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Srinagar
SRINAGAR - THE CITY OF
HOUSEBOATS Kashmir's most well known city, Srinagar, stands by the clear
waters of the Dal Lake, and the rushing Jhelum. During the days of the Raj, the
ruler of Kashmir let the British come to Srinagar but did not allow
them to build. So they took to the water and lived in houseboats on the lovely
Lake! And the houseboats stayed on to become a symbol of the beautiful
valley and famous hill station.
A houseboat holiday is a delightful
experience. Just stepping on board transports you to a different world, away
from the hustle and bustle and noise of the city. There are different
categories of houseboat, from deluxe to D class. And they could be situated
either on the banks of the lake or river, or in the interior of the lake. So
while selecting one you should consider this factor. If you are with your
family and young children, it would be advantageous to take one which is on the
banks or overlooking the Boulevard, so that you can get ashore in a few
minutes. If honeymooning, you may prefer to be in the interior, all by
yourselves.
Soothed by the sound of water lapping against the hull, you
can relax in the cosy comfort of the living room or curl up with a book in the
bedroom. Or better still, savour the peaceful ambience sitting on the veranda
as shikaras glide silently by like floating supermarkets overflowing with
fruit, vegetables, flowers or the choicest of handicrafts.
When in
Srinagar a leisurely cruise on the lake in a shikara is a not-to-be-missed
experience. You could take a short hour-long ride to see the sights of the Dal
Lake, a shopping trip to floating handicraft shops on the lake or a day-long
trip to visit the city's landmarks. Down the ages many important places have
been built in the vicinity of the lake such as the Hazratbal mosque and
the beautiful Mughal Gardens - Nishat Bagh, the largest, with several
terraces, the four-storeyed Shalimar Bagh, and Chashma Shahi,
which is at a height above the city and offers spectacular views.
You
can also trek up to the Shankaracharya's Temple a thousand feet above
the city or pay homage at the Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara in
Rainawari.
Gulmarg (2730 m) - the meadow of flowers About 50 kms
away from Srinagar, it is a cup-shaped meadow 3 kms long, and over 2000 metres
high. It has the highest green golf course in the world, miles of forest and
numerous ski peaks. It is a golfer's paradise in summer and a skier's delight
in winter. Indeed, with the range of facilities available (such as ski-lift,
chair-lift and gondola cable car), as well as the variety of slopes, from the
most gentle to intermediate and then steeper and longer, Gulmarg is the
ultimate beginner's ski resort.
 Pahalgam (2130 m),
'the valley of shepherds', sits along the banks of the Lidder river and is the
start point for treks, excursions to glaciers and other scenic places, and the
pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath shrine. It is 96 kms north-east of
Srinagar.
Sonamarg (2740 m), 'the meadow of gold', is the last
halt on the Kashmir side on the Srinagar-Leh road. It is a popular destination
for trekkers, being the start point for a major trek to several beautiful
mountain, lakes - Satsar, Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar and
Gangabal.
Kashmiri Food : Kashmiri
cooking has imbibed the best of Mughal, Persian and the
Pandits' food. Wazwan, an elaborate meal of 12 or more,
mostly meat, dishes, is served on
special occasions. The 'wazas' or cooks pound the meat for
hours; and the finer the pounding the greater is considered
their culinary art. The heady aroma of
saffron, cumin seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and red
pepper being crushed, and rice being steamed, really gets
the taste-buds working in anticipation. And
as you eat each course you have to remind yourself to leave
room for the remaining that are to follow!
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