 Srinagar, the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is located on the western side of the state and is a favorite tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is popular among tourists for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. The best time to visit Srinagar is from June to early November in summer and from December to February in winter. Other interesting tourist attractions are the Hazratbal mosque and the Hari Parbat fort.
The commonly spoken languages in the Kashmir Valley are Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and English.
The people of Srinagar are tall and fair and the sight of rosy-cheeked children going to school or rowing small boats on the Dal Lake is a picturesque sight. Srinagar is popular among tourists for its lakes, scenic beauty and the Mughal gardens. The Nishad and Shalimar Gardens are popular venues for picnics in Srinagar. The area around Dal Lake is also a favorite place for visitors who sit on the banks of the Dal Lake and watch boats float by, or venture out on a boat ride.
Srinagar basically has an alpine weather, as the summers are mild and winters are cold. In winter the local people, wear thick loose coats called Phirans. They carry a small basket within which a clay pot is kept. The clay pot has burning coal which is kept alight by feeding it small twigs and leaves of the Chinar tree. This device called the Kangri is carried under the phiran like a portable heater by Kashmiris as they go out on work every day. It is the traditional method of coping with the winter in Kashmir. Srinagar is known for its shops where fine Kashmiri furnture and wood carvings are sold. Kashmiri embroidery is a favorite of tourists who buy phirans, kurtas and shawls decorated with intricate embroidery. Designs such as the paisley motif, lotuses, chinar leaves, birds and flowers are stitched by hand in fine silk threads on woolen garments and shawls.
Srinagar has several tourist attractions; some of these are the Dal Lake, the Nagin Lake, Shankaracharya Hill, the Hari Parbat Hill that is situated on top of the Sharika Hill and the Charar-e-Shareif shrine, which is situated on the way to Yusmarg. The Dachigam National Park is situated at some distance from Srinagar. There are several travel packages for those interested in visiting Srinagar. Srinagar also offers adventure sports facilities for tourists to Kashmir.
Tourist Destinations in Jammu and Kashmir
| 