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INTRODUCING SRINAGARA romantic houseboat drifting lazily on the scenic Dal Lake sunk in a crater, flanked by snow-capped mountains is why I’d go back to Srinagar anytime. But this isn’t all that the Himalayan city offers. Historic gardens, unique Kashmiri wooden mosques and a mild summer climate - pool together to make Srinagar one of India’s top domestic tourist destinations.
It is easy to break down Srinagar into three sections. All the sections start from a central point known as Dalgate, where the Dal Lake passes through a lock gate.
The three sides of SrinagarOld City: Northwest to Dalgate; delightfully chaotic, and colourful.
Shopping: The hectic commercial centre is located South-West of Srinagar, near Lal Chowk. Dal Lake: Beautiful, placid, magical, an ideal destination for honeymooners who want to sway in the slow romance aboard one of the Shikaras (traditional canoe) or houseboats. Parallel to the lake lined with vividly coloured houseboats, lies the hotel-lined Boulevard. A bright array of houseboats here form a particularly colourful scene. The famous Mughal gardens are strung out over several kilometres around the lake. Note: Although relatively calm now, inter-communal tensions still rock Srinagar with curfews occasionally. Also Note: In 2014, Srinagar suffered massive floods as River Jhelum over-flowed its banks; repairs are on, but new floods were reported in 2015 so check the latest position before you visit. |
Leh & LadakhA meditatively calm Buddhist mountain town with hearteningly friendly people and beautiful red old monasteries rising out of the arid mountains. Note that Leh is inaccessible by road most of the year. And it is crucial that you give yourself ample time to acclimatise to the high altitude.
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Spiti Valley & KinnaurRoads are closed during winters. Check for the latest situation before you visit.
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Hot Bath at Keer GangaThe women's bath is enclosed within brown and dark walls of wood, while the bath for men next door is open onto the gorgeous view of snow capped mountains...
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