Sightseeing in Srinagar -

Dal Lake
Dal Lake is situated in the center of all attractions in Srinagar stretching around 18 sq. km that makes it the second largest lake in the state. The lake is surrounded by gigantic Himalayan ranges and exquisite gardens that make it the most hangout zone for the locals and the tourist from all over the world. The shores of the lake are also as charming as the lake itself. The moment you enter the premises, the first thing that you will notice will be the grand houseboat that are scattered through out the lake. Stay in one of the many houseboats amidst of the lake. The lake offers many more exciting activities that you can indulge in like kayaking, canoeing and water surfing. An excellent location for fishing, you can indulge into after getting a valid license from the tourism department. The most enchanting activity here is a boat ride, explore the magic of Dal Lake in a breathtaking ride on decorated Shikaras.

Nagin Lake
Nagin lake is located just a small distance away from Dal Lake. In fact both the water bodies are interconnected by a small water channel. Just like Dal Lake, this lake also freezes in the winter. But in summer time the water is pleasantly cool. The lake is one of the best ions, which you can enjoy a captivating round of boating. Even in the middle of the lake you can experience the thrill of shopping. There are boats that are full-fledged shops on the move. You can buy eateries, exquisite handicrafts, even the famous Pashmina shawls, and if you wish, you can even make a call from the mobile phone booths.

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.


The Temple of Shankaracharya
The Temple of Shankaracharya is balanced on a high octagonal plinth, on a hill called as Takht-i-Suleiman in Srinagar district. The temple dates back to 250 BC and over the time has become an important landmark on the face of Srinagar. It is said that the legendary philosopher Sri Shankaracharya stayed in this temple when he came to Kashmir to spread Sanatan Dharma. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and 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. From the height at which this temple is located, you can have a scintillating bird's eye view of entire Srinagar

SHALIMAR BAGH
The Shalimar were built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jahan, 'light of the world' in 1616. Although it is known today as the 'garden of love' it was originally named the Farah Bakhsh or 'delightful garden'. The garden is built in four terraces with traditional water channel running down the middle. The gardens measure 540 by 183 metres. During the Mughal period the top terraces used be reserved for the emperor and the ladies of the court and was the most magnificent. It included a pavilion made of black stone in the middle of the tank. Black Marble fluted pillars supported the pavilion, which was used as a banquet hall. Shalimar Bagh has an air of seclusion and repose, and its rows of fountains and shaded trees seem to recede towards the snowcapped mountains. A Son Et Lumeiere or sound and light show is put on here every evening during the May to October tourist season.

NISHAT BAGH
The Nishat Bagh is another lovely garden with its 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the zodiac, which descend gradually and seem to almost merge into the lake. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills. With its flowerbeds, trees, fountains, the Nishat presents a dramatic sight. The gardens were designed in 1633 by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jahan, and follow the same pattern as the Shalimar gardens with a polished stone channel running down the centre and a series of terraces. It's the largest of the Mughal gardens measuring 548 metres by 338 metres, and often the most crowed. The walks beside the channel are bordered with lines of cypresses and Chinars. Also found within its vicinity are some remains of Mughal period buildings including a double storey pavilion enclosed on two sides latticed windows.

PARIMAHAL
The old Sufi college of Pari Mahal, the 'palace of the fairies', is only a short distance above the Chasma Shahi gardens. One can easily walk from the gardens up to the Pari Mahal then follow a footpath directly down the hill to the road that runs by the Oberoi Palace Hotel. The Pari Mahal consists of a series of arched terraces. Recently it has been turned into a very pleasant and well-kept garden with fine views over Dal Lake. It's attractively sited on a spur of the Zabarwan Mountains. The gardens are beautifully kept even today and a Son Et Lumiere show is put on here every evening during the May to October tourist season.

CHASMA SHAHI
Cheshma Shahi is the first Mughal garden one will pass after Nehru Park. Built at a height above the city, its views are as stupendous as its layout. The smallest of Srinagar's Mughal gardens, Cheshma Shahi has only three terraces in addition to a natural spring of water enclosed in a stone pavilion. Smallest of the Srinagar Mughal gardens, measuring just 108 metres by 38 metres, the Chasma Shahi, or 'Royal Spring', are well up the hillside, above the Nehru Memorial Park. The fresh water spring in these pleasant, quieter gardens is reputed to have medicinal properties. The gardens were laid out in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan and include three terraces, an aqueduct, waterfalls and fountains. The water from the spring supplies the fountains and then goes through the floor of the pavilion and falls to the lower terrace in a fine cascade of five metres, over a polished black stone chute

Best Season to Visit : The best time to visit Srinagar is during summers between April and June. Heavy woolens are required in Srinagar.

Reaching Srinagar -
Air : Srinagar is well connected by air with Delhi. There is a daily flight to Delhi via Jammu by Indian airlines. There are weekly flights operated by Indian Airlines for Leh from Srinagar.
Rail : Srinagar does not have a railway station and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is 305 km from Srinagar.
Road : Srinagar is well connected by road to important places like Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), Jammu (298 km), Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. touristplacesinindia can arrange for you all types of land transport for your comfortable journey in Srinagar and throughout the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Shopping in Srinagar -
Srinagar in Kashmir is a handicraft lover's delight with a rich and distinct variety of crafts. There is great beauty in Kashmiri artifacts -which include - papier mache, lacquered and painted in floral designs; wood carvings and screens; fine carpets in typical oriental designs; silks and woollen shawls embroidered in traditional paisley and crewel work. The bazaars of Srinagar are packed with handicraft stores, street vendors there add their own charm. The J&K Handicrafts Corporation has a large display of handicraft items, carpets, etc. at the Government Arts Emporium.