SRINAGAR-THE MIRROR TO HEAVEN

A PLACE WHICH RESIDES IN OUR HEART

Srinagar, conceivably a city that embodies visionary and beauty is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir; perfectly placed in the center of the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar literally meaning 'the city of wealth & abundance' in Sanskrit. Srinagar is situated on the banks of the river Jhelum. Srinagar is surrounded by beautiful lakes like Dal, Nagin, and Anchar whose glittering waters reflecting the rays of the sun is a sight to behold. 

Some of the destination facts which one can go through are that Srinagar is surrounded by 294 sq km. Moreover, if we talk about temperature there then it is 14 to 30 degrees centigrade in Summer whereas in Winter it is from 0 to 15 degrees centigrade, too cold right!!! Interestingly the languages spoken there are most common, i.e., Hindi, Urdu, and English.

Now, let's move further knowing about places of tourist interest which we all search most of the time before going on a trip. So here are some of the list of the places you could visit.

TOP PLACES TO GO AROUND IN SRINAGAR:

DAL LAKE:

Dal Lake, the urban lake, which is the second-largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel". The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

Mughal Gardens Overview:

Shalimar, Nishat, and Chashm-e-Shahi constitute the famous Mughal Gardens of Srinagar. They are known as much for their architectural exquisiteness as for the history that surrounds them. It was in the 17th century that Shalimar Bagh (garden) was built as a summer residence and royal court. The layout of both Shalimar and Nishat Bagh is similar to that of the Persian gardens with a water source in the center and four streams radiating from it.

Chashm-e-Shahi Bagh is known for its freshwater springs, which are popular for their medicinal value. There is also a mountain spring near a shrine called Chasma Sahibi after which the garden is named. In autumn, the Mughal Gardens are covered with fallen red golden leaves – a walk with your beloved is a memory that will last forever.

Pahalgam Overview

Pahalgam, the village of shepherds, is perched at 8,200 feet above sea level. This lavish emerald green valley is a paradise of recreation and leisure. Pahalgam is home to a fantastic 9-hole golf course perched atop the valley at 7,800 feet. From Pahalgam, you can visit the temple ruins in Avantipur or go on a family picnic on the banks of the Lidder River.

Sonmarg Overview:

Sonmarg, also known as the 'Meadow of Gold', is a popular base for trekking to nearby locales. It is as much a preferred family destination as it is for the adventure enthusiasts. The Indus River offers fresh trout and mahaseer (freshwater carp fish) and glistening rapids for whitewater rafting. The Thajiwas Valley at the foot of Sonmarg offers plenty of camping sites and picnic spots with mighty white glaciers set against the lush green meadow.

Shalimar Bagh Overview

Shalimar Bagh is a royal Mughal Garden that lies along the right bank of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Spread across a total area of 31 acres, it is the largest among the three Mughal Gardens in the city. The name of this garden literally means 'abode of love', which is supported by the fact that it was built by Emperor Jahangir for his loving wife Nur Jahan. Laid in 1619, this garden was originally named Farah Baksh which means delightful on translation.

The architecture and landscaping of this garden draws inspiration from the Persian Chahar Bagh. It is segregated into three terraced portions, each serving a different purpose. The outer portion of the garden is named Diwan-i-Aam that was open to the public, whereas the central portion named Diwan-i-Khas was exclusively for the emperor. Its uppermost portion was designed for women belonging to the royal family. The garden is encompassed by tall trees of chinar and is dotted with colorful flowers. A beautiful canal with polished pebbles runs through the center of this garden and adds to its beauty.

The highlights of Shalimar Bagh are chini khanas, which are delicately designed arched niches placed behind waterfalls. During olden times, these chini khanas were lighted with oil lamps that created a stunning effect. In present times, these niches are adorned with flower pots that create an attractive visual effect. From May to October – the peak tourist season - a light and sound show is organized here during the evening.

PLACES WITH RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE:

Kheer Bhawani Temple Overview:

Kheer Bhawani Temple is a celebrated Hindu shrine, situated in the Tulla Mulla village near Srinagar. The temple is constructed above a sacred spring, which is said to change its colors. Goddess Ragnya Devi – an incarnation of Goddess Durga – is the presiding deity of this temple. The temple attributes its unique name to the famous Indian dessert kheer, which is the main offering to the goddess.

