Srinagar in Jammu, India

by Surama Kolkata
(India)

My best travel destination would be Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir. Places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg are close to Srinagar.


Srinagar has lot many gardens namely Shalimar bagh, Nishat bagh and the Mughal gardens .The Hazratbal shrine is also very famous. Dachigam sanctuary is a must see on the tour itinerary.


The best thing about Srinagar is that you can stay in a houseboat on the Dal Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty. You can also hire a shikara and go for a ride early in the morning through the lake and enjoy the picturesque beauty. Floating shikaras sell all kinds of vegetables, handicrafts, jewelry and other things. It is worth an experience.


Gulmarg, called the meadow of flowers, is a two hours drive from Srinagar. I visited this place once in summer and once in winter. Both the times I experienced a different charm of that place. But it is best to visit this place in the winter to enjoy the snow covered pine trees and soft undulating slopes and also to breathe fresh air. This particular hill station is free from noise, pollution and population except for a few neighboring villages.


I would recommend people to visit this place, as it is the perfect place for skiing. The gentle slopes are ideal for first timers and there are lots of ski gears, which are available on hire. Ski instructors are also available at a nominal charge of Rupees 500 per day. The highest peak Aperwat is popular for trekking. The cable car connects the lower reaches to the upper reaches and always has a mad rush. Small wayside restaurants are set up that provides snacks and beverages. Kids will enjoy the wide-open spaces, learn skiing take he gondola ride, pony ride etc. This place also has the highest golf course in the world. The temperature reaches minus 9 to 10 degrees in winters.So it is recommended to carry woolen garments.


It is a heaven’s paradise in summer as there is snow in the upper reaches and the climate is ideal for holidaying. The weather is ideal for playing golf for long hours. Pahalgam is also a tourist destination by the banks of Lidder River.


In the summer months people travel via this place to visit the Amarnath cave to have a glimpse of the ice lingam. This is a perfect place to laze around and spend the entire day by the flowing riverside. Trout fish is readily available here. Different types of accommodation are available in these places according to your budget. The bakery items are a must try over here. You can also have Kashmiri food in good hotels. You can also purchase paper machie gifts, Kashmir carpets, saris, and bedcovers. It is a different experience altogether to enjoy the snow as well as staying in a houseboat on the lake.I enjoyed my holiday in this place the most.