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WARNING: Srinagar has been severely affected by politically motivated violence over the last months. Demonstrations and rallies can rapidly turn violent. Western citizens might be a potential target of hostility and anti-Western mob violence. It is vital for travellers to maintain good situational awareness.
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Srinagar is the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the Kashmir region.
Understand
The city has become safer to travel since 2003, however the streets are still lined with armed soldiers. Any building of value will also have a sandbag bunker and razor wire for protection. If arriving from the airport, you will also notice hundreds of large, Western style vacation homes. These were built before the current conflict when domestic travel to Kashmir was booming. Currently most of these homes are empty, being squatted in or have been usurped for military use. Most people visit the city in the summer months. The temperature at this time is cool to pleasant. Light sweaters may be needed for occasional cool nights in the summertime. In winter, you will need full winter gear and expect snow and few places to have hot water.
Get in
Many people take the train to Jammu followed by a taxi or bus ride to Srinagar. The journey from Jammu to Srinagar is costlier in the summers because the capital is being shifted from Jammu to Srinagar on both the state buses and Sumos. State buses are safer but take more time and are a bit uncomfortable.
Foreign travelers on visas are required to register upon arrival at the airport or to their hotel or houseboat.
By plane
Sheikh ul Alam Airport (Urdu: شیخ العالم ہوائی اڈا) (Hindi: शेख़ उल आलम हवाई अड्डा) is commonly known as Srinagar Airport (Urdu: سری نگر کے ہوائی اڈا) (Hindi: श्रीनगर हवाई अड्डा) It is an international airport (IATA: SXR) (ICAO: VISR).
A new terminal for arrivals and departures with air bridges and other up to date operational facilities was inaugurated on 14 February 2009. International, domestic and seasonal Hajj pilgrimage charters to Jeddah are operated from Sheikh ul Alam airport.
Flights are operated by Jet Airways, Air Deccan, SpiceJet, Kingfisher Airlines, Go Air, Jet Lite and Indian Airlines [5] from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar, with or without a stopover at Jammu. The frequency is once or twice a day by each airline. The cost is approx Rs 2,500 from Jammu, Rs 2,500-5,000 from Delhi one way and higher from Mumbai, depending on the season.
The airport is still heavily patrolled and you may see many soldiers or other armed security detachments. Winter flights can easily be canceled due to weather conditions. Tickets are easy to purchase in the city. The airport requires a ticket for entrance. A taxi into town should be Rs 550 and direct to Gulmarg is Rs 1,500-2,000
When departing Srinagar by air, make sure you have a printed copy of your ticket at hand, otherwise you will not be able to enter the airport. Additionally, allow approximately 1 hr to get from Srinagar to the airport. Security checks can cause traffic to bank up if there are a few flights leaving at around the same time.
By taxi
Hiring a TATA Sumo SUV (fits up to 9 people, or 5 comfortably plus luggage) from Jammu costs approximately Rs 1,900-2,700 depending on time of year or even time of day. To reduce costs many people choose not to take an exclusive taxi, and share the Sumo taxi with other travelers. This costs about Rs 300-400 per person. For a comfortable trip, try for a seat in the middle row - the front bucket seat is (sometimes uncomfortably) shared by 2 people, and the far back could be quite bumpy as the highway is full of mountainous roads. The journey takes around 4 hr.
By bus
J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates fairly comfortable buses from Jammu costing around Rs 350 and do the journey in around 12 hr. 2 day buses run between Srinagar and Leh staying overnight in Kargil.
There are also direct buses from Delhi taking almost 24 hr to reach Srinagar.
Get around
Auto-rickshaws can be found everywhere. Taxis and buses area also available. Motorcycles can also be rented for enthusiasts.
Negotiate a price with a rickshaw driver before getting in, or just act like you know and pay the driver upon arrival. Drivers usually don't speak English but there will always be a passer-by to help translate for you.
A rickshaw from Nigeen Lake to Boulevard is approx. Rs 70 depending on negotiation skills (August 2009 prices).
Usually private service buses run throughout the city and are well networked with major tourist spots.
See
The Mughal Gardens With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions. The beauty of these gardens is at their best during spring but the Mughal structure of these gardens lends them a unique sense of beauty even when the flowers are not blossoming.
- Nishat Bagh. Situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop, (11 km. from TRC), this 'garden of bliss' commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far away to the west of the valley. Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan.
- Shalimar Bagh. the Mughal garden in front of the Dal lake built by Emperor Jahangir.
- Chashmashahi. is another beautiful Mughal garden.
- Hazratbal Mosque. the white mosque is breathtakingly beautiful but be careful, as women can enter only the first part of the mosque. Also take a walk through the adjacent market area with a range of great fresh food and a thousand things deep fried.
