Srinagar
“If there is a heaven on earth, it is here in Srinagar”, did Mughal
Emperor Jehangir make the most famous statement when he visited here. Srinagar
is one of world’s most scintillating hill resorts. Srinagar in the state
of Jammu & Kashmir happens to be the only place where typically the
best
houseboats are seen in rows floating on many of its lakes.
One may savour the peaceful ambience of the cozy comforts while on a houseboat
holiday. It is pleasurable sight shikaras gliding past silently, and you
may choose to stop them to pick up fruit, flowers and handicrafts. The
shikara
cruise on the Dal Lake is quite an experience. You visit floating shops
and city’s landmarks.
The known history of the Kashmir valley begins in the 3rd century BC. It
has seen the reigns of Mauryan Empire, Kushans (1 AD) when
Buddhism
flourished, Vikramaditya in 6th century, and few other dynasties until 14th
century when Muslims established their rule, only to be driven out by the
Pathans and Sikhs under administrative controls of British till 1947.
For more than a decade now the
Kashmir Valley is fraught with violence.
But the magical pulls of the natural environs have not diminished. The interesting
places in the city are the
Hazratbal mosque and the beautiful Mughal
Gardens -
Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashma Shahi, Shankaracharya's
Temple, Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara.
North India Heritage
Tour 
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