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Places of Interest in Srinagar
Nagin Lake:
Nagin Lake, which is usually thought of as a separate lake, is
also divided from Dal Lake only by a causeway. The causeways are
mostly suitable for walkers and bicycles only so they make a
very pleasant way of seeing the lake without having to worry
about traffic or Shikaras. The main causeway across the lake
carries the water pipeline for Srinagar's mains water supply.
Dal Lake:
The Dal is famous not only for its beauty, but for its
vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that
is unique anywhere in the world. The houseboat and Shikara
communities have lived for centuries on the Dal, and so complete
is their infrastructure on the lake, that they never have to
step on land! Doctors, tailors, bakers- one can see them all in
tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable
gardens and acres of lotus gardens.
Mughal Gardens:
Kashmir was a favourite of the Mughal emperors who visited it as
often as they could. Cool and refreshing after the plains of
North India where the business of governance kept them, they
planted gardens with stepped terraces and flowing watercourses.
Cheshma Shahi is the first Mughal garden one will pass after
Nehru Park. Built at a height above the city, its views are as
stupendous as its layout.
The next garden along the road that encircles the Dal is the
Nishat, built by empress Nur Jahan's brother Asaf Khan. The
third Mughal garden - the Shalimar - was planted by Jehangir,
the Mughal emperor, whose love for Kashmir was legendary.
Hazaratbal Mosque:
Across the Dal from Shalimar is the mosque of Hazratbal, the
only one of its kind architecturally in Kashmir. Made of white
marble with a dome and a minaret, Hazratbal is the repository of
a single hair of the Prophet Mohammed, exhibited to the public
on certain days of the year.
Shankaracharya Hill:
Within Srinagar, on its highest hill is the Shankaracharya
temple, nearly one thousand feet above the city. It is devoted
to Lord Shiva. The site dates back to 2,500 BC. The philosopher
Shankaracharya stayed at this site when he visited Kashmir ten
centuries ago to revive "Sanatan Dharma".
Hari Parbat Fort:
The 18th century fort tops the Sharika Hill, which is clearly
visible, rising to the west of Dal Lake. The fort was
constructed by Atta Mohammed Khan from 1776 but the surrounding
wall is much older, it was built between 1592 and 1598 during
the rule of Akbar.
Pari Mahal
The old Sufi college of Pari Mahal, the 'palace of the
fairies', is only a short distance above the Chasma Shahi
gardens. One can easily walk from the gardens up to the Pari
Mahal then follow a footpath directly down the hill to the road
that runs by the Oberoi Palace Hotel. The Pari Mahal consists of
a series of arched terraces. Recently it has been turned into a
very pleasant and well-kept garden with fine views over Dal
Lake.
Cheshma Shai
Cheshma Shahi is the first Mughal garden one will pass after
Nehru Park. Built at a height above the city, its views are as
stupendous as its layout. The smallest of Srinagar's Mughal
gardens, Cheshma Shahi
has only three terraces in addition to a natural spring of water
enclosed in a stone pavilion.
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