Dal Lake: The picturesque land of Kashmir, our India

Srinagar has always been a dream destination for many esp., after the films that project its meadows and valley. We were much too surprised at its beauty. No exaggeration. The Dal lake with all its serenity and haze was picture perfect.

Shahenshah Palace, Boulevard, Srinagar. The loveliest thing about the room was that it overlooked the Dal Lake. Good.



Rains are another thing altogether in Srinagar. It makes the already beautiful place a little hazy but more lovely. A wonderful place for anyone. The Gardens are many and in season, the fragrance of the flowers would floor the visitors and create an yearning in your heart to own them. But no, it is meant to stand there majestically paying tribute to their architects.

The Shalimar Gardens with its terraced style, , Pari Mahal, Nishat Bagh with the Zabarwan hills behind it, are all different in its own way. There is always something special with the Mughal Gardens. Somewhere around the view, it catches up with the past, the great kings of history. It sends a great sense of glory down your heart. It enlightens and strengthens us in some way. They were not mere rulers veiling a sword and a shield but people with great interest in art and architecture. All these gardens overlook the Dal Lake.

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Hotel Broadway, Maulana Azad Road: Their pool side bar – Unn dres is worth a visit. It takes your mind around the streets of Texas.

Shopping for some artifacts made of walnut wood which is famous in these parts of India. Even though they are a little expensive, it's good to keep one for memory.

The Thajiwas Glacier at Sonamarg, about 80 kms north-east of Srinagar. It is situated at 3000 mts in ht above sea level. One has to travel on horseback for a good distance. Then from there it's a steep climb with rocks and boulders on your way. But one thing as we climb towards the glacier, one gets to see the vast expanse of green grass and the tall pine, fir and birch trees atop the hilly sides. The serenity and vast expanse of open sky is gripping with absolutely no sense of fear. It is a good exercise.
The point from where one climbs up to the glacier has a tea point to sit and gulp in the beauty of the terrain and the mountains around. A cup of tea will wash away the tiredness and get you ready for the next trip.

Sometimes it rains and the wind too swishing down the mountains. Remember its real chill. Only blessing in disguise was that there was a hotel there. Food is served with lightening speed. Sumptuous food.
Phalgam in the west of Srinagar, Gulmarg the hill resort, and many more places to visit in Kashmir. Take time to see and enjoy. Choose the season wisely.

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The Dal Lake is one place, I am sure a lot is heard of but there is an unique feature about the houseboats docked there. A close look near the houseboats, show some amount of earth. While we were on the shikari, we noticed this feature near many houseboats with some sort of weeds growing up. This patch of earth had a special purpose – vegetables needed for cooking were grown on that patch by the respective boat owners. Isn't that wonderful? The shikari takes us through winding roads of shops which sell all Kashmiri specialties.



Hazrat Bal Mosque was one of the special places. Religion Should not deter us. It is a cause of concern why people fight and kill in the name of religion. With all respect, one should take the best leg forward with reverence into any shrine anywhere in the world. According to a legend, it is believed that a strand of hair that of Prophet Mohammed, is preserved and enshrined here. It is brought out only on special occasions. I prayed here for the people of Kashmir. The mosque is situated near the banks of the Dal Lake.

Take back a moment to cherish your visit: Some things we can buy here is walnut, badam and saffron.

Look around, talk to the locals politely, have a cup of tea, eat the rogan josh, yakini (lamb), Sheermal and many more mouth watering dishes. Take a picture of yourself and family in the Kashmiri costume. Just let the word travel at the Dal Lake. It will be hired on trip for you.