. CCTVs are installed in the tunnel for continuous monitoring. Reached Srinagar by 5.30pm checked into houseboat named ATHENS, after refreshing tea we left for Shikara ride in Dal Lake. Shopping was awesome in the floating markets at Dal lake, purchased dry fruits, saffron, Kehwa powder etc.

Srinagar

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu Kashmir sprawls on both sides of river Jhelum. Srinagar was the summer resorts of mughal rulers, who built marvelous gardens with fountains, waterways, mosques etc.

Places of interesting are Dal lake, the largest lake of the city is indeed focal point of Srinagar. It is divided into four parts namely Gagribal, Lokutdal, Boddal and Nagin. Both Lokutdal and Boddal have island in the center called charchinar and sonalank. Naginlake is at the foot of zabarwan mountain, is the smallest and most beautiful part of Dal lake. One can also enjoy Shikara rides, houseboat stay, swimming skiing at dal.

 A shikara can seat about six people and have heavily cushioned seats and backrests to provide comfort in Mughul style. All houseboat owners provide shikara transport to their house guests free of charge. The shikara is also used to provide for other sightseeing locations in the valley, notably a cruise along the Jhelum River, offering scenic views of the Pir Panjal Mountains and passing through the famous seven bridges and the backwaters enroute.

Hazratbal Shrine

The white marble mosque on north-west side of Dal Lake has hazratbal mosque, enshrines a holy hair of Prophet Mohammed and is regarded as holiest mosque of Kashmir.

Chashma shahi gardens

Chashma Shahi ("Royal Spring") one of the smaller Kashmiri gardens around Dal Lake, is found on the southeastern side of the lake. 

Pari Mahal

Once the royal observatory, Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. 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.

Nishat bagh

Also called the 'Garden of Pleasure', located on the bank of the Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop, Nishat Bagh is a garden of bliss that commands a magnificent view of the lake beneath the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range that stands far away to the west of the valley. The Bagh was designed and built by Asif Khan, elder brother of Noor Jehan.

Shankara charya temple

shikara ride

sunset in Dal lake

Athens house boat

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nishat bagh

first valley of kashmir

shankaracharya temple

The Shankracharya Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to be the oldest shrine in the Kashmir valley. The Shankara temple was originally built by King Sandhiman of the Gonanda dynasty of Kashmir. Photography and videography is not allowed.