Maharaja Pratap Singh built this temple in 1912, which was later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh. The shrine has a hexagonal spring and a small marble shrine where the goddess' idol is installed. According to legends, Lord Rama worshipped the goddess during his exile. He expressed his desire to shifting the holy seat to Shadipora, which was fulfilled by Lord Hanuman. The temple was shifted to its present site after the goddess appeared in the dream of a local pundit named Rugnath Gadroo.

On the eighth day of the full moon in May, devotees gather at the Kheer Bhawani Temple and observe fasts. It is believed that Goddess Ragnya changes the spring's color on this auspicious day. If the color changes to black, it is considered a bad omen that would result in a disaster in the valley. The temple organises fairs and yagnas during its annual festival and navratras, which attract a large number of devotees. Hawans on Shukla Paksh Ashtami are also common in this temple.

Makhdoom Sahib Overview:

Makhdoom Sahib is a distinguished Islamic shrine, which lies below the Mughal Fort, towards the south of Hari Parbat. It is amongst the most famous shrines of the valley of Kashmir. The mosque is named after the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, who was known by different names like Makhdoom Sahib, Hazrat Sultan, Sultan-ul-Arifeen and Mehboob-ul-Alam.

Built in typical Mughal architectural style, this two-storey edifice looks impressive in appearance. Several pillars support the structure of this mosque and add to its architectural splendour. Devotees frequent this celebrated shrine throughout the year.

Dastgir Sahib Shrine Overview:

Dastgir Sahib Shrine is an important Islamic place of worship, which is situated in the old city of Srinagar. This shrine was established in remembrance of Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani, who was a revered Sufi saint and preacher. It earns widespread recognition for its stunning interiors, which reflect artistic brilliance and creativity.

Papier-mache scrollwork and impressive motifs are used to decorate the interiors of this shrine. Holy scriptures written in the Arabic language are also present inside Dastgir Sahib. Making the shrine all the more beautiful are the elegant and ornate chandeliers that look stunning when lit. Dastgir Sahib Shrine also houses relics of eminent Islamic personalities.

• Kathi Darwaza Overview:

Kathi Darwaza is the main entrance gate to the Hari Parbat Fort, which majestically stands atop a hill, overlooking Srinagar. It is a fine specimen of the splendid Mughal architecture that evolved during the reign of the influential Mughal Empire. A domed chamber flanked by two bays is present at the centre of this imposing gateway. The ceiling and walls of this grand entrance are adorned with Persian inscriptions, which provide an insight into the Persian traditions followed by Mughals.

NATIONAL PARK:

Dachigam National Park Overview:

Dachigam National Park is a wildlife and environment conservation area that lies about 22 km away from Srinagar. It covers an area of 141 sq km, which has been divided into Lower Dachigam and Upper Dachigam. Translating to '10 villages', the name of this national park hints towards the ten hamlets that together formed Dachigam National Park. The park became a protected area in 1910, when Maharaja of Kashmir made it a game preserve and used the Harwan reservoir within its premises as a source of potable water for his kingdom. After independence, it came under the administrative control of the state government. In 1951, it was notified as a wildlife sanctuary by the government of Kashmir. It was in 1981 that this place got the status of a national park.

This national park has a rich flora that includes about 500 herb species, 50 types of trees and 20 varieties of shrub. From dense forests to sprawling grasslands, it has a variety of ecosystems that are inhabited by various animals. This place earns widespread recognition for being the habitat of the last surviving population of Hangul (Kashmir Stag). Himalayan Black Bear can be seen here during springs and autumns while summers are ideal to spot Long-tailed Marmots. Leopard, Jackal, Red Fox and Common Palm Civet are other animal species that are found in this national park. It also attracts ornithologists and birdwatchers as around 145 bird species can be spotted here.

THUS,THESE ALL PLACES IN TOTAL ADDS TO THE BEAUTY OF SRINAGAR AND MAKES IT A DIVINE PLACE.

IT'S A REQUEST🙏🙏 FROM OUR TEAM, THAT YOU SHOULD ONCE VISIT SRINAGAR SEE THE SIGHTS AT IT'S BEST.