- Ziarati Hazrati Youza Asouph. in the Khanyar area, about 150 m NW of Dastgir Saheb mosque & shrine. This tomb, also known as Roza Bal, is believed by some to be the tomb of Jesus (part of the larger theory that he survived the crucifixion and made his way to Kashmir where he lived until at least the age of 100). It has been made popular by recent books such as Jesus Lived in India by Holger Kersten among others. It's down a little side road - ask around, pretty much anyone in the area can point you in the right direction. It was closed in September 2011 and sealed, photography and videography are not permitted.
- Shankaracharya Mandir. Is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on a hilltop. It can be reached by a car or taxi. No cameras or cellphones are allowed within the temple and you are supposed to leave them in the vehicle before entering the temple premises. Cigarattes, liquor are to be deposited with the police personnel before the ascent of the hill as these items are against Hindu religion. Locals from Dal Gate say there are 250 steps to reach the temple but it is yet to be confirmed. The temple is visible from Dal Lake Area.
- Pari Mahal. Don't miss the breathtaking views of the city from here.
- Nehru Garden, off Dal Gate (before Chasmashahi Garden). A well maintained park with lake by Dept of Floriculture with organised parking lot next to Park. The park occupies a large area and has a beverage shop run by the J&K Tourism department. They serve hot and flavoured "Kahva", a traditional drink of Kashmir. A cup costs Rs 25. The nearby Tulip Park only has seasonal access. There is adequate parking adjacent to the park. AdultRs 10.
Do
All the hotels organize excursions (1, 2, 4 days) to see the Himalayan mountains. Beside that package tours by JKTDC can be a good option. Using an honest guide or fixer can potentially save you money on goods and accomodation.
Go for a Shikara ride in the Dal lake which costs around Rs 150 (off season) - Rs 500 (peak season) for the whole Shikara. For better views and a more peaceful ride in an area devoid of other tourists, walk up a fair bit of distance till you can see the fountain and ask the Shikara rider to take you for a ride to the fountain. It costs Rs 300 (off season) - Rs 600 (peak season). Make sure you bargain a little, especially in off season. If you are staying longer, you could go on shikara rides more than once... each time to a different part of the lake. A must see is the "village" in the lake. Ask for a ride to the side where locals live and see the floating vegetable market. The market is usually operational only at sunrise and is easiest organised through an agent or your hotel/houseboat.
- Parihaspora, Dewar (On way to Gulmarg). Visit the ruins located on the outskirts of Srinagar on way to Gulmarg. See the palaces of Kahmir's Buddhist and Hindu rulers and Buddhist places of worship.
Buy
- You can buy nice leather products, or jewellery.
- Cashmere (Pashmina) shawls Have been manufactured in Kashmir for thousands of years. Pashmina Shawls are very popular items for sale in the Valley, but make sure to test the quality before purchasing. The test for a 100% pashmina has been warmth, feel and the passing of the shawl through a wedding ring. Costs on a true pashmina can vary wildly, but usually start around Rs 8,000. Secondly, the weave pattern on a good Pashmina is fainter than on a "silk Pashmina" or other wool Pashmina. There is also lower grades of pashmina known as Semi-Pashmina (10-50% pashmina wool) and Half-Pashmina (50% pashmina wool) which are still of an exceptional quality but much lower price (Rs 1,000-3,000). Also check if they are machine woven or hand woven (look for irregularities in the wool to spot a hand woven), hand woven are stronger due to the density of the weave and cost more.
- Kashmir Shawl Museum (A labour cooperative in association with the J&K government), 1st floor of the Auquaf Building at Dalgate at the end of The Boulevard in the centre of town (Near Dhar Medicate look for a tiny staircase heading up and a big 1st floor sign), ☎ +91 194 242 4891. They will take you through in detail the types of pashminas you can buy (and how to test them) and are fantastic in that they don't negotiate but offer a set price.
- Government Emporia You can also buy embroidered felt mats called Namdahs but the colours of the wool may be a bit too bright in most shops. The Government Emporia supplies might be better than some the private shops.
- Chainstich rugs There are rugs in two styles; English design or Kilim design. It will be evident what is meant when you see them.
- Paper Machie products Quite unique to Kashmir with colourful motifs and design on them. They are seen everywhere and resemble pottery in shape and design....BLOOMING DALE in Dalgate area have a vast collection of Papier Machie products.
- John International, 172 Old Gagribal Road (Near Nehru Park), ☎ +91 194 2477640. Manufacturers and exporters of famous Kashmiri hand made Pashmina shawls and exporters of saffron
Buy food
Bakeries
There are numerous bakeries in the city. Kashmiris are very fond of bakery products especially pasteries and cakes and you can find these bakeries very crowded especially around the times of major festivals.
