Main Info
Srinagar
Also known as ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is each bit the exemplification of heaven on the Earth. As pleasant as the foremost portrayal of beauty to ever be painted on the face of the Earth. Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum waterway, and encompasses a cool, charming climate all year circular, contributing to the never-ending affection of sightseers going to this city which offers plenty of flawless picturesque vistas.
From the savage waters of Pahalgam to the quiet pastures of Gulmarg, everything in Srinagar will enthrall you, no matter where you’re looking at. Upon reaching Srinagar, you will notice that the places has abundant sights for you and plenty of fresh air that your body demands after the hectic routine life.
The next thing to do is rent a houseboat and pay a visit to Dal Lake. Slopes encompass the foremost famous tourist spot in all of Kashmir, Dal Lake. There is abundance of lovely sights wherever you look. Taking a Shikara ride on Dal Lake is additionally a must-do activity. Embellished with colourful floor coverings and carpets, these gondola-type rowboats take sightseers to see attractions just like the Coasting Vegetable Showcase, and the Mir Bahris – a enthusiastic community of individuals who live on the lake itself. You’ll moreover spend a night in one of the houseboats, and wake up to a wonderful dawn that will take your breath away. Dal Lake too offers water sports such as kayaking and skiing, for those interested
What Makes Srinagar An Amazing Tourist Destination
Kashmir is exceptionally well known for being domestic to a few of the foremost engaging Mughal-age gardens in India, with the best draws being Nishant Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashma Shahi garden. All of these gardens brag of terraced gardens, clear wellsprings and naturally sprouted flowers.
Pari Mahal is another notable landmark, which is actually a garden that has seven tiers. It is constructed at the top of the Zabarwan mountains, and offers a quaint view of the beautiful city of Srinagar and the Dal lake as well.. You can all of its encompassing glades, and the mountains past it. In the event that you’re a nature significant other, don’t disregard to visit the Tulip Garden, which is the biggest tulip plant within the whole Asian subcontinent. The whole cultivate may be a revolt of colors, with thousands of tulips in full sprout, with the beautiful slants of the Zabarwan mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Dal Lake as its background.
Kashmiri cooking is popular all over the globe, so when in Srinagar, attempting out the neighborhood dishes, which are wealthy in special fragrant flavors, are a must. Srinagar is exceptionally well-known for its shawls and scarves, but the markets within the city offer a wide range of other gifts you’ll take back domestic as well, such as locally-made silver adornments, unpredictably planned wicker bushel, papier mache, extraordinary flavors, and of course, the well known Kashmiri carpets.
History of Srinagar
The title Srinagar begun from two Sanskrit words – ‘Sri’ meaning riches and ‘Nagar’ which suggests the word city. Ancient individuals would call Srinagar as ‘Siri – nagar’ which was a change in name from ‘Surya – nagar’ or City of Sun. Ruler Pravarasena II found this city 2000 a long time back. It was once then named Parvasenpur. It was later annexed in the Mughal Empire, one of the biggest realms on India at that time. After the time of the Mughals faded away, Srinagar was ruled by Durranis who ruled for a few decades in the valley. In 1947, the battle to pick up dominance over Srinagar begun between India and Pakistan. The contention led to the infamous Indo-Pak War.
To stop further casualties, United Nations intervened and due to which a few parts of Kashmir went into the region which is presently called ‘Azad Kashmir’. The rest of the domain is an indispensable portion of India and tells its story through its beauty to all the tourists who arrive here to witness its beauty.
Culture of Srinagar
Most of the individuals are attracted by the exquisite way of life of the city, medieval – looking backstreets and glistering white Himalayan towns. The numerous societies and wealthy heritages have developed from the Indo – Aryan Civilization from a long time prior, bearing the social viewpoints of Islam this put which can be seen in their nourishment, conventions and way of life. These artists are incredible experts who have, over a long period of time and through generations, honed the some of the finests arts that have vanished over the years.
Most of the populace constitutes of Hindus and Muslims. Cs common dialects talked are Koshur, Kashmiri and Hindi. Ladies wear colourful sweaters, and men wear gurgabi. Individuals of almost every religion reside in Srinagar, but you will mostly find Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists. There are two branches of faith in Muslims here – Shyias and Sunnis. These social contrasts have majorly contributed towards the multicultural way of life embraced by the individuals nowadays.
Restaurants and Local Food in Srinagar
Srinagar is a beautiful city that is replete with greenery and scenic sights. Cooking in Srinagar, is a thoughtful process and much consideration is given to nourishment. There is year of culture evolvement behind Kashmiri food. The Kashmiri kebabs are very popular in Srinagar and even throughout the world. It is a must-have if you have are in Srinagar.
You can also savor the green tea of Srinagar. It is known as Kawah.
These are amazing non-alcoholic beverages that you can enjoy. Srinagar also has to offer the extremely popular local bread that can be eaten with ‘Pink’ tea. It is a delight in the wee hours of the morning. People in Srinagar are very fond of Tsot. It is locally made bread that has sesame and poppy seeds. They keep the body warm. You will find it in every breakfast menu in the city. Local cooking incorporate tabak maz.It is a dish that is made from thin meat pieces that are browned till they procure a fresh crackling surface. Gushtaba is also popular here. These are meatballs that are made from beaten lamb meat and then made into large-sized Rista. These, actually, are meat balls. These are cooked in thick sauce of Yakhni, which a fresh curd base that adds flavor and aroma to the dish. It is made with curd. Among other popular dishes are seekh kababs. Kashmir is famous for its Roganjosh, a delicious dish made of mutton.Chaman is also popular and served in a thick sauce.Dumaloo Kashmiri is popular across India. It is a dish made from simmered potatoes made in curd.
Places to Try Kashmiri Food
Matamaal – Want to enjoy good food with great music? Matamaal is just the place. It is a foodstation that is managed by a Kashmiri Pandit family. Here, you can savor some conventional Kashmiri cuisines. You may not find an array of dishes on their menu, but whatever is on their menu is worth a try. People visiting Srinagar make sure to try their Mutton Kanti. The interiors are classic and they add a unique charm to the ambiance.
The Chinar – Want to splurge and explore richer Kashmiri dishes? Head towards The Chinar, which is quaintly situated within the valley. Expect the food to be costly here, but this is one of the finest places to dine in Srinagar. You may want to try Kashmiri Guchhi in Srinagar. Grilled Rainbow Trout is another popular dish. They are the most liked dishes here.
Mughal Darbar – On the off chance that you want to savor some cuisines made of mutton, visit Mughal Darbar. The dining experience is unique and offers you floor carpet sitting arrangement. Tourists from all over visit Mughal Darbar to try the food made by the finest chef in Srinagar.
Shamyana – Shamyana boasts of a great dining experience and its delicious Rogan Josh. You will find it situated quaintly on the Boulevard Road, and the food quality and services is just exceptional.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar. Check-in a lodging or a houseboat. Within the evening, take Lake trip to ‘Char Chinar’ and ‘Floating Gardens’ by Shikara.
Day 2: Visit Pari Mahal and Shankaracharya Sanctuary taken after by a visit to Hazratbal.
Day 3: Visit Mughal Garden, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Garden taken after by a visit to Chashme Shahi within the evening.