Visits in Srinagar and around

coleridge

Hello!
Next summer I am staying three days in Srinagar on my way to Leh, and as the two guidebooks I have do not give much info about the places I should see there I´d be grateful if you could tell me some! And apart from Srinagar, is there any close place which is worth visiting (not far, because of the troubles there...). Someone has told me about Dachimgan National Park. Anyone knows it?
Thank you!!!

Radjesh

Is 'Next summer', the one in 2008 or the one in 2009?

Amitava343

Places of interest in Shrinagar:
As you are from Spain I assume that you are not an Indian on a Hindu by religion but still I will give all the destinations
1.Shikara ride on the Dal Lake and while on it see (a) Kaburtar Khana or the palae of the piegons, (b)the lotus garden.
2.Hazratbal Mosuqe (some say Jesus is buried there, don't miss it the Dal lake view is fascinating from here, there is a Koran written by Aurangzeg the last Mogul Emperor of India, partly destroyed )
3. The Gurudwara.
4.Shankaracharya Temple on top of the hill Shrinagar(Entire Shrinagar with the Hari Parvat meaning mountain and beautiful view of the Dal Lake from above)
5.The temple on the top of Hari Parvat Shrinagar
6.The fort on top of Hari Parvat Shrinagar (no one allowed inside security reasons)
7.Nehru Park on the Dal Lake Shrinagar
8.Shalimar Garden Shrinagar
9. Nisat Garden Shrinagar
10.Pario Ka Mahal (The palace of the fairies)
11.Sunset on the Dal Lake Shrinagar
12..The temple of Khir Bhabani Shrinagar (a little distance from Shrinagar the spring in which the temple is situated changes color)
Sorry no idea about the National Park.

sanjaymehra

how long does it take to drive from New Delhi to Srinagar and what route should one take? Is the road ok for driving in a Santro?

Amitava343

Shrinagar is 300 Kilometers from Jammu,Sumos ply regularly from Jammu, the road is good and don't miss the rice and rajna (red kidney beans) on the way. It takes the whole day heavy security at the Nehru Tunnel.

coleridge

Thank you for all the info!
"Next summer" is, of course, next summer: july 2008.
I am getting to Srinagar from Delhi by plane.

Amitava343

One more thing since you are staying three days in Shrinagar try and visit Phalgam it will a little bit crowded because of the Amarnath pilgrimage but the view will be worthwile.

Sleepy

Distance of Gulmarg from Srinagar is around 55Km and that of pahalgam from Srinagar is around 90Km.

So you may do a day trip of Gulmarg or otherwise put up a night in Pahalgam. Pahalgam will be very busy during that time due to yatra.

Both these places are beautiful in their own way. Do some research and take you pick. Also I've heard Yousmarg is similar to Pahalgam, but relatively free from tourist. And it is near enough to pay a visit.

Off course it is very much possible to spend the whole 3 day in Srinagar itself. A pretty interesting place. Put up in a houseboat. Visit the old city. I did miss the old city in my trip but heard it is pretty interesting. Even a long shikara ride on Dal Lake is worth the time. Do vist the floating market and if really enthusiastic can go for the early morning vegetable market that takes place daily on the Dal.

And there are plenty of gardens/shrines to keep you busy for 2-3 days.