Srinagar: A city of lakes, rivers and gardens
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Srinagar: A city of lakes, rivers and gardens

The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth

Post by on Monday, December 13, 2021

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Dating back to the 3rd century BC, founded by Emperor Ashoka, Srinagar grew on both banks of the river Jhelum in the heart of Kashmir valley. The Mughals aptly called Kashmir "Paradise on Earth" where they journeyed across the tortuously hot plains of India, to spend summer in the cool environs of Srinagar. The Dal Lake is its waterfront. Between the lake and the mountain ranges are the Moghul gardens; Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chasm-e-Shahi, and Pari Mahal.

 

Srinagar is a city of lakes and rivers, lush wild gardens of lotus and water lilies, Mughal Gardens spreading along the lake side in a patterned beauty. No destination is quite so romantic. It was here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar's many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chasm-e-Shahi.

 

Srinagar is located in the western part of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. River Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. The weather in Srinagar is alpine. Summers are mild and winters are cold. It experiences heavy snowfall in winters.

 

The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth. The Mughal emperors were so captivated by the beauty of this valley that they made it a place for retreat. There are a number of tourist places in and around Srinagar.

The Dal Lake is an important tourist attraction of Srinagar. It is located on the eastern end of the city. The Dal Lake comprises series of lakes, including the Nagin Lake some 8 km from the city center. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Travelers can enjoy taking a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or the Shikaras to explore the intricate maze of waterways of this lake.

 

The other major attractions of Srinagar city are the well laid out Mughal styled gardens. The Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh are beautiful gardens located to the far eastern side of the Dal Lake. One can take a stroll in these green and enjoy the waterworks within them. The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place to visit. Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka, built it in the 3rd century BC.

 

Srinagar is famous for its traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. Craft items from Srinagar make good souvenirs. There are also a number of utilitarian items of daily use. Woolen and silk carpets from Srinagar are a specialty; they are not only known for their highly intricate decorations and patterns, which show a strong Islamic/Persian influence, they are also renowned for their durability and subtle colors.

 

Chain-stitch carpets from Srinagar are also popular craft items. Travelers can purchase exquisite paper-mache' items such as boxes, vases, replicas of samovar (metal container used for preparing tea), houseboat models, etc., in all shapes and having bright colors and designs.

 

The handicrafts repertoire of Kashmir is incomplete without woolen shawls and woodcarving. Travelers can purchase richly embroidered woolen shawls in all colors and intricate designs in Srinagar. Apart from regular woolen shawls, one can also buy Pashmina shawls (made from the hair of ibex) highly valued in Kashmir.

 

As Kashmir is the main center for walnut production in India, craftsmen here create intricate carvings on walnut wood to make items like tables, chairs, stools, fruit bowls, partitions, etc., that have rich floral and trellis patterns carved on them.

 

(Author is Travel enthusiast and Social Worker)

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