“Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto” i.e. If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here…these are the very words used by Jehangir, the Mughal emperor on visiting Srinagar. The summer capital of one of India’s most beautiful states Jammu and Kashmir… Also known as the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir, Srinagar is a place famous for its Mughal gardens and scenic lakes with charming rows of houseboats floating on them .

A destination that is known for its spectacular views of snow clad mountains, Srinagar is located on the western part, in the Kashmir Valley. Home to many a lake, the most famous of them all is its Dal Lake that comprises of a series of lakes, including the Nagin Lake and is located on the eastern end of the city.Apart from enjoying the panoramic view of the mountains one of the prime attractions here are Kashmir’s traditional houseboats or Shikaras . Developed first when permission to build permanent homes was denied to members of the Indian Civil Service who served in the plains and vacationed in Kashmir, the first houseboat was designed in 1888 by Mr. MT Kenhard. Today tourists can see hundreds on them across the lakes.

Another important water body is the Wular Lake, about 32kms northwest of Srinagar.This is the largest freshwater lake in India.

While gardens are synonymous with Srinagar, attracting tourists are the interesting ‘floating gardens’ found here. Covered by 1020 cm thick layer of earth and mud these gardens consist of reed rafts of different lengths and a width of approximately one and a half by three meters. These gardens floating across the lakes are known to grow many  vegetablesand fruits.

Another major attraction here includes the several gardens laid down by Mughal emperors across the Indian subcontinent. The ‘Mughal Gardens’ found here are said to be amongst some of the most beautiful gardens in India, known for the beautiful flowerbeds, terraced lawns and cascading fountains. Favorites among them, for their breathtaking beauty and the Mughal Emperors’ concept of paradise, are the Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar.

With the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop, the Nishat Bagh – ‘Garden of Bliss’ – situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal Mountain; the same was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan. Also in front of the Dal Lake, the Shalimar Bagh, built by Emperor Jahangir is known for its excellent views.

Recently inaugurated by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi; the spectacular gardens here include the Tulip Gardens known for its magnificent rows of Tulips of different colours and shades. Other must visit gardens include the Naseem Bagh and The Pari Mahal (the palace of the fairies).

The white edifice of Hazratbal Shrine standing on the northwestern bank of Dal Lake opposite the Nishat Bagh, with the snow capped mountains as its background, is one of the most beautiful and holiest Islamic shrines for it preserves a strand of Prophet Mohammed’s sacred hair.

The Khanqah-e-Molla, also called Shah-e-Hamdan, located on the banks of the river Jhelum in Srinagar city is one of the oldest Muslim shrines known for its exemplary wood architecture, another must visit mosque here for it is believed to contain “the secret of Allah”. Also try the Jama Masjid, located at Nowhatta, a major tourist attraction in Srinagar for Muslims.

As for temples, Shankaracharya Temple perched on a hill, also known as the Takht-e-Sulaiman, is a wonder, more known for archaeological reasons rather than religious reasons. With its pinnacle rising up to more than a thousand feet above the sky, this ancient Shiva temple commands a panoramic view of the city. It can only be visited through a trek to the top of the hills.

A place of interest for its intriguing legend too, it is the Ziarati Hazrati Youza Asouph in the Khanyar area, about 150m northwest of Dastgir Saheb mosque & shrine…intriguing as it is a shrine surrounded by controversy.  Legends around this shrine go on to say that Jesus survived the crucifixion and made his way to Kashmir where he lived until at least the age of 100. The tomb also known as Roza Bal, is believed by some to be the tomb of Jesus! The release of many  books these days, have made this shrine a popular tourist attraction.

For wildlife lovers the Dachigam National Park is the best getaway, a park rich in flora and fauna, it is home to over 20 species of mammals like Leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Langur. However, the Rare Kashmiri Stag called Hangul which is an endangered species of red deer is its prized possession. The park is also home to over 150 species of birds; some found here include the Bearded Vulture, Golden Oriole, Golden Eagle, Black Bulbul, etc

While in Srinagar most tourists can also head to the nearby destinations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam – two destinations known for their breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan Range. Travelling to Gulmarg, one can be amazed by the picture perfect drive the meadows here offer, from tall Deodars to undulating flowers, Gulmarg or the meadow of flowers in known for the variety of flowers found here. The golf course at Gulmarg also happens to the highest one in the world,and is another of the biggest attraction for tourists visiting Srinagar. Lying amid the Himalayan Pine forest, the sleepy hamlet of Pahalgam offers tourists some of the most breathtaking trekking routes branching out to the wilderness of the Himalayas.

For shopaholics, from exquisite papier-mâché items to carpets, woolen and silk clothing and more, shopping in this ‘heaven on earth’ proves to be a heavenly experience! Carpets here are not only known for their highly intricate decorations and patterns, but also for their durability and subtle colors. Another thing one must look out for is the chain-stitch carpets from Srinagar and also popular craft items. While shawls and stoles are available here in all colors and intricate designs, a special mention must be made of the Pashmina shawls (made from the hair of ibex), a highly valued shawl made in Kashmir. Look out for saffron and honey found here.

As Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow, make sure you carry some back with you. Another item unique only to Kashmir is furniture & other articles made out of walnut wood. The craftsmen here are known for their intricate carvings created on tables/ chairs/ stools/ fruit bowls… they make great buys.

Srinagar does have an airport here, and is well connected to other parts of the country. Its extensive network of road connects it to important cities in Jammu and Kashmir and North India, namely: Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi, Leh, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam. However the nearest railway station is found in Jammu.

Come summers when everyone’s looking for the perfect getaway, what could be more delightful than this beautiful paradise on earth?