Kashmir.
A saying goes that if there is a heaven on earth it is here “Kashmir”. Till I visited Kashmir, I can say like everyone else I only heard about this quote. The beauty of Kashmir cannot be expressed in words. The scenic beauty of Kashmir is a feeling and unfortunately, no one can express it in words. Even the great poets also find it difficult to express the beauty of Kashmir through there poetries.
Places to visit at Kashmir.
Srinagar
Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir is the beautiful city of “flowers and lakes”. Once you are about to land on the airport of Srinagar you get the beautiful views of mountains. The airport is about 11 Km from the famous market of Srinagar Lal Chowk.
Lal Chowk
Is literally translated as “Red Square”. Lal Chowk was named by Left-wing activists inspired by the Russian Revolution as they fought Maharaja Hari Sing. It was famous for political meetings, political processions and dharnas. Nehru Ji briefed Kashmiri people for the first time after its accession to India.
Lal Chowk is the heart of Srinagar and amazing commercial market, probably the most visited shopping area in Srinagar. The area is however very much crowded with a lot of traffic and very few parking spaces. There are also few Hotels and Guesthouses in this area along with State Tourism Guest House There are a lot of shops selling good quality of dry fruits, woollen clothes, pashmina shawls and jackets and all at very reasonable rates.
It has a famous Ghanta Ghar there, and a well-maintained park “ Pratap Park” which is a good place to spend leisure time.
After relaxing in a hotel for some time you can visit this market, in particular in the evening, if you like street non-vegetarian food.
Mughal Garden Srinagar
Srinagar has three Mughal Gardens, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi. These are gardens built by the Mughals in The Persian style of architecture. It was made by Mughal emperor Jahangir.
These gardens are magnificent and a true piece of art as their way up towards the mountains in the backdrop. Gardens are so big that one needs to walk a lot. These gardens are lined with trails of chinar and carpeted with colourful flowers. Water flows through all levels of the garden and as you walk further in the interior of the garden you find it to be even more beautiful. The chain of fountains which is built in a beautiful way and well maintained enhance’s the look of the garden.
Is a Must visit place in all seasons? In particular, if happen to visit this place in flower season, you may fall in love with the place. Is always an excellent place to spend time with family and friends.
Many movie songs have been shot in these garden in good old days.
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is everything you could ask for in a hillside lake, and more. Considered the jewel of Srinagar, the beauty of this pristine lake, spread over 26 square kilometres.
The Mughals saw the potential in the Dal lake and surrounded it with beautiful gardens and pavilions and also built the Shalimar and Nishat Gardens exactly at a place where the beautiful outstretched lake can be seen in all its glory.
Dal lake and its silent beauty can’t describe in words. In winter to summer, it has different views with surroundings.
During sunrise and sunset, sparkling waters of this lake attracts photographers, filmmakers, tourists and many others.
Set in the lap of spectacular Himalayan ranges, lush chinar trees and snowcap peaks which give a beautiful scenery
The lake is well known for the Shikara, a wooden boat, and houseboats. I feel satisfied when I come to Srinagar and enjoy Shikara ride. What a movement at Dal lake. You can find a whole market in Dal lake. The lake market is the main attraction for shopping and there are many shops in the middle of the lake. Handmade earrings, wooden artwork, and saffron can be found here. While you are tanking the shikhara ride, there will be many different Shikaras and salesmen who will approach you and try to sell their handicrafts.
There is a Nehru garden in the middle of the lake. It’s just a small garden. get down there and do photography there. eat in the restaurant and that’s it.
In winter to summer, it has different views with surroundings. The largest group of houseboats lies along the western edge of the lake near the lakeside boulevard, towards Dal gate. Stay a night at Houseboats, just amazed you with a lifetime memory. All basic facilities like electricity, toilets, hot & cold water are available. Each houseboat will have either three or four double bedrooms. Houseboats offer a panoramic view of Dal Lake as well as panoramic views of the mountains near the lake.
The lake is probably at its most beautiful when the lotus flowers bloom in July and August. The floating gardens, known as “Rad” in Kashmiri,
