Srinagar: A Royal Capital

First of all, it saddens me that a place as beautiful as Kashmir has to be a witness to cross nation political disturbances for past two decades. Srinagar, being the capital had to bear the maximum brunt. Although the spirits are yet not that lively, thankfully much of its charm still remains for the traveller.

The word Kashmir is an ancient Sanskrit word which literally means Land of Kashyap Rishi. The Buddhist Mauryan emperor Ashoka is often credited with having founded the old capital of Kashmir, Shrinagari, now ruins on the outskirts of modernSrinagar. Kashmir was long to be a stronghold of Buddhism. (wikipedia)

Shikara on Nageen Lake

Flower selling shikara

The Lakes of Srinagar -

Srinagar is the city of lakes, Dal lake being the biggest and the most important. Much of the cities life revolves around the 26 kms of non-circular circumferance of this Lake. However allmost the entire town and the tourist flock head out to this lake (especially in the evenings) making it slightly crowdy at times. Recently, a smaller but more serene Nageen Lake has started to catch up in terms of attraction. Nageen Lake hosts some niche houseboats and a stay is definitely recommended here rather then the Dal Lake.

View from Nageen lake

Dal Lake in evening

Tips to enjoy the lakes -

• You have to, have to and have to ride on the Shikara. But when and how?
• Preferably ride around the sunrise or sunset. These are the times that will give you the most finest experience.
• Instead of roaming around the Dal Lake, take a ride from Nageen Lake to Dal. It would be a 2 hour approx ride and would sail you through the authentic and amazing lake centered life of Srinagar.
• Shop till you drop sink. Salesman on Shikaras will float up to you selling their wares - pashmina, silver jwellery, flowers etc. And theres aa floating market too.
• Enough of the royal ride. Row a Shikara.

And the gardens - 

The Mughal Emperors shared their fondness with the place by building some fabulous terraced gardens including Shalimar Nishat and the Chashmeshahi..However the one that stands out and is a must visit is Pari Mahal. It was built by Dara Shikoh,, the eldest son and favoured successor of Shah Jahan (who built the taj Mahal), as a Sufi School. The garden being on the hilltop, offers a fabulous look the town below.

View from Pari Mahal

bunch of boys at a view point in Pari mahal