The more famous bakeries include
- Hattrick
- One more important point to note for tourists having passion for shopping is when you hire an auto rickshaw, please mention that you want to go to Lal Chowk Ghantaghar only for shopping. As, most of the Auto Rickshaws will insist you that there is nothing in Lal Chowk and go to Whole Sale market instead.This is because, the prices at the so called wholesale market are very much inflated as they pay at least 20% commission to those auto rickshaws. Also, there are very few shops.Auto Rickshaws will say that there are underground markets as well and Lal Chowk is nothing compared to the whole sale market which is a joke to me. Do not fall into the trap of these cheat auto rickshaw pullers.
Eat
There are a number of restaurants and cafes in Srinagar. Most of the good ones are located in Lal chowk or on Boulevard along the banks of the Dal Lake. Most of the restaurants will serve Kashmiri, Indian, Mughlai and 'Indianized' Chinese dishes. Some pure veg restaurants are also located along Boulevard. Among the veg restaurants 'Krishna Dhaba' is the most popular for its Rajma-and-kheer.
Make sure you try dishes like Rogan-gosht (meat cooked in red gravy), Gushtaba(soft meat balls cooked in natural yoghurt),Rishta (Soft Meat Balls in delicious Gravy), Tabakmaaz(deep fried ribs of a lamb) and Kanti(small chunks of meat cooked with a lot of onions). All these Meat Items are usually eaten with Rice, hence the gravy is not thick.
Another popular local delicacy called Seekh-tuji consists of marinated meat pieces which are freshly barbecued and eaten with chutney. Most of these vendors are located in the Khayaam region of the city. This place is usually teeming with the youth especially in the evenings.
Enjoy the grilled mutton available in Srinagar. This is referred to as a "tilli" or "tekh" and mostly eaten by locals.
Drink
Kahwah is a traditional green tea recipe from Kashmir. The tea is made from green tea leaves with saffron strands, cinnamon bark and cardamom pods.Some varieties are made as a herbal infusion only, without the green tea leaves. Generally, it is served with sugar or honey, and crushed nuts, usually almonds or walnuts. There is another form of tea that is quite famous amongst the locals, its called 'Namkeen Chai' or 'Nun Chai'. It is pink in color and is also called Pink Tea. It is made from black tea, cardamom, various spices, salt and bicarbonate of soda. Also people like nune toath and dum toath which are very famous among sufis. Nunetoath is nunechai without milk and Dumtoath is strong form of Kahwa.
If searching for a beer or other drink there is a small bottle shop on the Boulevard. It's at the base of a hotel about halfway up the street and looks like a mini-fort knox. Ask people on the street and they'll point you in the right direction.
- There, Alpine Ridge Hotel (In Gulmarg), ☎ +91 195 4254527. Inside the Alpine Ridge hotel. 'There' provides western-style food and alcohol in a relaxed environment, with indie music and an innovative fusion of local kashmiri craft and scandinavian woodwork in the decor. Après-ski option on the mountain. Open from 10AM onwards for the ski season, Dec-March.ALCOHOL IS BANNED IN KASHMIR
Sleep
Houseboats in Dal Lake at night
Srinagar is popular for its houseboats, which do not float free around the lake, but are anchored off-shore. It is a great and unique way to enjoy your stay in the city. Houseboats are accessible either by road, or by a short "Shikara" boat ride. Each houseboat usually has 2-5 bedrooms plus bath, dining room, living room, upper deck (good for sunbathing).
Many travelers tell stories of bad experiences while staying on a houseboat, others enjoy their stay greatly. To avoid bad experiences do not pre-book a houseboat before arriving. With the security situation, the majority are empty and you should be able to get a better price in person, and to get a better feeling of if you'll like the place and the owners. Boats with land access have the advantage of allowing you to leave if you feel uncomfortable, or just like going for a walk, although they tend to be noisier.
There are houseboats on Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. These can cost anything from Rs 1,000 (March 2008) - Rs 5,000 depending upon the time of the year. Houseboats on Nagin lake are upscale and more expensive but are much more beautiful, and the Nagin lake location is serene. Price on Nageen Lake per person in Sept 2005 was Rs 500 per night including 2 meals. Expect to pay up to Rs 3,000 for a couple on the deluxe boats. Boats on the Jhelum river are cheaper yet, but still comfortable, and close to the bus station, good if you are just transiting Srinagar to or from Ladakh.
Be sure to take a 1 hour boat tour of the lake inlets to get a nice glimpse of life and wildlife along the lake. Prices are about Rs 300-500 per trip. A few areas are geared up for attracting tourists, but most much of the area is still reasonably untouched.
There are a wide range of hotels around Dal Lake. Prices vary from Rs 500-5,000.
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This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: please assist to make this article more useful. Place the Sleep listings into one of the three price categories; Budget, Mid-range or Splurge
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- Grace Villa (Holiday Home), Srinagar, Kashmir, ☎ +919819832922. A beautiful fully furnished bungalow available for vacation rental stays.
