A review of Sringar. Hmmm.... The following review might sound like a tourist brochure (maybe it’s because I’m Kashmiri myself), but here goes.
First things first, even though the media might make it look otherwise, the situation in Kashmir (Srinagar at least) is somewhat normal. Though there is an occasional bomb blast or shoot out, the terrorists do not actually target the civilians. In fact, they recently issued a press release stating that all tourist spots/ shopping districts are not to be attacked! So you’re pretty much safe if you stick to these places.
Now, on with my review.
The best time to visit Kashmir is between April and September. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures rarely rising above 30 c. (this year was an exception though.) The two biggest attractions in Srinagar are the Mughal Gardens viz. Shalimar, Harvan and Nishat (all within a few km of each other) and the famous ’’Dal Lake’’.
The best way to enjoy the Dal is by taking a boat ride in a Shikara. They usually charge you depending on your destination. If you bargain with them you can get a great deal. You might also want to try spending the night in a houseboat, but they can get mighty expensive. (The best can charge rents equal to that of 5 star hotels!)
The shores of Dal Lake (known as the Boulevard) are lined with a variety of shops and hotels and restaurants.
The other highlights include the Mughal gardens. These are beautifully maintained (although the fountains don’t work) and the trees offer plenty of shade for relaxation.
On the hilltop overlooking the Dal lake, you find the famous ’’Shankarcharya temple and TV tower (the one Hritik blows up in Mission Kashmir) side by side. Try to visit it if you can. The summit offers a highly rewarding view of the entire city. You can reach the top in two ways:
1) Call a cab and take the road to the top.
Or
2) Use the hiking trail. This method is the more satisfying one.
The government is also constructing a chairlift to the top, but God knows when that will be completed.
For shopping, you can go to the main shopping area and business district of ’’ Lal Chowk’’. You find a variety of items there including books, clothes, souvenirs, etc at very competitive prices.
Besides Srinagar, you can also go to the nearby tourist spots such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, etc. Most are within 2-3 hours drive from Srinagar.
Some of the places you should avoid are:
1) The entire Downtown Area (Except Lal Chowk)
2) Keep away from ALL buildings occupied by the army! You won’t believe how frequently they are attacked.
3) Army Bases. These are the favourite targets of the terrorists and get attacked every 2 weeks or so.
4) Army vehicles and Convoys. Another old favourite. Perfect for creating some news.
5) Although the POLICE STATIONS don’t get attacked very often, its better you keep away from them.
Also, remember to keep some form of identification on you at all times, as checking by the security forces is very frequent.
Follow these rules and I will guarantee that you will come out of Kashmir in one piece.
Try to get you trip planned through a travel agency. Believe me, it will save you a lot of tensions and worries an make your trip much more enjoyable.
Well, I hope my review has been useful to you would-be travellers and I do hope that you will visit Kashmir soon.