Kashmir holiday package: Srinagar is a picturesque paradise

One Srinagar tour can change the way you lead your life. Far from the hustle & bustle of a congested, metropolitan city, Srinagar is a delightful getaway into a picturesque landscape of snow-capped mountains surmounting refulgent lakes & streams (Dal Lake) and bathed in the beauty of flower gardens (Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh) often visited by melodious song-birds. Both foreigners and Indians seek Kashmir holiday packages to wade into this enamoring mountain-side paradise which has received eulogies from kings & emperors, poets & saints and travelers & tourists.

Kashmir is wrapped in an all-consuming beauty. But it is much more than gardens, lakes and hills. Kashmir houses a cosmopolitan culture which is replicated through the blend of religious sites. Alongside Hindu temples (like the famous Shankaracharya Temple), you will find mosques designed with awe-evoking art & architecture. Jamia Masjid is the largest mosque of Srinagar while Shahi Masjid and Rozahbal Mosque or the ‘tomb of Jesus’ are also must-visits. While visiting these temples & mosques, make sure to observe all the formalities & regulations and do not disrespect the customs or rituals.

Things to do in Kashmir: Amongst the various things to do during your Kashmir holiday, some of the major ones proffered by Kashmir holiday packages are:

• Going for Shikara ride on Dal Lake
• Exploring beauty of Mughal gardens
• Visiting mosques and temples
• Wading through beautiful flower parks of Sonmarg & Gulmarg
• Trekking, hiking and golfing
• Adventure sports and winter games like skiing

Where to stay: Kashmir is one of the biggest tourist destinations for its unmatched scenic beauty. Though nature will be your home in this part of the world, you will easily find good resorts, hygienic inns and affordable hotels. Also, you can browse through some attractive Kashmir holiday packages, inclusive of a Srinagar tour, sightseeing and a Srinagar travel guide, to enjoy a thoroughly enjoyable and hassle-free trip.

Major Kashmir & Srinagar attractions: Under your Kashmir holiday package, you will bump into several beautiful, historical & religious spots. Some of the popular ones include:

• Gulmarg
• Sonmarg
• Dal Lake (offers Shikara rides and water sports like angling, surfing, kayaking & canoeing)
• Shalimar Bagh (Royal garden built by Mughal ruler Jahangir)
• Nishant Bagh (built by Asaf Khan Jahangir’s brother-in-law in 1633)
• Nazim Bagh
• Chashmashai or Royal Spring
• Pari Mahal or Fairy Palace
• Shankaracharya Temple
• Jamia Masjid
• Rozahbal Mosque or the ‘tomb of Jesus’
• Hazratbal shrine
• Shahi Masjid

When to visit: Srinagar tour is best taken during May to September for the best climatic conditions. But you can also buy a Kashmir holiday package during winter to enjoy snow, biting cold and winter games in Gulmarg.

Local festivals: Navroz, Urs and Ramzan are the major local festivals of Kashmir. These are celebrated with great gusto and enthusiasm.

Emergency number (Srinagar): Police : 0194-2443010 and 0191-2454064, Hospital : +91-194-452531 SMHS Hospital : +91-194-2452013 Children Hospital : +91-194-451317, The Director Tourism : (0194) 452690/91