Budget
- The Shelter Group houseboats Price range Rs 600 to 3000. [6] Phone number: 0194 2310931. This is located near main town, away from the boulevard noise and close to the lal chowk area.
- The prince group of houseboats Price range Rs. 800 to 2800. [7] Mobile no.09796336405, Email: [email protected]
- Noor Guesthouse is a budget option in the Old Market area near Dal Gate. Rooms rates are 250 per night (shared bath) and 600 per night (private bath). Email: [email protected]
- Hotel Paradise Room rates starting from Rs. 1600. [8]. This hotel is located near Nehru Park amidst several other hotels and restaurants. Its also close to Dal Gate.
Mid-range
Hotels
- Hotel Ishfan, Kohnkhan, Dalgate, Srinagar. Mid-range hotel with
double room starting at Rs 2,500. In off-season, rooms can even be bargained upto Rs 400. The in-house restaurant serves North Indian food as well as chicken delicacies.
- Blooming Dale Dalgate, near Dal Lake. A small place with a lush green lawn suitable for families and individuals. Typical kashmir hospitality.
- Hotel Sadaf-The Pearl, 45, Exchange Road,Regal Chowk,Srinagar, ([email protected]), [1]. checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 12 noon. Centrally located hotel. Quiet with mountain views, 3 min drive from the Dal Lake and the local bus stand and 7 km from the airport.
- Swiss Hotel Kashmir. [9] ☎ +91 0194 2472766, +91 0194 2477640. ([[email protected] [email protected]]) In the foot hills of Shankrachraya Temple and stones throw distance from world famous Dal Lake is this beautifully located hotel. It is a commission free hotel.
- United Continents Group, Bishember Nagar, RIEC, Near Ikhwan Hotel, Srinagar 190001 Kashmir, India, ☎ +91 194 2474814, [2]. Rs 3,500.00.
Houseboats
- Butt's Clermont Houseboats, ([email protected]). Moored on northwest edge of Dal Lake nearby to an old Mughal Garden believed to have been built by Emperor Akbar and called Garden Of Breeze. Butt’s houseboats have had some very famous guests, including Ravi Shankar, Galbraith, Rockefeller, and Yehudi Menuhin.
- New Shaheen, A house boat at Raj Bagh Ghat is a luxury and economical and as well as serene for those who wish to stay in house boat yet far from noisy area. In off season you can bargain to ~Rs 600 for a double room with breakfast and dinner included.
- House Boat Taj Mahal: Houseboat located offshore in the open area of Dal Lake gives a view of mountains and the life around the lake. ☎ +91-941 9061672, +91-941 9060091, +91-941 9062480271
- Young Bombay, ☎ 00 91 99 06 38 03 27 ([email protected]), [4]. A houseboat in the middle of the Dal Lake, in the Golden Lake part (close to the Boulevard). Actually a complex of several boats of various classes, from deluxe to C, with varying classes. Spacious rooms with bathrooms, lake views, cable TV, internet, original Kashmiri cuisine and European food prepared by the owner's family. Advance reservations and airport or bus station pickups are available. Land line: 00 91 19 42 47 70 94
There are also some houseboats on quieter Nagin Lake.
- Peacock Houseboats [10] ([Email:[email protected]]) These houseboats are on Nagin Lake across from the Nagin Club. Made of cedar and furnished with antique wooden furniture. Carpeted sitting room and dining room. Bedrooms have western bathrooms attached. Cushioned veranda looks out over lake. Western breakfast and choice of Kashmiri, Indian or Western lunches/dinners are served by the houseboy. Can arrange tours.
Other houseboats can be found on Jahlul river near Information center and Bus station.
- New LaLa Prince 00 99 06 47 51 33. [Email:[email protected]] Houseboat owner Yousuf is a friendly and wise man who respects your freedom.Carpeted sitting room and dining room. Bedrooms have western bathrooms attached hot and cold running shower. Trekking and camping in Kashmir can be arranged. Prices are around 700 - 800 rupees including breakfast and dinner.
Splurge
- 'Shahs hut' A perfect place to be at located below the hills of kralsangri chemashahi . a quite comfartable place with all the conveniences at a small distance quite and a perfect place for a nice vacation . [email protected] tel 9797288682
Get out
- Leh/Ladakh Jeeps leave daily except Sunday taking 2 days with an overnight stop in Kargil.
- Jammu Jeeps leave daily as well as buses, be aware that J&K bus company quite often go on strike. Jeep costs Rs 350-450 and takes approx 8 hr.
To see around one should take the package tours offered by the JK tourism, situated in Tourist Information Centre. Also one can get the return ticket to Jammu or elsewhere from JK tourism, as they are reliable and safe.
