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. 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.
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.
:: NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS ::
Charar-e-Sharief
Situated on the road to Yusmarg, this is the site
of the shrine or Ziarat of Sheik Noor-ud-Din,
the patron saint of Kashmir. The valley also has
the Ziarats of a number of his followers.
Yusmarg
Standing in the Pir Panjal hills, out beyond
the airport, at an altitude of 2,700 metres,
the meadow of Yusmarg is reputed to have the
best spring flowers in Kashmir. The beautiful
valley is at the foot of the Sangisafaid valley
on the northern slopes of the Pir Panjal range.
Dachigam National
Park
This wildlife reserve was, at one time, the
royal game reserve but animals within its boundaries
are now completely protected. There are said
to be Panther, Bear and Deer, besides other
smaller animals, in the reserve. There is a
good chance of seeing the endangered Hangul,
Langur Monkeys and perhaps other species.
Gandarbal
Just beyond the Wular and Manasbal lakes turn
off from the Leh road, this pleasant little
town marks the point where the icy Sindh River
leaves the mountains and enters the plains.
Gandarbal is the official headquarters of the
Sindh valley and was originally called "Doderhom".
Wular
Lake
Wullar Lake is the largest fresh-water lake
in India is 60-km from Srinagar. Spreading over
a 125-km area, the lake, by drawing off excess
water from the Jhelum, acts as a natural flood
reservoir. Interesting ruins in the centre of
the lake are the remains of an island created
by King Zain-ul-Abidin.
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ADVENTURE SPORTS
Canoeing
& Water Skiing
Kashmir has many lakes - Dal, Nagin, Mansbal
and Wular. These are excellent spots for
canoeing - whether it is a Shikara or
a racing skull. No OIIC has tried canoe-ing
in these lakes so far. These lakes are
inter-connected as also the river Jhelum
which flows through the entire length
of the valley and connects with all the
lakes. An interesting sport is what is
locally called 'Water Trekking'. One can
have a three to four day trip along the
river to various lakes in a Shikara with
all the camping gear. There are lovely
spots to camp for the night. The lakes
are also famous for water skiing.
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