Srinagar,
the crowning glory of hill stations, is the celebrated capital city of Jammu
& Kashmir. Srinagar is called the city of lakes, which has facinated
tourist's from centuries, with its beautiful picturesque Himalayan backdrop,
glittering lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the
grandeur of Mughal architectural. This summer capital of the state Jammu &
Kashmir is also a business centre and a favourite oliday resort.
The Major Sights in Srinagar
Dal Lake : The Dal is famous not only for its beauty, but
for its vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that is
unique anywhere in the world. The houseboat and Shikara communities have
lived for centuries on the Dal, and so complete is their infrastructure on
the lake, that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors, bakers-
one can see them all in tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque
vegetable gardens and acres of lotus gardens.
Nagin Lake : Nagin Lake, which is usually thought of as a
separate lake, is also divided from Dal Lake only by a causeway. The
causeways are mostly suitable for walkers and bicycles only so they make a
very pleasant way of seeing the lake without having to worry about traffic
or Shikaras. The main causeway across the lake carries the water pipeline
for Srinagar's mains water supply.
Mughal Gardens : Kashmir was a favourite of the Mughal
emperors who visited it as often as they could. Cool and refreshing after
the plains of North India where the business of governance kept them, they
planted gardens with stepped terraces and flowing watercourses. Cheshma
Shahi is the first Mughal garden one will pass after Nehru Park. Built at a
height above the city, its views are as stupendous as its layout.
Hazaratbal
Mosque : Across the Dal from Shalimar is the mosque of Hazratbal, the
only one of its kind architecturally in Kashmir. Made of white marble with a
dome and a minaret, Hazratbal is the repository of a single hair of the
Prophet Mohammed, exhibited to the public on certain days of the year.
