One of the most illustrious hill stations of India, Srinagar is also known as the city of lakes. The valley is dotted with glittering lakes surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and marvelous Himalayas at the background. For centuries Srinagar have had been a major tourist attraction, thousands of Kashmiris depends on tourism for a living. Placid Dal Lake with its slumbering houseboats lures many tourists. Apart from that Srinagar is famous for Mughal garden and historic wooden mosques at the old town.



Srinagar is in the center of Kashmir valley and perched at the height of 1,750m. The history of Srinagar is old. King Pravarasena-II founded the place over 2000 years ago. Most of the time the valley was ruled by Muslim rulers. The last Hindu ruler being Laltaditya Muktapida. The valley came into prominence under the Mughal ruler Akbar who bestowed some striking mosques and gardens. Muslim ruler was overthrown by Sikh leader Ranjit Singh in the year 1819 but he couldn’t stay in power for long and subverted by Dogras and they gained the control of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty Of Amritsar.

Sights And Activities

Dal Lake
The most distinctive landmark of Srinagar is divided by causeways into four parts, the Nagin Lake being one of them. It is not a lifeless water body. The lake is home of communities who have made their homes arraying from fishermen to houseboat owners. There are fields of lotus blossoms in parts of the lake, vegetable patches, shops and even villages. The best way to explore the lake is by Shikara boat. You travel will be incomplete if you are staying in Srinagar and not staying in Houseboat. The houseboats have all imaginable luxury in a uinque and endearing way.

Mughal Gardens
Overlooking the panorama of Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens adorned with terraced lawns, cascading fountains and bright flowerbeds. The beautiful gardens was bestowed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jehan. Other than that there are also gardens, which are included in Mughal gardens. Nishat Bagh (11km) was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan. Chasmashahi, the royal spring of refreshing sweet water cherished by the Mughals, is surrounded by a Mughal garden laid out by Shah Jahan in 1632 AD. On a nearby spur of the mountain is the ancient monument of Pari Mahal, planned out by Dara Shikoh as a Sufi School, surrounded by a beautiful garden.
The Old City
"Old City", which has a quaint medieval charmof its own and strong tradition of handicrafts. The narrow and labyrinthine lanes where you can catch sight of gaily embroidered fabric raw material for beautiful carpets and shawls hanging out to dry from top floor windows of houses. The old city also conceals many Kashmir’s many ancient shrines and mosques.

Shopping
Kashmir handicrafts are famous all over world. It’s carpets, in both wool and silk with intricate patterns, is a lifetime investment. Other handicrafts include papier-mache items, carved walnut wood furniture and accessories, stone jewelery boxes, woolen shawls, jewel embroidery and many more. The main shopping areas are the Boulevard, Dalgate, Polo View, The Bund, Residency Road and Lal Chowk.

Golfing
Kashmir is famous for its long golfing seasons stretching from April to November. The Kashmir Golf Club in Srinagar has an 18 hole course with common fairways.