WEAVER'S WORLD / SRINAGAR / PLACES TO VISIT -1

It is one of the most attractive spots in Srinagar to visit. Aadi Shankara had visited this place 1000 years back. From the hillock one can see the entire city and the beautiful Dal Lake. One must climb 250 stairs to reach it. Those with heart ailments and weak constitutions must not attempt the climb. At the top of the hillock is a Shiva temple, Shankaracharya Mandir, built from hefty blocks of ancient grey stone. Access to this is by a 5.5 km road from Nehru Park, at the end of which is a stairway from a police checkpoint where all phones, cameras etc. have to be left behind.

Kashmir's Dal lake is vast. The tiny boats called Shikaras to larger House boats are premiere attractions here. There is even a Floating market which you can explore. You can buy authentic saffron (kesar) and Pashmina shawls here, but one need be advised to be careful as there are many people who sell counterfeit products here. The lake is Scenic at any time of the year - more during spring when flowers bloom and in winter it is completely frozen.

Those who want a peaceful holiday without any disturbance of the shikara vendors can opt for houseboats on Nagin lake. A clean, peaceful place, to visit and stay for some time. Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden

A beautiful place to visit when the tulips are in full bloom, the sad part being that it lasts only for three to four weeks.

Srinagar is the city of gardens and Nishat Garden is one of the finest gardens in the city. It has twelve Terrace gardens. It was a water park of historical times and a good time to visit would be September, just after the monsoon and with a lot of lush greenery all around. The Mughals used the natural water stream as the main feature of the well maintained garden which would be about from that time. There one can find 400 year old Chinar trees in the garden. One can feel the coolness of the fresh stream water and relax for quite some time. Good place for a picnic and great snapshots.