SRINAGR

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Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya temple is the unique landmark of Srinagar. This temple is located on a sharp hill called Takht-e-Suleiman, about 1000 feet high, a 5 km climb from Nehru Park on a metalled road, overlooking the city. There are stone steps which will take you right on top where a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands. This temple was built in the memory of the Shankaracharya who came to Kashmir from Kerala some 1200 years ago to revive Hinduism. From the top of the Shankaracharya Hill, you can have a panoramic view of the valley, city, lakes and their houseboats, waterways, gardens, the confluence of the Jhelum and Dal Lake and the seven original bridges spanning the serpentine flow of Jhelum river.

Shah Hamdan Mosque
The pagoda-like Shah Hamdan mosque is located on the Naseem Lake. This mosque is believed to have a relic of the sacred hair of the Prophet Mohammad. This mosque is made entirely of wood and named after the saint who is credited with the peaceful conversion of millions of Hindus into Islam. The non-Muslims are not allowed into the mosque but they can only see the intricately painted papier-mache ceiling and doors.

Hari Parbat Fort
The Hari Parbat Fort crowns the top of Hari Parbat hill. The Hari Parbat Fort is located beyond Nagin Lake. There is little left of its former glory, but the ramparts are still impressive and the old apartments within the fort, even though in a state of ruin, still convey at least a little of the grandeur of the Mughal's summer retreat. The fort was later developed in 18th century by an Afghan governor, Ata Mohammad Khan. The low wall enclosing the upper part of the hill was built by Akbar in 1592-98 AD. This hill is believed to have appeared at the spot where goddess Parvati killed a demon. The hill is surrounded by almond orchards, which make a lovely sight during April when the trees blossom, heralding the advent of spring in Kashmir. The hill is considered sacred to the Hindus due to the presence of temple of Sharika, which is believed to be a form of goddess Durga or Shakti.

Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in Kashmir. This mosque was built in 1402 out of wood and bricks. Jama Masjid is the prominent example of the Kashmiri mosque, and combination of Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist styles of architecture distinguished by its tall spires. Inside, the Masjid are the frayed carpets and stone alcoves and the 40-foot high wooden columns, out of which about 300 of them support the roof. The foundation of this mosque was laid by Sikandar in 1398 AD. The mosque was burnt down three times and rebuilt by Aurangzeb in 1674, who, when he heard that fire had gutted the mosque, first asked whether the chinars were safe. Even now, there are chinars in the courtyard. In the upper hall, there are the intricately wrought Khatamband roof, the glint of chandeliers, the mirror-work on the pillars and the papier-mache on the walls. In the summer and autumn, the hall is used for weddings and dinners for about 350 people. On Friday, thousands of people visit the Jama Masjid for prayers.

Harwan
On the hillside, south of the village of Harwan, remarkable remains of ancient ornamented tile pavements of the Buddhist period have come to light. The tiles depict the dresses of the people, such as loose trousers, Turkoman caps or close fitting turbans and large ear-rings which reveal Central Asian influence.

Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park covers an area of 141 square kms. and located about 22 kms from Srinagar. The park is divided into two sectors - Upper and Lower Dachigam. There is a road from Srinagar to Lower Dachigam while Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot. The park was declared as a national park in 1951, and is the habitat of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag, the only species of red deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to view the hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Some other animals of the park are the Himalayan black bear, leopard, snow leopard, rare musk deer, Himalayan marmot, species of wild goat like markhor and ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds including the crimson tragopan, the iridescent monal pheasant, the blood pheasant and the koklass pheasant.

Nagin and Dal Lake
Dal and Nagin Lakes are fed by natural springs. The waters in the Dal and Nagin lake are transparent. But, due to overuse of the Dal lake over the years for growing of vegetables, tourism and other purposes, its size has been reduced to almost half. Nowadays, the government is trying to clean the lake. The various houseboats are located along the banks of the Nagin and Dal Lake. Nagin Lake is clean and provides quiet solitude to tourists. The vegetable market is also located on the Dal and Nagin lake, only a short shikara ride away. Early in the morning, the farmers emerge from a maze of floating gardens and canals bringing boat-loads of their produce. They gather in an open waterway to buy, sell or barter their produce. In the morning, the first rays of the dawn tinge the wild gardens of lotus flowers with a delicate pink. The kingfishers can be seen darting about, flashing their wings. As the day breaks, the lakes are alive with other activities. It is a unique world of its own which can not be seen anywhere else.

The Awantipur ruins
Founded by Avantivarman who reigned Kashmir in the 9th century, this ancient township is 29 kms from Srinagar. The site has two imposing temples, the larger one of Siva - Avantisvara is marked by huge walls, some half a mile beneath the town on the outskirts of village Jaubror. The subsidiary shrines are to the rear corner of the courtyard. The complex has, over the years, lost its grandeur and been reduced to ruins, though it is still visited by the devout. Half a mile up is Avantisvami - Vishnu, a better preserved, though smaller temple.

Mughals Gardens
Most pleasurable day picnic spots for the tourist, the famed Mughal Gardens are located between Dal Lake and Zaborwan mountain range on Boulevard. These gardens are memorials of love for mankind and the natural beauty.

Shalimar Garden : 15 km from City, Built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan in 1616. The garden has some attractive Mughal structure carved from black marble in Diwan – e – Khas used for the guests of the Emperor as Banquet halls.

Shalimar Garden
Situated on the foothills of Zabarwan range, the garden has a spring known for its medicinal properties . Cheshmashahi was laid out in 1632 by Mardan Khan. It is considered as most serence since the garden is 4 km away form Boulevard's hustle and bustle.

On the way of Cheshmashahi, on can visit a marvelous garden spread over several acres of land. The Botanical Garden was established by the State government for floricultural purpose and is now open to the public.

Pari Mahal
3 km ahed of Cheshmashahi is a school of astrology built by Prince Dara Shukho, eldest son of Shah Jahan who had keen interest in observation of stars & Sufism. Situated amidst the Zabarawan hills at a height, the breathtaking scene of the lake and city makes every visitor stay for a little longer.

Nishat Bagh
11 km from Srinagar City, The Garden Designed by Abul Hassan Asif Khan eldest brother of Nur Jehan, who was governor of Kashmir during the reign of Jehangir, this garden has 7 terraces and a stone channel for running water in the centre

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