Srinagar Sights and Landmarks Guide, India

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most disputed states on earth and Srinagar happens to be the capital of this disputed state. The capital city is famous for its scenic beauty and it had been responsible for attracting many tourists in the city. There was a time when tourism was the only business on which more than half of Srinagar’s population was dependent for a respectable living. Terrorism did grip the city (and the rest of the state) for many years but in last couple of years, tourists have again started to visit this region due to decrease in terrorist activities.

Dal Lake is one of those lakes which are famous around the world. This lake houses around 500 houseboats which are said to be from Victorian era. The size of lake is around 18 kilometer square and this itself defines how huge the lake it. It freezes totally during the winters and this is another famous feature which attracts huge number of tourists in this city. The lake is rich in terms of flora and fauna. Birds like heron and kingfisher are regularly spotted around the lake. Many hotels, parks, gardens from the Mughal period on the shore of this lake add stars to the beauty and richness of this lake.

The three Mughal Gardens (namely Nishat, Chesmashahi, and Shalimar) are one of the most famous tourist spots next to the Dal Lake. These were built buy the Mughal Emperors as a resemblance to heaven on earth. Multiple fountains, terraced lawns, huge flowerbeds, and the view of the Dal Lake makes these Gardens a must visit place for anyone who loves the beauty of nature. It is the spring’s season when flowers blossom and that is the time when beauty of these gardens is at its peak!

Hazratbal Mosque is famous for its exquisite architecture and beautiful design. Entry of women is permitted only till the first phase of the mosque. It is a must visit monument for every tourist that hits the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar.

Shankaracharya Mandir is a Lord Shiva temple which is located on a nearby hilltop. Taxis are the best way to reach the temple but remember that no cell phones or cameras are permitted on the premises of the temple. This temple is regularly visited by huge number of Hindu devotees every year.

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