Srinagar

The summer capital Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and houseboats.

Srinagar is one of several places that has been called the "Venice of the East" or the "Kashmiri Venice". Lakes around the city include Dal Lake – noted for its houseboats – and Nagin Lake.

The Mughal gardens, forming a part of those laid by the Mughal emperors across the Indian subcontinent facinate the tourists throughout the year. Those of Srinagar and its close vicinity include Chashma Shahi (the royal springs); Pari Mahal (the palace of the fairies); Nishat Bagh (the garden of spring); Shalimar Bagh; and the Naseem Bagh

There are many religious holy places in Srinagar. They include:

• Hazratbal Shrine,only domed mosque in the city.
• Jama Masjid, Srinagar, one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir
• Hamza Makhdum on "Hari Parbhat"
• Kheer bhawani in Ganderbal
• Hari Parbat hill hosts shrine of Sharika Mata temple
• Shankaracharya temple

Dal lake is the second largest lake in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel".

The shore line of the lake is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line along the Mughal gardens, from houseboats and while cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras.

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