Night Srinagar
Srinagar
The picturesque Srinagar, the Summer Capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a city of lakes and gardens. It possesses the quiet calm of someone who has seen too much of life. Since its history began - some date it back to the 3rd century BC-it has witnessed opulence and horror.

Shaken to destruction by an earthquake and washed away by floods in recent times, the city picked up the pieces. Its mystique was not missed by the powerful and the wise. Many rulers left a trace of their rule in Srinagar: Asoka, Vikramaditya, the Moghuls and the Dogra. The echo of the Sufi saints's wisdom still reverberates in Srinagar if you are willing to listen.

Urs at Sufi shrines revisit the saints' teachings on their death anniversary. Rozabal Shrine brings people to its door out of curiosity. It is said to be the tomb of Jesus Christ, a controversial claim. A Shiva temple on the Shankaracharya Hill is where Adi Shankaracharya meditated.

It is easy to forget the harsh reality in the enchanting gardens. The Mughal Gardens are like paradise recreated: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashma Shahi Gardens. They are all designed to give you a magnificent view of Dal Lake.17-0330-04