It’s been a while since I last wrote, so today, I wanted to share my thoughts on Srinagar. How would you describe this beautiful city? Some call it the "Queen of the Himalayas," while others refer to it as "heaven." It really depends on various factors like the season and the places you visit. All I can say is that Srinagar is definitely worth exploring.
How to Reach Srinagar
There are several ways to reach Srinagar. You can take a train to Udhampur and then travel to Anantnag by train. Finally, catch a shared taxi or bus from Anantnag to Srinagar for a scenic and budget-friendly journey. Keep in mind that shared taxis may cost a bit more, though.
Alternatively, you can book a flight directly to Srinagar, which is more convenient and can save you a lot of time.
Discovering the Beauty of Srinagar
Start your day in Srinagar with a visit to Shankaracharya Temple, open from 10 AM to 4 PM. It offers stunning panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake. After your visit, enjoy a peaceful shikara ride on Dal Lake, starting from gate number 5 if you’d like to explore the market while enjoying the views and floating gardens. If you prefer a calmer experience, consider starting your ride from any gate number after 16.
Next, visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens, beginning with Nishat Bagh, known for its terraced lawns and breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Follow this with Shalimar Bagh, famous for its exquisite layout and rich floral designs. You’ll find plenty of shared cabs from Dal Gate to these gardens. Personally, I found Shalimar Bagh just okay—perhaps it was due to the season I was traveling in.
In the evening, don’t miss the chance to explore the local market.
Reaching the Enchanting Sonmarg
Getting to Sonmarg is easy. Catch a shared cab from the Batmaloo bus and taxi stand to Kangan, then transfer to another shared cab that will take you directly to Sonmarg. This option allows you to reach Sonmarg comfortably and within budget. Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle for your entire trip, which offers more flexibility and convenience for exploring the stunning landscapes at your own pace. You can also hike to Thajiwas Glacier while you’re there.
A Scenic Journey to Gulmarg
Reaching Gulmarg is also straightforward. You can take a bus or a shared taxi from the Batmaloo bus stand to Tangmarg, then catch a shared cab from Tangmarg to Gulmarg. This is a convenient way to enjoy the scenic journey without spending too much. However, I recommend visiting during the winter or the flower blooming season, as the experience is much more vibrant and beautiful. I found it quite normal during the low season.
Exploring the Wonders of Pahalgam
Getting to Pahalgam is simple as well. This route will follow the same path discussed earlier via Anantnag, so you might want to plan this trip toward the end of your journey since Jammu station is nearby. From Batmaloo station or Pantha Chowk, you can catch a shared taxi to Bijbehra or Anantnag and then take another shared taxi to Pahalgam.
Once in Pahalgam, explore Aru and Betaab Valley for stunning views. However, renting a bike would be a better option since those valleys are a bit farther away, and taxi charges can be quite high.
Gurez: A Hidden Heaven
Nestled in the pristine valleys of Kashmir, Gurez is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, lush green meadows, and majestic mountains, this off-the-beaten-path destination offers a tranquil escape from city life. The area features charming wooden houses and a rich local culture that invites travelers to immerse themselves in its beauty.
To reach Gurez, start from Batmaloo station, where you can catch a shared taxi to Bandipora. From Bandipora, take another shared taxi to Dawad village in Gurez for a comfortable and budget-friendly journey. Adventure seekers can indulge in trekking, fishing, and exploring the nearby valleys, while nature lovers will be captivated by the stunning views and diverse flora and fauna.
Locals mention a spring near Habba Khatoon, but I found it to be just a normal water flow—not worth the visit. Nonetheless, the hospitality of the locals adds to the charm, making visitors feel at home. Whether you seek adventure or solitude, Gurez promises an unforgettable experience in nature's paradise. Discover Gurez, and you’ll understand why it’s considered a slice of heaven on Earth.
#Srnagar #Kashmir #TravelKashmir #ExploreKashmir #Sonmarg #Gulmarg #Pahalgam #Gurez #ShikaraRide #MughalGardens #AdventureTravel #NatureLovers #TravelDiaries #HiddenHeaven #Tripoto
---
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
