From time immemorial, visitors have been drawn to Kashmir, attached by its unsurpassed natural charm, its fine handicrafts, its fresh fruits, its mountains, rivers and lakes, and its unique lifestyle. 

You can never have enough of it, extols Kashmir’s tourist promotion literature. And no description could be truer. The great Mughal emperor, Jehangir, as he lay dying, had only one last wish -“more Kashmir”.

Srinagar is situated in the centre of Kashmir Valley,the most convenient way to glimpse life on the lakes is from the comfortable ‘full spring seats’ of a shikara.  You glide along the placid waters as the boatman, hidden from view by a curtain, keeps up a running commentary and identifies places of interest.

Places of Tourist Interest 

Pari Mahal

What started as a Buddhist monastry at one time was converted into the royal observatory by Shah Jahan's eldest son, Dara Shikoh, finally ended up as Pari Mahal in Srinagar . Overlooking the Dal lake this monument has a beautiful landscaped garden all of which is lit up at night. It is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi.  

Cheshmashai Garden

At Chashmashai, is a tastefully laid garden in terraces, which commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below and surrounding mountain ranges. The original garden was laid out by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD. It is said that the cool water of the spring here is highly refreshing and aids digestion.It is 9 Km.  

Nishat Garden

Nishat, or the “garden of bliss” as it is often called is on the banks of the Dal Lake , with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop. Conceptualized and laid out by Nur Jahan's brother in the 17 th century it has a glorious view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range.  

Shalimar Garden

Built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan, it  is a beautiful garden with sweeping vistas over gardens and lakes, and shallow terraces. The gardens with four terraces and gets water from Harwan through a canal lined with fountains.It is located 15 Kms from the cilty 

Shankaracharya Temple

The well-known sights in the city are Shankaracharya Temple atop the hill called Takht-e-Suleiman, a 5 km climb from Nehru Park .  

The Hazrathalbal Shirne Situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake The shirne is known by many names including Hazrathbal , Assar-e-Sharief, madinat-us-Sani,Dargah Sharief and Dargah.Sadiq Khan,laid out a garden here and constructed a palacial building,Ishrat mahal or Pleasure House, in 1623

Excursion 

Khir Bhawani  

Situated at Tullamula 25 kms. from Srinagar is a marble shrine with gold plated dome in the middle of a pool associated with the hindu goddess,Ragnya Devi the personal guardian Goddess of the Kashmiri Hindus

Chatti Padshahi, 

It is one of the most important Sikh Gurudwaras in Kashmir .In 1894, the sixth Sikh Guru Shri Hargobind Ji visited the city and Gurudwara "Chatti  Padshahi" was constructed in his memory.

Yushmarg

Forty kms. from Srinagar , the beautiful valley is at the foot of the Sangisafaid valley on the northern slopes of the Pir Panjal range. It is said to be the place where Christ once came.

Mansabal lake

32 Kms from Srinagar This lake is an ideal haven for bird watcher, The lake abounds both in fish and aquatic birds and also has a very fine camping grounds on its shores. Asia ’s largest fresh-water lake ( Wular Lake)  is at 60 Kms from Srinagar   

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