Best time to visit: April - June
Srinagar, rightly termed a paradise on earth, remains so the year round. Every season dresses Srinagar in its own unique colours. If spring melts away the snows to drench the valley in vibrant colours, summer and autumn bring with them more sober shades. In winter the valley transforms into a picture perfect white beauty. Hari Parbat, Srinagar's 'Takht-i- Sulaiman,' hill forms the backdrop to the city. The placid Jhelum flows through the heart of this paradise. A shikara cruise on the Dal Lake is a must for exploring Srinagar in its varied hues. A shikara ride uncovers the true essence of this town as you glide past willow-shaded channels and canals, through water lilies and lotus, under bridges, across rice fields, on to the splendid Mughal gardens. As it serves a major artery for the locals, the river has landing stations at various places that lead up to narrow lanes connecting with the streets beyond.
Srinagar is also ideal for aquatic sports enthusiasts with its offer of kayaking, canoeing, water surfing and angling.
HOW TO GET THERE:
- By Air: Both Indian Airlines and Jet fly daily from Delhi via Jammu, while Indian Airlines also operates three direct flights every week from Delhi and weekly flights from Leh. Additional flights are pressed into service during the peak tourist season. Airport: 15 km further ahead of Barzalla, on the road branching out of the city, lies the Srinagar Airport. Snowbound in winter, the airport usually remains open from April to October. Taxi transfers are the most convenient way to reach the city.
- By Road: Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) services connect Srinagar with
Gulmarg: 48 km
Sonamarg: 88 km
Pahalgam: 96 km
Kargil: 204 km
Jammu: 290 km
Leh: 434 km
Chandigarh: 630 km
Delhi: 876 km
Enquiries about the current driving conditions can be made at the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism office at Kanishka Shopping Plaza, 19 Ashok Road, New Delhi. The main hub for road transport in Srinagar is the bus stand at Lal Chowk where all local and inter-state buses report. - By Rail: Since Srinagar is out of bounds for Indian Railways, Jammu (300 km) is the nearest railhead served by good express trains from all over the country.
