|
The best time to visit Srinagar is from April to June. The worst months are December to February when the entire Kashmir Valley is shrouded in snow.
Tourist Spots -
Dal Lake - Almost synonymous with Srinagar is Dal Lake. Interestingly the lake is not one single mass of water but two main expanses; Lokutdal and Boddal. The lake is also broken up by several man made strips of land populated by people who grow flowers and vegetables on these very pieces of land.
Nagin Lake - Relatively smaller than the Dal, Nagin Lake is a beautiful water body surrounded by Willow and Poplar trees. Both the Dal Lake and Nagin Lake offer Shikara rides, which is a novel way of experiencing the mellow ambiance.
Mughal Gardens - Designed by the Mughal emperors, the terraced Mughal Gardens of Cheshmashahi, Shalimar and Nishat are a spectacle to behold. Designed with a multitude of flowerbeds and luxurious fountains, these gardens offer a phenomenal view of the Dal Lake. Close by is the Pari Mahal which translates into Palace of the Angels. An erstwhile royal observatory, it is still a sight to behold.
Hari Parbat Fort - Located on Hari Parbat, the Fort is said to be built in the 18th century. Also on the hill is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Sharika, a local goddess.
Shri Pratap Singh Museum - Located at Lal Mandi, the museum offers a view of the rich Kashmiri arts and crafts.
Shankaracharya Temple - The temple built on a hilltop overlooking the Kashmir Valley is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is as old and as religiously significant as the temple of Vaishno Devi in Jammu.
Amarnath - One of the holiest Hindu shrines, Amarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, his wife Parvati and their son Lord Ganesha. The holy cave at Amarnath holds a Shiva lingam made of ice. It is said that this lingam waxes and wanes according to the shape of the moon. There are two smaller lingams by its side dedicated to Parvati and Lord Ganesha. The Amarnath yatra (pilgrimage) occurs in July - August.
Khir Bhawani- A spring located approximately 27 km from Srinagar, in the Tula Mula village, it is considered sacred to Goddess Ragnya Devi. Uniquely, in the center of the spring is a marble temple dedicated to the Goddess, which is the scene of a miracle on the 8th day of the full moon in the month of May. According to folklore on this day the Goddess changes the color of the spring waters. Considered holy by the Hindu population of Srinagar,the shrine is very popular among them.
| 
