Visit Srinagar, the Venice of the East, for a mesmerizing vacation

There is a wide, blue and clear sky as far as you see from here. The clouds hover in small clusters overhead. The sun breaks in at the dawn and a sweeping bout of warm and golden rays wrap the whole region in a spectacular grandeur. Shikaras and houseboats float about on the surface of tranquil water and you breathe fresh air in a world as pristine as this. Welcome to Srinagar. Its charms and natural beauty are something to remember for life. It is one of the most gifted tourist places in India.

For such reasons, Srinagar is often called Venice of the East. It is a wonderful place and the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Nature has blessed Srinagar in such splendid way that throughout history, from scholars to travelers to tourists, everyone has admired its beauty for long. Tourism to this place has always been quite high and despite the distance, people from all over the world arrive here in large numbers just to witness the breathtaking picturesqueness of the whole region. You will find plenty of hotels in Srinagar to stay comfortably. It is the hotspot of visitors during the winter season when snowfall and winter sports offer an exciting time to the guests. In summers, it is one of the favorite hill stations for tourists in India.

In Srinagar, you would find lakes and rivers around, which add to the beauty of this place. Its handicrafts and arts is world famous. The city is culturally rich as well. There is a lot to be discovered in Srinagar. From its places to it food to its culture and traditions to its people. You would always find yourself short of time when it comes to exploring Srinagar entirely. So how to begin your itinerary in Srinagar? Dal Lake is the place to start with. You can hire a houseboat here and spend your night in peaceful sleep only to be awaken by the first light of the morning. As you rub your eyes out of the pandiculation, a sense of wonder makes your day - the mesmerizing view of the scenery across the lake at this quiet hour is a gift for the sight. As the day kicks in further, people selling vegetables and fruits and colorful flowers on the boats, rowing across the lake would catch your eyes. A whole floating market right on the Dal Lake in Srinagar is a unique experience for any visitor. From here you can head to other popular tourist attractions of the place - Jama Masjid, Tulip Garden, Shalimar and Nishat Bagh of the historic times, a temple on the Hari Parbat, etc. For trying out the local cuisines, you can check-in at the Shamyana and Alka Salka restaurant, sip in the rich aroma of Coffea Arabica, or try the local Qahwa, the popular drink of the valleys.

Explore Srinagar this vacation, for a convenient stay there are plenty of hotels in Srinagar near airport, from where you can easy commute.

Pratima is a travel writer and loves to visit different places India. She is an avid traveler herself, and whenever she has the opportunity she flews to the destinations that she has listed in her travel log.