Srinagar Monsoon Getaways - Travelguru.com

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Srinagar

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	Monsoon Do’s
	The beautiful capital of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar is famous for its lakes and the numerous houseboats that dot them. It is known as the Paradise on Earth and rightfully so. Its sparkling rivers, gorgeous gardens and the overall natural beauty leave you completely spellbound. Srinagar is also known for its traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. The spring season, which extends from March to May, is possibly one of the most inviting times to visit this place. Showers are brief around this time, so it is advisable to carry light woolens.


	Things to see & do
	Dal Lake: The most defining feature of this town, the Dal Lake is famous not only for its beauty, but for the fact that it sustains within it a life. The houseboats and shikaras that dot the lake are tiny settlements in their own being, complete with tiny shops, vegetable and flower gardens. You should devote at least half a day to an excursion on the lake itself. Set out at dawn to witness the floating vegetable market, proceed to the island Garden of Char Chinar, stop at Hazratbal, traverse the Nagin Lake and the canals of the old Pandit quarter of Rainawari. Shikara rides: When here, don’t forget to undertake a ride on the shikaras, which promise you an experience of a lifetime. Take the 2 hour shikara rides that take you on a relaxing tour to the interiors of the Dal Lake and let you enjoy some shopping! Since the Dal Lake is centrally located in Srinagar, several places of tourist interest accessible by the shikaras have been built around it. The Gardens: Srinagar abounds in marks left behind by the Mughal emperors who visited it as much as they could. As such they planted trees, stepped terraces and laid down watercourses that water these gardens. Among the most popular here are the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Gardens, out which the latter offers spectacular views of the Dal Lake and the mountains beyond. Of course the must-visit here (and located in a high-security zone) is the Chasma Shahi Gardens buily by Shah Jahan. Located in the hill above the lake, it also commands a panoramic view of the Lake and the mountains. Pari Mahal: A short drive from the Chasma Shahi Gardens, near the Zaberwan Hill, are the six huge terraces of Pari Mahal. Originally intended as an observatory and retreat for Sufi scholars, these also offer remarkable views of the Lake and the landscape around. Hazaratbal Mosque: Located across the Dal from Shalimar Gardens is the mosque of Hazratbal, which is architecturally the only one of its kind here. Made of white marble with a dome and a minaret, Hazratbal is home to a single hair of the Prophet Mohammed, which is exhibited to the public on certain days of the year. Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid in Srinagar is located centrally, though in the old part of the city. It was built by the Mughals and is particularly notable for its timber constructions. Shankaracharya Hill: Srinagar houses the Shankaracharya Temple, which is located on the highest hill nearly 1000 feet above the city and devoted to Lord Shiva.


	Gourmet Treats
	Kashmiri food is essentially rich and fragrant with the spices used. Non-vegetarian fare is what really works here and is cooked in abundant cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and saffron. While the better hotels have restaurants attached serving Indian, continental and Kashmiri cuisine, the other restaurants are located on the Boulevard, Shervani (Residency) Road, Lambert Lane and Lal Chowk. Try some authentic Kashmiri fare at Mughal Durbar and Ahdoos, Ruby Restaurant and Juniper. Also available are a number of bakeries at Dalgate and Shervani Road. Try out some of the most delectable Kashmiri breads, including sheermal, nuts-filled Kashmiri naan and baqerkhani,


	Shopping Fiesta
	From the tiniest trinket, to the most authentic antique, Srinagar has all this and more. Kashmiri handicrafts are prized everywhere for their exquisite designs. Kashmir carpets, in both wool and silk with their Persian design and vibrant colours are must buys. Also available are papier-mâché items - from jewellery boxes to mirror frames, an array of intricately carved walnut wood furniture and accessories, stone jewellery boxes and beautiful woollen shawls.

Hotels in Srinagar

Star	Hotel name	Rate(Rs.)*	Inclusions
	Hotel New Mamta (A Pure Vegeterian Hotel)	500
	Hotel Zahgeer Continental	854
	Hollywood Group Of Houseboats	941
	Ritz Houseboat	941
	Hotel International	1,059
	Aristotle Houseboat	1,059
	Valley House Boats	1,094
	Hotel City Plaza	1,265
	Hotel Shah Abbas	1,294
	Kashmir Palace Group Of Houseboats	1,402
	Woodstock Hotel	1,741
	Gurkha Houseboats ( ITC Welcomgroup)	1,800
	Centaur Lake View Hotel	1,985
	Hotel Broadway	2,063
	Hotel Mount View	2,235
	Heevan Resorts	2,382
	Hotel Heevan	2,382
	Heevan Retreat	2,382
	Senetor Pine - N - Peak	2,647
	Pahalgam Hotel	3,129
	InterContinental The Grand Palace	5,278

* All the above rates are per person per night