Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir, India)

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. Apart from this, Srinagar is the largest city in the state, famous for its canals, houseboats and Mughal gardens. The city itself is quite unlike most other large Indian cities for here you are much more in Central Asia than on the sub continent. It's a city full of intriguing alleyways and curious buildings. A place where it's very easy to spend a few hours simply wandering - particularly along the old city streets near the Jhelum river.

Srinagar is a popular hill station among tourists mainly from the plains of northern India. The hill station has pristine beauty, peace and pleasant weather, which attract the tourists.

Sightseeing:

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 - Located at a distance of 2 km from Shimla is Jakhu Hill. It is the highest peak in the area with a height of 8000 feet above sea level. On top of the hill is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The surrounding area is heavily infested with monkeys.

Summer Hill:
At a distance of 5 km from the Ridge lies the township of Summer Hill. This calm and mellow area is 6500 feet high on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. This is the ideal place to escape to away from the hustle and bustle of central Shimla. While here, you can tour the campus of the Himachal Pradesh.

Canoeing & Water Skiing:
Kashmir has various lakes - Dal, Nagin, Mansbal and Wular. These are excellent spots for canoeing - whether it is a Shikara or a racing skull. No OIIC has tried canoe-ing in these lakes so far. These lakes are inter-connected as also the river Jhelum which flows through the entire length of the valley and connects with all the lakes. An interesting sport is what is locally called 'Water Trekking'. One can have a three to four day trip along the river to various lakes in a Shikara with all the camping gear. There are lovely spots to camp for the night. The lakes are also famous for water skiing.

Shopping in Srinagar:
There is a whole string of Government Handicraft Emporiums scattered around Srinagar but the main one is housed in the fine Old British Residency buildings by the Bund. Here one will find a representative selection of reasonably good quality items at reasonable prices. Even if one doesn't buy anything, and take advantage of the government's quality guarantee, it's a good idea to familiarise oneself with what's available here.